Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan

Save this recipe on:

There’s something deeply satisfying about a bite-sized steak that melts in your mouth, especially when it’s smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan. I love making these Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan when I want all the indulgence of a steakhouse dinner but without the fuss. They’re fast, flavorful, and feel a little fancy—even though they’re incredibly simple to make.

What draws me to this dish again and again is how well it balances bold flavors in such small, juicy bites. The steak is seared to perfection, the garlic butter seeps into every crevice, and the Parmesan adds a salty, umami kick that ties it all together. Whether I’m serving these as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or alongside mashed potatoes for a cozy dinner, they never last long on the table.

---

Why You’ll Love This Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Cooks in under 20 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• Crowd Favorite – Great for parties or game-day spreads.
• Steakhouse Flavor at Home – Rich garlic butter and Parmesan give serious gourmet vibes.
• Customizable – Works with different cuts of beef and is keto-friendly.
• Minimal Cleanup – One skillet is all you need.

---

What Cut of Steak Should I Use for Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan?

When it comes to making tender, flavorful steak bites, the cut of beef makes a big difference. I usually reach for sirloin because it’s lean, affordable, and cooks up juicy without needing much fuss. However, if you want to take it up a notch, ribeye or tenderloin will give you that melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to their marbling.

New York strip is another great option if you want a balance of tenderness and bold, beefy flavor. Avoid tougher cuts like round steak or chuck unless you’re planning to marinate them first—this recipe is meant to be quick and doesn’t require long cooking or tenderizing.

---

Options for Substitutions

Sometimes you’ve got to work with what’s in your fridge or pantry, and luckily, this recipe is pretty flexible:

• Steak: Swap sirloin with ribeye, tenderloin, New York strip, or even flank steak (just slice it thinly against the grain).
• Butter: You can use ghee or olive oil if you want to make it dairy-free, though it won’t have the same richness.
• Garlic: Fresh is best, but garlic powder will work in a pinch—just reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Parmesan: Try Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Grana Padano for a similar salty, nutty finish.
• Parsley: If you’re out of fresh herbs, a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning adds a nice touch of flavor.

---

Ingredients for Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan

Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen to bring out the richness of the beef and the savory, buttery flavors that make these steak bites irresistible.

• Sirloin Steak (or your preferred cut) – The star of the dish. Choose a cut that stays tender with a quick sear.
• Unsalted Butter – Forms the base of the garlic butter sauce and adds luxurious flavor.
• Garlic (minced) – Infuses the butter with deep, savory notes that coat the steak beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese (grated) – Adds a salty, nutty finish that balances the richness of the butter.
• Olive Oil – Helps achieve a golden sear on the steak without burning the butter.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Enhances the natural flavor of the beef.
• Fresh Parsley (chopped) – A fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the entire dish.

---

Step 1: Prep the Steak

Start by patting your steak dry with paper towels—this helps it sear properly. Cut it into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches each. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.

---

Step 2: Heat the Pan

In a large skillet (cast iron is best), heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. You want the pan hot enough that the steak sizzles as soon as it hits the surface.

---

Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites

Add the steak in a single layer without crowding the pan. Let them sear for about 1–2 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Work in batches if needed. Remove steak bites and set aside.

---

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let the garlic brown.

---

Step 5: Return Steak and Add Parmesan

Add the steak bites back into the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top and stir gently until it melts slightly and coats the steak.

---

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, and serve immediately. Spoon extra garlic butter sauce from the pan over each portion for extra indulgence.

---

How Long to Cook Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan

Cooking steak bites is all about high heat and speed. For medium doneness:

• Sear Time: 1 to 2 minutes per side
• Total Cook Time: Around 4 to 6 minutes, depending on the thickness of your steak cubes

If you prefer them more well-done, add an extra minute, but don’t overcook—these bites are best when still juicy inside.

The garlic butter sauce only takes about 1 to 2 minutes after that, so the entire dish is ready in under 10 minutes of stove time.

---

Tips for Perfect Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan

• Preheat the Pan Well: A properly heated skillet gives you that beautiful crust without overcooking the inside.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed—crowding will steam the steak instead of searing it.
• Use Room Temp Meat: Let the steak sit out for 15–20 minutes before cooking so it cooks more evenly.
• Add Garlic After Steak: Garlic burns quickly, so add it only after removing the steak to keep it fragrant, not bitter.
• Grate Fresh Parmesan: It melts better and adds a richer taste compared to pre-shredded cheese.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple dish like steak bites can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are a few things to avoid:

• Starting with Wet Steak: Moisture prevents proper searing. Always pat the steak dry before cooking.
• Overcrowding the Skillet: It drops the pan temperature and causes the meat to steam. Cook in batches instead.
• Using Cold Steak: Cold steak tightens up and cooks unevenly. Let it sit at room temp for 15–20 minutes before cooking.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast—add it after the steak is done and lower the heat to prevent bitterness.
• Overcooking the Steak: Steak bites are small and cook quickly. Keep an eye on them to avoid drying them out.

---

What to Serve With Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Perfect for soaking up all that garlic butter. A classic steakhouse combo.

Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts

The crisp edges and mild bitterness pair beautifully with the rich steak and cheese.

Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast

Use it to mop up every last bit of that buttery sauce.

Simple Arugula or Caesar Salad

Adds a fresh, peppery bite to balance the richness.

Buttered Noodles or Pasta

Quick and filling. Toss them in leftover garlic butter for an extra treat.

Garlic Herb Rice

Light and fluffy with just enough flavor to complement the steak.

A Glass of Red Wine

A bold Cabernet or Merlot elevates the whole experience.

Fried or Poached Eggs

Top the steak bites with a runny egg for an indulgent brunch twist.

---

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can easily store and reheat these steak bites without losing too much flavor.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a touch of butter or olive oil to bring back the juiciness. Avoid microwaving—it can toughen the meat.

Keep the garlic butter and Parmesan sauce with the steak when storing. It helps keep everything moist and flavorful when reheating.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general estimate per serving (based on using sirloin and standard ingredients):

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)
• Calories: ~360
• Protein: ~28g
• Fat: ~25g
• Saturated Fat: ~10g
• Carbohydrates: ~2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: ~320mg
• Cholesterol: ~90mg

Note: Values may vary depending on the exact cut of steak and the amount of cheese and butter used.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best cut of steak for steak bites?

Sirloin is my go-to for its balance of flavor and tenderness, but ribeye, tenderloin, or New York strip also work beautifully. Just avoid tough cuts unless you marinate them first.

---

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the steak and garlic butter ahead, but I recommend cooking the steak bites fresh. They’re best served right off the skillet while hot and juicy.

---

How do I keep the steak bites from turning out tough?

The key is high heat and short cook time. Also, let the meat rest at room temp before cooking and don’t overcook past medium.

---

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use olive oil or ghee instead of butter and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

---

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s low in carbs and high in protein and fat—perfect for a keto or low-carb meal plan.

---

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Just make sure to sear the steak in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan and lose that beautiful crust.

---

What’s the best pan to use?

A cast iron skillet is ideal for achieving a perfect sear, but any heavy-bottomed pan that holds heat well will work.

---

How can I add some heat?

Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne with the garlic butter for a little spicy kick.

---

Conclusion

Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan are one of those magical dishes that feel indulgent yet come together in no time. Whether you’re throwing together a quick weeknight dinner or serving up a sizzling appetizer for guests, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With its crispy edges, tender center, and rich garlicky sauce, each bite hits all the right notes—and then some.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: