The magic of these Garlic-Butter Steak Bites lies in the simplicity of their preparation and the intensity of their flavors. As the tender cubes of sirloin steak sear in the hot skillet, a beautiful caramelization forms, locking in the juices and creating a savory crust. But it’s the garlic-butter sauce that truly elevates this dish: rich, fragrant, and infused with fresh herbs, it envelops each steak bite in a luscious coating of flavor. The result is a dish that’s wonderfully decadent yet incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The harmony of buttery goodness, aromatic garlic, and robust herbs makes every bite a mouthwatering delight.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds of sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Steak:
- Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial to ensure a nice sear on the steak bites.
- Season the steak cubes generously with salt and pepper. You can also add a bit of red pepper flakes at this stage if you prefer some heat.
- Sear the Steak:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer.
- Add the steak cubes in a single layer. It’s essential not to overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent the meat from searing properly. You may need to do this in batches.
- Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a golden-brown crust forms. For a medium-rare finish, cook for about 4-5 minutes in total. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred doneness.
- Once seared, remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Cover with aluminum foil to keep them warm.
- Prepare the Garlic-Butter Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Allow the butter to melt and become slightly foamy.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring frequently for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Stir in the thyme and rosemary, letting the herbs infuse the butter with their flavors for about 30 seconds.
- Combine Steak and Sauce:
- Return the seared steak bites to the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Toss the steak bites in the garlic-herb butter, ensuring each piece is well coated. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the garlic-butter steak bites to a serving platter.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor, if desired.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the steak bites with a side of crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over a bed of steamed vegetables.