Garlic Butter Steak Bites are my go to when I want real steak flavor without committing to grilling a whole steak. You cut the beef into small cubes, sear them fast in a hot pan, then coat everything in a simple garlic butter sauce that turns glossy in seconds.
This is a great option for Steak Bites Keto nights because there is no breading and no sugar, just beef, butter, garlic, and seasoning. The key is speed and heat: a quick sear gives you that browned crust, and pulling the steak out before making the sauce keeps the inside tender.
Serve these Low Carb Steak Bites with cauliflower mash, sautéed greens, or a crisp salad, and dinner is done.
Table of Contents
Why These Garlic Butter Steak Bites Work
I started making Garlic Butter Steak Bites on nights when I had a single sirloin that felt too small to serve as “steaks,” but too nice to toss into a heavy sauce. Cubing it fixed everything. Smaller pieces mean more browned edges in less time, and that crust is where the flavor lives.
The method is simple but the timing matters. You sear the steak in oil first so the pan can stay hot, then you pull the meat out before adding butter and garlic. That keeps the garlic from burning and turning bitter, and it’s what makes the final taste closer to Keto Garlic Steak Bites you’d order at a restaurant.
If you’re building a list of Keto Sirloin Steak Recipes, this one is reliable because it uses basic ingredients and it’s easy to portion. It can also fit readers looking for Bariatric Steak Recipes since you can keep the cubes tender, moist, and not overcooked.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
This ingredient list stays simple, which is why it works for Low Carb Steak Bites and Steak Bites Keto meals without special products.
Steak
- 1.5 lb (680 g) sirloin steak, cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes
Best swaps: ribeye or New York strip (more tender, more fat).
Budget swap: sirloin tips for a keto steak tips recipe style bite.
Note for Bariatric Steak Recipes: ribeye and strip tend to feel more tender than very lean cuts.
For searing
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) avocado oil or olive oil
Avocado oil handles high heat a bit better.
Garlic butter sauce
- 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, divided
- 4 to 6 garlic cloves, minced very fine
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
To finish (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp lemon juice for a brighter, more “restaurant” finish
Allergen note: contains dairy (butter). For dairy free, use beef tallow instead of butter. For Carnivore Steak Bites, use butter or tallow and skip the herbs and parsley.
Equipment for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Essential
- Large cast iron skillet (best crust) or a heavy stainless steel skillet
- Tongs for quick flipping
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Paper towels (dry steak browns better)
Helpful but optional
- Instant read thermometer (fast way to avoid overcooking)
- Splatter screen (keeps cleanup easier)
Tip: If your skillet is small, plan to sear in two batches. Crowding is the fastest way to turn Garlic Butter Steak Bites into steamed steak.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites (Skillet)
For the best Garlic Butter Steak Bites, the goal is a hard sear and a quick finish in garlic butter. Hot pan, dry steak, and short cook time.
- Cut and dry the steak
Cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Pat very dry with paper towels. This is what helps you get browning instead of steaming. - Season
Sprinkle evenly with salt and black pepper. If you have time, let it sit 10 minutes at room temp while the pan heats. - Heat the skillet
Set a large skillet over medium high heat. When it feels very hot, add the oil and swirl to coat. - Sear in batches
Add steak cubes in a single layer with space between pieces. Sear 2 minutes without moving, then flip and sear 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.
Pro tip: If the pan stops sizzling loudly, it is crowded. Pull some pieces out and finish in a second batch. - Make the garlic butter sauce
Lower heat to medium low. Add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, stir in garlic, thyme, and rosemary for 20 to 30 seconds, just until fragrant. - Toss and finish
Return steak and any juices to the pan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and toss 30 to 60 seconds until glossy and coated. Taste and adjust salt. - Serve right away
Finish with parsley, red pepper flakes, or a small squeeze of lemon if you like. This is perfect for Steak Bites Keto and Low Carb Steak Bites plates.
Quick doneness note: steak bites cook fast. If you want medium rare centers, pull them as soon as the outside is browned and finish briefly in the sauce.
Pro Tips and Variations for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These tips make the difference between okay steak and truly juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with that browned crust.
Pro tips (quick but important)
- Dry the steak well. Moisture is the enemy of browning. Pat dry right before seasoning.
- Cut evenly. Aim for 1 inch cubes so everything finishes at the same time. Smaller than that tends to overcook fast.
- Get the pan hot first. Add oil only after the skillet is hot. If the oil smokes lightly, you are in the right zone.
- Sear in batches. Overcrowding drops the heat and you end up steaming, not searing.
- Add garlic after the steak comes out. Garlic burns fast at high heat. Keep it fragrant, not bitter.
- Finish fast in the sauce. Once the steak goes back in, you are coating, not cooking.
- Use a thermometer if you overcook steak often. Pull around 130 to 135 F (54 to 57 C) for medium rare, then toss in sauce briefly.
Easy variations
- Keto garlic steak bites: Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon lemon juice at the end. Still fully Steak Bites Keto and brightens the butter.
- Carnivore steak bites: Use butter or beef tallow, salt heavily, skip herbs and parsley. Keep it simple and rich.
- Keto steak tips recipe style: Use sirloin tips, cut slightly larger pieces, and keep cook time on the shorter side so they stay tender.
- Dairy free: Swap butter for beef tallow or avocado oil plus a splash of beef broth at the end for moisture.
- Spicy: Add Cajun seasoning to the steak before searing, then keep the sauce plain garlic butter.
- Bariatric friendly approach: Choose ribeye or strip for tenderness, cook to medium rare or medium, and keep extra sauce in the container so reheats stay moist.
Make ahead
You can cube the steak and mince the garlic up to 24 hours ahead. Cook right before serving for the best texture. This Low Carb Steak Bites Recipe is at its best fresh.
Storage and Meal Prep for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tip: Keep a little extra garlic butter sauce in the container. It helps the steak stay moist.
Freezer: You can freeze them for up to 2 months, but the texture is never quite as tender after thawing. If you do freeze, cool completely first and freeze with the sauce.
How to reheat without chewy steak
- Best method, skillet: Warm a small pat of butter in a pan on low to medium low heat. Add steak and a splash of beef broth or water. Heat just until warmed through, about 2 to 4 minutes.
- Fast method, microwave: Use 50 percent power in short bursts with a spoon of sauce on top. Stop as soon as it is warm.
Meal prep tip: If you are making this low carb steak bites recipe for lunches, slightly undercook the steak by about 30 seconds. Reheating finishes it without drying it out.
Keto Steak Bites Crockpot (Tender, Not Crispy)
If you need hands off cooking, Keto Steak Bites Crockpot style can work well. Just know this: a slow cooker makes tender steak bites, not a browned crust. The flavor is still great because the garlic butter turns into a rich coating.
Best cut for crockpot: sirloin tips or chuck that is cut into 1.5 inch pieces. Very lean steak can dry out if cooked too long.
How to do it
- Season the beef: Salt and pepper the cubes.
- Optional but worth it: Sear the steak quickly in a hot skillet for 1 minute per side. This adds a lot of flavor.
- Add to crockpot: Steak, 3 tablespoons butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and 2 to 3 tablespoons beef broth.
- Cook: Low for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, just until tender.
- Finish: Stir in the last tablespoon of butter right before serving.
Serving idea for Steak Bites Keto: spoon over cauliflower mash with the extra garlic butter sauce.
Nutrition (Estimate per serving)
This is for 1 of 4 servings, using 1.5 lb (680 g) sirloin and the full garlic butter sauce.
- Calories: 420 to 480
- Protein: 32 to 38 g
- Fat: 30 to 36 g
- Total Carbs: 1 to 2 g
- Net Carbs: 1 to 2 g
That makes these Garlic Butter Steak Bites a solid fit for Low Carb Steak Bites and most keto plans. If you are tracking closely, your exact numbers will change based on the cut (ribeye is higher fat than sirloin) and how much butter sauce you serve.
Bariatric friendly notes
If you are looking for Bariatric Steak Recipes, these can work well because they are portionable and moist.
- Choose ribeye, strip, or sirloin tips for better tenderness.
- Cook to medium rare or medium to avoid dry, tough bites.
- Keep extra sauce on the side to help each bite go down easier.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are rich, so I like pairing them with something simple that can catch the sauce.
Steak Bites Keto and low carb sides
- Cauliflower mash or cauliflower rice
- Sautéed spinach, kale, or Swiss chard
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Zucchini noodles with a little olive oil and salt
- Simple cucumber salad or mixed greens with vinaigrette
These options keep it clearly in Steak Bites Keto territory and work great for a Low Carb Steak Bites Recipe dinner.
Non keto sides (if you are cooking for a mixed crowd)
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice or buttered noodles
- Roasted baby potatoes
- Crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter
Quick plating tip: pour the pan sauce over the steak after it is on the plate, not before. It stays glossy and looks better.
FAQ: Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Q: How do I keep Garlic Butter Steak Bites tender?
A: The biggest key is not overcooking. Sear quickly in a hot pan, then finish in the garlic butter sauce for less than a minute. Pulling the steak out before making the sauce helps keep the centers juicy.
Q: Is this a low carb steak bites recipe?
A: Yes. This low carb steak bites recipe is made with steak, butter, garlic, and herbs. Carbs are basically only from the garlic and any sides you choose.
Q: Can I make Steak Bites Keto ahead of time?
A: You can prep the steak and garlic in advance, but cook right before serving for the best texture. If you need to reheat, do it gently in a skillet with a little butter so your Steak Bites Keto leftovers do not turn chewy.
Q: What cut is best for keto sirloin steak recipes like this?
A: Sirloin is a great balance of flavor and price, which is why it works well in keto sirloin steak recipes. If you want the most tenderness, ribeye or strip steak are even better.
Q: Can I use sirloin tips for a keto steak tips recipe version?
A: Yes. Sirloin tips work well for a keto steak tips recipe style bite. Cut them evenly, sear in batches, and keep the cook time short so they stay tender.
Q: How do I make keto garlic steak bites more flavorful?
A: For punchier keto garlic steak bites, add a squeeze of lemon at the end, use fresh garlic, and season the steak generously before searing. A pinch of red pepper flakes also helps.
Q: Can I make Keto Steak Bites Crockpot style?
A: Yes, Keto Steak Bites Crockpot works best when you sear the meat first, then slow cook on low just until tender. It will be tender but not crispy since the crockpot does not brown.
Q: Are these carnivore steak bites?
A: They can be. For carnivore steak bites, use butter or tallow, season with salt, and skip the herbs and parsley.
Q: Do these work for bariatric steak recipes?
A: They often do, since the pieces are small and coated in sauce. For bariatric steak recipes, choose a tender cut, cook to medium rare or medium, and reheat gently so the steak stays soft.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites, Anytime
This is one of those recipes that feels fancy but cooks like a weeknight staple. Once you get the rhythm down, hot pan, quick sear, garlic butter added after, it becomes almost automatic. You can keep it classic, turn it into Keto Garlic Steak Bites, or go full Carnivore Steak Bites with butter and salt only.
If you are saving reliable keto sirloin steak recipes or need a simple low carb steak bites recipe that still tastes like a treat, bookmark this one. Make a double batch if your family hovers around the stove, because these disappear fast. Dinner plans get a lot easier with Garlic Butter Steak Bites.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites (20 Minute Skillet)
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or heavy stainless steel skillet
- Tongs
- Cutting Board
- Sharp knife
- Paper towels
- Instant read thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
Steak
- 1.5 lb sirloin steak (or ribeye or strip), cut into 1 inch cubes Sirloin tips also work well for a keto steak tips recipe style bite.
Searing
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil) Avocado oil handles high heat well.
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided For dairy free or carnivore variations, use beef tallow.
- 4 to 6 cloves garlic, minced very fine Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp kosher salt Plus more to taste.
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Optional Finish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Optional, for color and freshness.
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes Optional, for heat.
- 1 tsp lemon juice Optional, brightens the butter sauce.
Instructions
- Prep the steak: Cut steak into 1 inch cubes. Pat very dry with paper towels, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the pan: Heat a large skillet over medium high until very hot. Add the oil and swirl to coat.
- Sear in batches: Add steak in a single layer with space between pieces. Sear about 2 minutes, flip, then sear 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and repeat if needed.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium low. Add 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in garlic, thyme, and rosemary and cook 20 to 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Finish: Return steak and any juices to the skillet. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and toss 30 to 60 seconds until coated and glossy. Add parsley, red pepper flakes, or lemon juice if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
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