If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, then you have to try this Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe. These succulent sirloin bites are perfectly seared to develop that coveted crust, then lavishly tossed in a vibrant, garlicky cowboy butter that elevates every single bite. It’s an irresistible combination that’s both elegant enough to impress guests and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you make this, it will become your new go-to whenever you want something hearty, flavorful, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients that each bring an essential element to the dish. The fresh herbs and spices in the cowboy butter add brightness and depth, while the sirloin delivers the star protein with an incredible texture and flavor. Here’s everything you’ll want on hand before you get started:
- Butter, 1/2 cup: Use room temperature butter to create a creamy, rich base for the cowboy butter.
- Garlic, 6 cloves minced: Fresh garlic gives the butter bold aromatic notes that infuse the steak bites beautifully.
- Fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous touch and vibrant green color.
- Fresh chives, 1 tablespoon chopped: Offers a mild oniony flavor that complements the other herbs flawlessly.
- Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon: Brightens the cowboy butter with a subtle tang to balance the richness.
- Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons: Adds a slight sharpness and a touch of complexity.
- Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon: Gives a warm, smoky depth that pairs wonderfully with the seared steak.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper, 1 teaspoon: Adds a subtle heat and depth without overpowering.
- Red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon: Just enough heat to wake up your palate without taking center stage.
- Sirloin, 2 pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces: A tender, flavorful cut perfect for quick cooking and perfect searing.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Helps achieve a beautiful crust when cooking the steak bites.
How to Make Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe
Step 1: Get Prepped
Preparation makes all the difference for this recipe, so start by mincing the garlic and finely chopping the parsley and chives. Measure out the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, salts, and spices. Also, carefully cut the sirloin into 1-inch chunks—you want uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and the best texture in every bite.
Step 2: Make the Cowboy Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter with minced garlic, fresh parsley and chives, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, well incorporated, and bursting with vibrant color and fragrance. Set this delicious cowboy butter aside—you’ll be putting it to work very soon!
Step 3: Cook the Steak Bites
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sirloin pieces in a single layer to the hot skillet to sear them. Avoid overcrowding the pan so each bite develops a beautiful brown crust. Cook the steak bites for about 4 minutes, turning to brown all sides evenly. Once seared, transfer them to a plate to rest briefly—this prevents overcooking and keeps the meat juicy.
Step 4: Combine with Cowboy Butter
Return to the now empty skillet and add half of the prepared cowboy butter. Let it melt and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic releases its wonderful fragrance. Then, toss the steak bites back into the skillet, coating each piece generously with the bubbling cowboy butter. Allow them to cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes, letting the flavors marry and the steak warm through perfectly.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
For the final touch, melt the remaining cowboy butter gently in a small bowl using the microwave in short increments. Serve the steak bites hot from the skillet with this buttery dip on the side. The combination of the tender, crusty steak and the creamy, flavorful cowboy butter is an absolute crowd-pleaser you’ll want to savor bite after bite.
How to Serve Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes will elevate your dish both visually and flavor-wise. Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled over the top adds a punch of color and freshness that perfectly balances the richness of the cowboy butter. A wedge of lemon on the side is a fantastic idea too, so guests can add a quick zip of acidity if they like.
Side Dishes
Steak bites with cowboy butter pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or even a garlic butter mashed cauliflower keep the meal hearty and comforting. For a lighter contrast, try serving alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. Even crusty, warm bread for soaking up that luscious cowboy butter sauce makes a fantastic accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends or family? Arrange the steak bites on a rustic wooden board layered with fresh herbs for a casual dinner party vibe. Or serve them in small cast iron skillets for that authentic, Texas-style presentation. For a fun twist, stack the bites on skewers as an appetizer at your next gathering—don’t forget to spoon on extra cowboy butter or provide it as a dip!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers—and trust me, it’s likely—store the steak bites and cowboy butter separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the quality and flavor of the steak and keeps the butter fresh for when you want to enjoy it again.
Freezing
The steak bites freeze reasonably well when stored properly. Place the cooled steak pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, ideally without the butter, which can affect texture. Cowboy butter can be frozen in small portions like ice cube trays, then transferred to a bag for easy use later on.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, warm the steak bites gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve tenderness. Reheat the cowboy butter separately and pour it over the steak just before serving. Avoid microwaving everything together to maintain that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye or strip steak. Just remember to cut them into evenly sized pieces so they cook consistently.
How spicy is the cowboy butter in this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the dish without overwhelming it. If you prefer milder flavors, simply reduce or omit the flakes, or add more if you like a kick.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so as long as your Dijon mustard and spices don’t contain any additives, this recipe is safe for a gluten-free diet.
Is there a way to make the steak bites more tender?
Choosing a good quality sirloin and not overcooking the steak bites is key. Cooking them quickly over high heat helps keep the inside juicy and tender. Resting the meat briefly before tossing in the cowboy butter also improves tenderness.
Can I prepare the cowboy butter in advance?
Definitely! Making the cowboy butter ahead of time lets the flavors meld even more. Just refrigerate it in a covered container and bring it to room temperature before using in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull off. The flavors are bold and comforting, the preparation is straightforward, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or simply treating yourself, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a shot. It’s destined to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
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Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender sirloin pieces cooked to perfection and coated in a rich, garlicky, herb-infused butter sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or impressive appetizer, this recipe delivers savory, buttery steak bites with a hint of smoky paprika and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 2 pounds sirloin, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cowboy Butter
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Get prepped: Mince the garlic and finely chop the parsley and chives. Measure out all the remaining sauce ingredients and cut the sirloin into 1-inch pieces to have everything ready before cooking.
- Make the cowboy butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Set aside the butter mixture for later use.
- Cook the steak bites: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sirloin pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t crowd the pan, and cook until browned on all sides, about 4 minutes total. Once cooked, transfer the steak bites to a plate and set aside.
- Combine with cowboy butter: Add half of the prepared cowboy butter to the now-empty skillet. Allow it to melt and cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, around 2 to 3 minutes. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them well to coat each piece in the flavorful butter. Let everything cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld and the steak warms through.
- Serve: Melt the remaining cowboy butter in a small bowl using the microwave in 30-second increments until fully melted. Serve the steak bites immediately with the melted butter on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, buttery steak bites!
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter for easy mixing.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking steak bites to ensure proper browning.
- The cowboy butter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- Use a high-quality sirloin for tender, juicy steak bites.
