If you love bold flavors and tender, juicy steak, you are going to fall head over heels for this Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe. This dish combines perfectly seared sirloin pieces with a sensational, garlicky butter sauce that bursts with fresh herbs, a touch of smoky paprika, and a gentle kick from red pepper flakes. It’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser that’s quick to make but feels wonderfully indulgent. Whether you serve it for a casual weeknight meal or impress guests at your next gathering, these steak bites dressed in cowboy butter bring unforgettable flavor and cozy vibes to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe truly lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component contributes layers of taste, texture, and color that come together to create a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to savor with every bite.
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature: The creamy base that carries all the rich flavors and helps meld the herbs and spices beautifully.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that unmistakable punch of aromatic warmth that steers this butter toward unforgettable.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, bright note and a pop of vibrant green color.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped: Offers a subtle onion-like flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of acidity that balances the richness and livens up the entire sauce.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Adds a hint of tangy complexity to the butter, making it uniquely savory.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky depth that makes these steak bites even more irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of both the steak and the cowboy butter.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and earthiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives a gentle spice kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- 2 pounds sirloin, cut into 1-inch pieces: The star of the show—tender, juicy, and perfect for searing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve the perfect crust on the steak bites while cooking.
How to Make Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
Before the sizzle hits the pan, it’s important to prep your ingredients carefully. Mince the garlic finely and chop the parsley and chives to release their fresh aromas. Measure out your butter, spices, and lemon juice so you have everything at your fingertips. Cut the sirloin into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly and develop that perfect sear.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cowboy Butter
In a large bowl, combine the butter with the minced garlic, herbs, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are combined into a smooth, flavorful butter. This cowboy butter is the secret weapon that will elevate your steak bites from tasty to downright unforgettable.
Step 3: Cook the Steak Bites to Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sirloin pieces in a single layer to ensure even browning. Let them cook without disturbing for a couple of minutes, then turn to sear all sides until each bite is gloriously caramelized and cooked to your desired doneness—around 4 minutes total. Once done, transfer them to a plate and give yourself a happy nod because the hard part is done.
Step 4: Marry the Steak with Cowboy Butter
Return to your empty skillet and add half of your prepared cowboy butter. Let it melt gently over the heat until the garlic’s fragrance fills the air, about 2-3 minutes. Add the steak bites back into the skillet and toss them lovingly in that buttery sauce so each piece is fully coated and tasting amazing. Cook together just a minute or two more to warm everything through and marry those flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
For the final flourish, melt the remaining cowboy butter in a small bowl using quick 30-second bursts in the microwave. Serve the steak bites immediately with the warm butter on the side for dipping. Every bite dipped in this rich, garlicky sauce will have you coming back for more.
How to Serve Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of additional freshly chopped parsley or chives over your steak bites adds a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note that complements the deep savory flavors of the cowboy butter beautifully. A wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten up the dish for those who love a fresh twist.
Side Dishes
These steak bites are wonderfully versatile and pair perfectly with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a bit of indulgence, creamy polenta or cheesy grits soak up the cowboy butter in the best way possible, creating a hearty, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve your steak bites on a wooden platter lined with parchment paper and surround them with small bowls of cowboy butter for dipping. Alternatively, try stacking them on skewers as a fun appetizer or serve them over a bed of garlic-infused rice for a quick, flavorful dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the steak bites separate from the cowboy butter until reheating helps maintain texture and prevents the butter from solidifying too much.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the steak bites if needed. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Freezing the cowboy butter separately is recommended to maintain the best flavor and texture when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a spoonful of the cowboy butter to refresh the flavors and keep the steak bites moist. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent overcooking and drying out the meat, preserving that tender, juicy texture you love.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best for this recipe?
Sirloin is ideal for steak bites because it’s tender, flavorful, and affordable. However, you can also use ribeye or filet mignon if you want a richer or more luxurious bite.
Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cowboy butter can be prepared in advance and stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days, making your cooking process even faster.
How spicy is the cowboy butter?
The red pepper flakes provide a gentle kick, but the overall heat is mild and balanced with smoky and savory flavors. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
Fresh parsley and chives bring the freshest flavors, but if needed, you can substitute with dried herbs—use about one-third the amount and add them earlier when combining the butter for best infusion.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients used in this Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried the Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe yet, what are you waiting for? This dish is comfort food at its most exciting — simple, quick, and packed with flavor that feels special. It’s perfect for sharing or treating yourself to a juicy, buttery bite of happiness. Go ahead and whip up this recipe, and let it become one of your all-time favorites too!
Print
Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and flavorful Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter combine tender sirloin pieces seared to perfection and coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce spiked with fresh herbs, lemon, and a touch of smoky paprika. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy skillet recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
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
Steak Bites
- 2 pounds sirloin, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Get prepped: Mince the garlic and finely chop the parsley and chives. Measure out all the other sauce ingredients. 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 with minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well until thoroughly incorporated and set aside.
- Cook the steak bites: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sirloin pieces in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 4 minutes. Transfer the cooked steak bites to a plate and set aside.
- Combine with cowboy butter: Add half of the prepared cowboy butter to the empty skillet and let it melt. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss well to coat each piece in the buttery sauce. Cook together for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Melt the remaining cowboy butter in a small bowl in the microwave using 30-second increments. Serve the steak bites immediately with the melted butter on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to ensure easy mixing when making the cowboy butter.
- Cut the sirloin into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- The skillet must be hot before adding the steak bites to get a good sear.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
