Tender steak morsels pan-seared in garlic-infused butter and fresh herbs, this easy one-skillet meal is flavor-packed and perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ready in just 20 minutes — ideal for quick dinners.
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One-skillet cooking means minimal cleanup.
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Flexible recipe — works with butter or ghee, and you can easily mix in veggies or swap in chicken for a variation.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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½ tablespoon avocado oil
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2 pounds steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 teaspoons salt
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½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 tablespoons butter or ghee
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup chopped parsley
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Green onion, for garnish
Directions
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Prepare the steak: Cut steak into 1-inch bite-size pieces and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Sear: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add avocado oil, then sear steak bites in a single layer for 3–4 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally (cook in batches if needed).
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Make garlic butter: Remove steak and any excess moisture. Add butter or ghee to the skillet, then sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Combine: Return steak to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes, tossing to coat with the garlic butter.
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Finish & serve: Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley, garnish with green onion, and serve immediately.
Servings And Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Toss in quick-cooking veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or onion — sauté them before adding butter, then return veggies and steak together.
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Substitute chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) cut into pieces instead of beef for a different protein.
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Use ghee instead of butter if you prefer a dairy-free or deeper buttery flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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For best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter to keep the steak juicy; microwaving may make the steak tougher.
FAQs
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What cut of steak works best for this recipe?
Tender cuts like top sirloin, New York strip, tenderloin, or ribeye are ideal. -
Can I use jarred garlic instead of fresh?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor. -
How do I ensure a good sear?
Use a very hot skillet, avoid overcrowding, and let the steak sit undisturbed before flipping. -
Can I make it spicy?
Yes — increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne. -
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Warm them in a skillet with a bit of butter over low heat. -
Can I add herbs like rosemary?
Absolutely — adding chopped rosemary with the garlic gives an herby depth. -
What side dishes pair well with this?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad work well. -
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — use ghee or a dairy-free butter alternative. -
What if my steak pieces are uneven?
Cut steak into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. -
Can I prep ahead of time?
Yes — cut the steak and mince garlic ahead, then cook when ready.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort — a one-skillet wonder that’s juicy, garlicky, and buttery. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, endless side dish options, and flexibility for substitutions, it’s a go-to for busy nights or when you want something both comforting and impressive.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Tender steak bites seared to perfection in garlic-infused butter with fresh parsley and green onion, this quick and flavorful one-skillet recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
½ tablespoon avocado oil
2 pounds steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons butter or ghee
6 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chopped parsley
Green onion, for garnish
Instructions
- Cut steak into 1-inch bite-size pieces and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add avocado oil, then sear steak bites in a single layer for 3–4 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally. Cook in batches if needed.
- Remove steak and any excess moisture from the skillet. Add butter or ghee, then sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return steak to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes, tossing to coat in garlic butter.
- Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley, garnish with green onion, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use tender cuts like top sirloin, New York strip, ribeye, or tenderloin for best results.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure a good sear.
- For a dairy-free option, use ghee or plant-based butter.
- Add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or onions for a complete meal.
- Fresh garlic is preferred for maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 135mg