Tender, juicy sirloin steak bites tossed in a bold, smoky cowboy butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, or a fantastic appetizer to share with friends!
Try my Crockpot Cowboy Casserole or my Cowboy Cookies too!
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below, but you can jump right to the recipe card if you wish!
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Steak bites with cowboy butter are about to be your new favorite thing. Tender, juicy bites of steak get a quick sear in the skillet, then get tossed in the most flavorful, garlicky, herby butter. It’s fast, easy, and packed with big, bold flavors.
Steak bites are a great main, or appetizer with some toothpicks and a bowl of cowboy butter for dipping! If you’re putting together an appetizer spread, French Dip Sliders make a killer companion – same beefy vibes, different form.
About the cowboy butter
Let’s talk about cowboy butter. If you’ve never had it, you’re in for a treat. It’s a garlic butter sauce, with extra zip. It’s a zesty, slightly spicy sauce loaded with fresh garlic, Dijon, lemon, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs. It coats the steak perfectly and makes an amazing dipping sauce on the side.
This recipe is perfect when you need something quick but still want it to taste amazing. You can serve these steak bites with roasted veggies, over mashed potatoes, or just grab a fork and go straight in. No judgment here.
If you love easy, flavorful meals that come together in minutes, these steak bites are a must-try. Make extra – because they disappear fast!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Quick. Ready in just 23 minutes.
- Simple. Easy enough for weeknight dinners.
- Full of flavor. The cowboy butter adds a bold, smoky taste.
- Adaptable. Use your favorite steak cuts or adjust spices to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is a compound butter packed with herbs and spices for a bold, smoky flavor. It’s great for dipping or as a topping for steaks, seafood, and vegetables.
Can I freeze cowboy butter?
Yes, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Should I rest the steak bites before serving?
Yes, resting them for a few minutes helps retain their juices.
Can I skip the red pepper flakes?
Yes, you can leave them out or replace them with 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
The Best Side dishes for Steak Bites
I like to serve these with some potatoes, and veggies. Try mashed potatoes to sop up that cowboy butter, or twice baked potatoes, and some dinner rolls. Add a fresh garden salad, or some sauteed green beans to finish it off.
I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Key Recipe Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Butter. Provides richness and flavor. Use salted butter for the best taste.
- Fresh garlic . Adds a fragrant, savory kick. I recommend using fresh cloves of garlic. Pre-minced garlic works in a pinch, garlic powder if you really must.
- Parsley & Chives. Fresh herbs brighten the dish. Substitute dried herbs if needed.
- Lemon Juice. Adds tanginess. Freshly squeezed is best.
- Dijon Mustard. Adds depth and slight acidity. Yellow mustard can work as a substitute.
- Smoked Paprika. Adds a smoky flavor. Regular paprika is milder.
- Red Pepper Flakes. Optional for heat. Leave out if you prefer a milder taste.
- Sirloin. A tender cut that cooks quickly. You can of course use your favorite cut of beef. I recommend ribeye steak, new york strip steak or beef tenderloin as alternatives. The cut of steak intended for stew (chuck, etc) won’t work well here.
How to make Steak Bites at home
/how
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This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Get prepped
Mince garlic, chop parsley and chives, measure ingredients, and cut the steak into 1-inch cubes (bite size pieces). Pat the steak dry if it needs it. Dry steak will sear better!
Make the cowboy butter
Mix butter, garlic, parsley, chives, lemon juice, Dijon, paprika, salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Set aside.
Cook the steak bites
Heat a large cast iron skillet (or other large pan) with olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steak pieces until browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Combine with cowboy butter
Add half of the cowboy butter to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
Add the steak back in and toss in the melted garlic butter. Cook for 2 minutes until warmed.
Serve immediately
Melt remaining cowboy butter in the microwave. Serve with steak bites. Enjoy!
Kylee’s Notes
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak bites. For medium rare, aim for 135-145°F.
Pat the steak dry if it needs it. Dry steak will sear better!
Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
To reheat the steak bites, use a microwave or air fryer for best results.
How to store leftovers
Refrigerator
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F until heated through.
The cowboy butter can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat in a microwave-safe dish in 30 second increments until softened.
Freezing
Freeze the steak bites in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat using the same methods as for refrigerated leftovers.
The cowboy butter can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and soften in the microwave if needed before serving.
More delicious beef recipes:
- The BEST Steak Sandwich, like ever. Simple, but great quality ingredients that work in perfect harmony together to create you a dinner you’ll crave.
- Honey Soy Beef and Broccoli. SO simple to prepare and has a great balance of flavors to suit both kids and adults. Easy to double and triple for a bigger crowd (or to have leftovers).
- Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast. A juicy, garlic-infused rib roast is easy to make and perfect for any special occasion.
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Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter
Video
Recommended Equipment
- Plate
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sirloin (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon 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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
Get prepped
- Mince the garlic. Chop the parsley and chives. Measure out the butter, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cut the 2 pounds sirloin into 1-inch pieces.
Make the cowboy butter
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the 1/2 cup butter, 6 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 tablespoon chives, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Cook the steak bites
- Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites and cook until browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Combine with cowboy butter
- Add half of the cowboy butter to the skillet. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the butter. Let cook for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Serve
- Melt the remaining cowboy butter in the microwave in 30-second increments. Serve the steak bites with the melted butter on the side. Enjoy!
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Notes
• Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
• To reheat the steak bites, use a microwave or air fryer for best results.
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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