If you’re a steak lover searching for a meal that’s as flavor-packed as it is easy, this Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Think juicy, seared steak cubes bathed in a rich sauce of melted butter, garlic, fresh herbs, and a little spicy kick – all ready in just 20 minutes. It’s hearty, bold, and brings a little excitement to every bite, making it perfect for weeknights, date nights, or impressing friends at your next get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe? The ingredients list is short and packed with flavor boosters! Each one has a key role in layering tenderness, savoriness, and a touch of zing through the dish.
- Sirloin or ribeye steak (1 ½ pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose well-marbled steak for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Season generously to enhance the steak’s natural flavor before searing.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve that incredible golden-brown crust on each steak piece.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Creates a luscious, silky cowboy butter sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds an irresistible aromatic depth to the butter.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Contributes gentle heat and tang for a vibrant sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the rich flavors and balances the butter’s richness.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a little warmth and excitement.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Delivers freshness and a pop of green color.
- Fresh chives (1 tablespoon, chopped): Gives a mild onion note and another burst of green.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Adds earthy, herbaceous undertones to the sauce.
How to Make Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe
Step 1: Season the Steak
Get things started by generously sprinkling salt and black pepper over all sides of the steak cubes. This simple step is more important than it sounds – it draws out the steak’s best flavors and helps form a beautiful crust when seared.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat up the olive oil in your largest skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan nice and hot so each cube gets a deep golden sear. Work in a single layer and leave the steak undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side to ensure perfect browning without overcooking. Remove the finished steak bites and set aside – the aroma will already be making your mouth water!
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
Reduce the skillet heat to medium, and add the unsalted butter. Once it melts into a shimmering pool, stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, parsley, and chives. Let the mixture bubble for about 1–2 minutes until it turns fragrant and just starts to thicken into a gorgeous sauce.
Step 4: Toss It All Together
Pour those seared steak bites back into the skillet and toss until every piece is utterly coated in the cowboy butter. Watch as the sauce clings to the juicy beef – this is where the magic happens. Transfer straight to a platter and serve right away while everything is at its buttery, steamy best.
How to Serve Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe
Garnishes
To make this already delicious dish even more inviting, scatter a little extra fresh parsley and chives over the top right before serving. The extra greenery makes the steak bites look restaurant-worthy and brings a final flash of freshness to the plate.
Side Dishes
These steak bites shine beside just about anything, but roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables are surefire winners. The butter sauce doubles as a dreamy drizzle for sides like mashed cauliflower, crusty bread, or even fluffy rice – trust me, you’ll want to soak up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Thread the steak bites onto skewers for a party-friendly appetizer, or pile them over a crisp green salad for a hearty, low-carb meal. If you want to keep things casual, pile everything onto a big cutting board along with your favorite dippers and invite everyone to dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them – sauce and all – into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
You can freeze this Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe for up to two months. Place cooled steak bites and sauce in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing as much air as possible out before sealing. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to heat and eat.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the steak bites and sauce over low heat in a skillet, stirring gently to keep the meat tender. You can also use the microwave at 50 percent power in short bursts, just don’t overdo it so the steak doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for the Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe?
Absolutely! Sirloin and ribeye work beautifully, but you can use New York strip, tenderloin, or even flank steak in a pinch. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as leaner cuts may cook a bit faster.
Is the Cowboy Butter sauce very spicy?
The sauce has a subtle heat from the red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you like things extra fiery, simply add a pinch more red pepper, or if serving kids, feel free to use less or omit it entirely.
Can I make the Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe dairy-free?
If you want to avoid dairy, use a plant-based butter substitute that browns well and skip or substitute the butter in the sauce. The flavors will still pop, just with a slightly different twist.
What’s the best way to get a perfect sear on steak bites?
Make sure your pan is very hot and avoid overcrowding it – this ensures each steak bite gets that irresistible deep-brown crust. If needed, work in batches so every cube has room to sizzle.
Can I add extra vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini are delicious additions. Sauté them first until just tender, then follow the recipe as written and toss everything in the cowboy butter at the end.
Final Thoughts
This Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe is proof that simple ingredients and a hot skillet can create a dish that tastes a little bit like a celebration. Bursting with bold flavors and that signature creamy, herby butter sauce, these steak bites are just begging to be shared. If you try them once, don’t be surprised if they become a regular request at your table!
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Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender sirloin or ribeye steak bites cooked to perfection and coated in a flavorful cowboy butter sauce. This easy and delicious recipe is a must-try for steak lovers!
Ingredients
Steak Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Cowboy Butter:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Season the steak: Generously season the steak bites with salt and pepper.
- Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak cubes for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
- Make the cowboy butter: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Stir in garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, thyme, parsley, and chives. Cook until fragrant.
- Coat the steak: Toss the steak bites in the cowboy butter sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Garnish with extra herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of white wine or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the butter sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
