Quick and Easy Juicy Steak Bites Recipe
If you love steak but don’t want the hassle of cooking an entire cut, these quick and easy little steak bites are the perfect solution, as they take half the time to prepare. Add a handful of simple ingredients, a hot skillet, and minimal effort, and you have a quick, stress-free meal. Packed with bold flavors and cooked to perfection in just minutes, they make a fantastic appetizer, main dish, or protein-packed snack. Say goodbye to expensive store-bought options and make your own tender, flavorful, buttery steak bites at home!
Since this easy meal is all about tender morsels of meat, the types of steak you use make a huge difference. For the most tender steak bites, sirloin steak, New York strip steak, or ribeye steak are standout choices. These cuts offer the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. If you’re aiming for something ultra-premium, beef tenderloin (also known as filet mignon) will deliver buttery softness—though it comes with a higher price tag. Want something more budget-friendly? Go for top sirloin steak, which still provides tenderness without breaking the bank. No matter the cut, ensure your steak is trimmed of excess fat and cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces of steak for even cooking.
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What you will Love about this Recipe!
- Fast & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep.
- Flavor-Packed – A perfect blend of spices for bold, juicy bites.
- Versatile – Serve as a main dish, in wraps, or as a protein boost for salads.
- No Special Equipment Needed – Just a skillet and a few ingredients.
- Better Than Store-Bought – Fresh, homemade, and budget-friendly.
Ingredients for Steak Bites
- 1 pound steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Fresh green onion for garnish (optional)
Supplies for Steak Bites
- Skillet – A heavy-bottomed or cast iron pan for a good sear.
- Tongs – For flipping steak bites evenly.
- Sharp Knife – To cut the steak into bite-sized pieces.
Pro tip:
If the steak is too slippery to cut, pop it in the freezer for 10–15 minutes. Slightly chilled steak is much easier to slice neatly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Steak Bites Recipe
- Prepare the Steak: Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes (aim for uniform sizes) and pat dry with a paper towel. Trim off any large chunks of exterior fat.
- Marinate the Meat: In a bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Coat the steak pieces evenly and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat the Skillet: Adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a neutral oil with a high smoke point (like avocado oil) will prevent sticking and encourage browning.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Once the steak bites hit the skillet, let them sit for about 2–3 minutes before flipping. This undisturbed sear helps develop that flavorful crust
- Cook to your Liking: For medium-rare steak bites, cook for 4–5 minutes (depending on their size). For medium, cook for 5–6 minutes (140–145°F); for well-done, cook for 7–8 minutes (160°F+). Use a meat thermometer if needed for accuracy.
- Remove Meat from Pan: Remove the cooked steak from the skillet using a slotted spoon.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the skillet to medium heat and add 2–3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. You’ll want it to melt slowly without burning. Toss in 3–4 minced garlic cloves and stir gently for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Keep an eye on it—garlic burns quickly at high heat.
- Return to Skillet: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the sauce, making sure every piece is evenly coated.
- Add a Finishing Touch: Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt, freshly chopped parsley, or chopped green onion over the top for presentation and extra flavor.
- Let it Rest: Give it 1–2 minutes for the sauce to soak into the steak.
- Serve Immediately.
Storage Suggestions
- Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain juiciness.
- Avoid microwaving as it can make the steak tough.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Steak Dinner: Serve with green beans and creamy mashed potatoes.
- Steak Bowl: Pair with white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- Salad Topper: Add to a fresh salad with your favorite dressing.
- Tacos or Wraps: Stuff into tortillas with salsa and guacamole.
- Appetizer Style: Serve with toothpicks and a dipping sauce alongside air-fried potato wedges for a crowd-pleasing snack
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What’s the best steak cut for this recipe?
Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak are the best for tender and flavorful steak bites.
2. Can I use butter instead of olive oil for marinating?
Olive oil is best for marinating, but you can cook the steak bites in butter for extra richness.
3. How do I make the steak bites spicier?
Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
4. Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 400°F for about 7-9 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. Can I marinate the steak longer?
Yes! Letting the steak marinate for up to 24 hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
These quick and easy juicy steak bites will quickly become a go-to meal in your kitchen. Packed with lots of flavor, a bit of heat, and easy to prepare, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or entertaining guests. These homemade, restaurant-quality garlic steak bites are a recipe the entire family will enjoy.
If you try this recipe and love it, please tag me on Instagram and Facebook @grindinggearsfarmstead.
Happy cooking, happy sharing, and may your kitchen always be filled with laughter and love. ❤️
Lechyd Da, (means “Cheers to Good Health” in Welsh)
Quick and Easy Juicy Steak Bites Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet A heavy-bottomed or cast iron pan for a good sear
- Tongs For flipping steak bites evenly
- sharp knife To cut the steak into bite-sized pieces.
Ingredients
- 1 pound steak sirloin, ribeye, or strip, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil EVOO
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
- Fresh green onion for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes (aim for uniform sizes) and pat dry with a paper towel. Trim off any large chunks of exterior fat.
- Marinate the Meat: In a bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Coat the steak pieces evenly and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat the Skillet: Adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a neutral oil with a high smoke point (like avocado oil) will prevent sticking and encourage browning.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Once the steak bites hit the skillet, let them sit for about 2–3 minutes before flipping. This undisturbed sear helps develop that flavorful crust
- Cook to your Liking: For medium-rare steak bites, cook for 4–5 minutes (depending on their size). For medium, cook for 5–6 minutes (140–145°F); for well-done, cook for 7–8 minutes (160°F+). Use a meat thermometer if needed for accuracy.
- Remove Meat from Pan: Remove the cooked steak from the skillet using a slotted spoon.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the skillet to medium heat and add 2–3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. You’ll want it to melt slowly without burning. Toss in 3–4 minced garlic cloves and stir gently for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Keep an eye on it—garlic burns quickly at high heat.
- Return to Skillet: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the sauce, making sure every piece is evenly coated.
- Add a Finishing Touch: Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt, freshly chopped parsley, or chopped green onion over the top for presentation and extra flavor.
- Let it Rest: Give it 1–2 minutes for the sauce to soak into the steak.
- Serve Immediately.
