01 -
First things first, get your steak out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before you start. This helps it cook more evenly, a little tip I learned the hard way. Pat it super dry with paper towels—this is crucial for a good sear, trust me! Then, cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Season generously with salt and pepper. I always feel a little thrill when the steak hits the board, knowing deliciousness is coming.
02 -
Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, add your steak in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, or your steak will steam instead of sear, and that's an 'oops' moment you want to avoid. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully browned and crusty. This is where you get that amazing maillard reaction, smelling so good already!
03 -
Once your Garlic Butter Steak Bites are seared, remove them from the pan and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once melted, toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Watch it closely; scorched garlic is a tragedy, and I’ve been there! You want golden, aromatic garlic, not bitter, burnt bits.
04 -
Return the seared steak bites to the skillet with the fragrant garlic butter. Toss everything together, making sure each little bite is coated in that glorious, golden sauce. This is where the flavors really meld. I sometimes add a tiny splash of beef broth here if the pan seems a bit dry, it adds a little extra richness that I didn't expect but love.
05 -
Stir in the fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if you're using them). Give it another good toss. I usually let it warm through for another minute or so, just to make sure everything is piping hot. The aroma filling my kitchen at this point is just incredible, honestly, it’s pure comfort. This step is about integrating those final fresh notes, making the dish sing.
06 -
Transfer the Garlic Butter Steak Bites to a serving platter and serve immediately. I sometimes drizzle a little extra garlic butter from the pan over the top because, why not? They should be tender, juicy, and glistening with that beautiful butter sauce. The texture should be a slight crisp on the outside and wonderfully soft inside. It’s a simple dish, but oh-so-satisfying!