Craving a delicious steak dinner but short on time? Look no further than these Keto Garlic Butter Steak Bites! Ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe delivers tender, juicy pieces of steak bursting with garlic and buttery goodness. It's a perfect low-carb and keto-friendly option for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying appetizer.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These garlic butter steak bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Fast and Easy: Forget laboring over a traditional steak. This recipe is hassle-free and ready in just about 15 minutes.
- Intense Flavor: Despite the short cooking time, these steak bites are packed with flavor from garlic, fresh herbs, chili flakes, butter, and a secret ingredient: soy sauce.
- Protein-Packed: This recipe is essentially pure protein, making it an excellent choice for a protein-rich meal.
- Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces, as a main course with your favorite sides, or even cold on a salad.
Choosing the Right Steak
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can use your favorite cut of steak, depending on your preference and budget. Here are a few options:
- Ribeye: Known for its rich flavor and higher fat content, ribeye provides a juicy and tender result. Remember to trim the excess fat.
- Sirloin: A leaner and more affordable option, sirloin is a great choice for pan-frying and offers a good balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Strip Steak: Less expensive than tenderloin, strip steak offers a tender texture and good flavor.
- Tenderloin (Filet Mignon): The most tender cut of beef, tenderloin is mild in flavor and boneless. However, it's also the most expensive.
- Tri-Tip or Chuck London Broil: Other viable options for steak bites.
No matter which cut you choose, make sure to cut it into uniform, bite-sized cubes (around 1.5 inches) for even cooking. Your local butcher can also do this for you.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to create these delectable steak bites:
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- 1 ¼ lb steak (ribeye or sirloin recommended), cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 Tablespoons butter (salted, softened)
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic is highly recommended)
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary), chopped
- Chili flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Soy sauce (for umami flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect garlic butter steak bites:
- Prepare the Steak: Trim any excess fat from the steak and dice it into 1.5-inch cubes. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Melt Garlic Butter: Mix the garlic and softened butter together in a bowl.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel recommended) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the Steak: Cook the steak undisturbed for 2 minutes on one side, allowing it to develop a good sear. Use tongs to flip each piece and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until browned to your desired doneness. For medium, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F. If cooking in batches, add garlic butter each time.
- Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Then add the fresh herbs, chili flakes (if using), and soy sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Add the steak and any drippings back to the skillet. Stir to coat the steak bites evenly with the garlic butter sauce. Toss through the parsley to serve.
Cooking Tips for Perfection
- Use Fresh Garlic: As the name suggests, garlic is a key ingredient. Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Searing the steak in batches ensures that each piece gets a good sear. Overcrowding the pan will cause the steak to steam instead of sear.
- Get a Good Sear: A golden-brown sear is essential for flavor and texture. Make sure your skillet is hot and the steak isn't too close together.
- Pick Your Doneness: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your liking.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is ideal for searing steak because it heats evenly and retains heat well. If you don't have one, a stainless steel skillet will also work. Avoid non-stick skillets, as they won't provide the desired sear.
Serving Suggestions
These garlic butter steak bites are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:
- As an Appetizer: Serve them with toothpicks and your favorite dipping sauces, such as the 4 Majestic Sauces.
- As a Main Course: Pair them with a variety of side dishes, such as:
- Mashed Cauliflower
- Crispy Green Bean Fries (dipped in the leftover garlic butter!)
- Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Zucchini Noodles (tossed in the garlic butter sauce)
- Italian Style Cole Slaw
- Sautéed Cabbage and Onions
- Cauliflower Rice (for a low-carb option)
- On a Salad: Enjoy them cold on top of a salad for a protein-packed lunch.
Other Cooking Methods
While pan-searing is the most common method, you can also cook these steak bites using other techniques:
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cook for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 4 minutes for medium-well.
- Oven: Warm on 375 degrees F for about 7 minutes.
- Smoker: Heat your smoker to 225°F. Cook the steak bites on a sheet pan for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F.
- Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Add ghee/butter and beef, and cook until the beef starts to brown. Stir in onion and mushrooms (if using). Turn off the pressure cooker, add steak seasoning and 1 cup of broth. Close the lid, seal the valve, and cook on high pressure for 9 minutes.
- Slow Cooker: Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the steak is fully cooled before storing.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled steak bites in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Carefully reheat leftover steak bites in the oven at 375°F for about 7 minutes. If you know you need these steak bites in advance, or if you are making several batches for a party, you’ll want to slightly undercook them. That way when you reheat them, they won’t overcook.
Variations
- Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Combine Cajun seasonings and toss with the cubed meat. Sauté bell peppers in the skillet before adding the steak.
- Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Mushrooms and Onions: Add sliced onions and mushrooms to the Instant Pot for extra flavor.
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites with White Wine Reduction: Deglaze the pan with white wine after searing the steak for a more complex flavor.
Is This Recipe Keto-Friendly?
Yes! Garlic butter steak bites are an excellent keto-friendly option, with approximately 1 carb per serving.
Can I Use the Garlic Butter Sauce in Other Recipes?
Absolutely! Garlic butter sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used to enhance the flavor of protein, vegetables, or as a marinade for grilling.
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