Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter

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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. Jump to the recipe card if you wish!

Steak bites in a pan, coated in melted cowboy butter with garlic and seasonings.

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

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.

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FAQs

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.

Step-by-step photos and tips and tricks are below. Jump to the full recipe card instead

Large plate of steak bites with a bowl of melted cowboy butter for dipping.

Key Recipe Ingredients

Note: This highlights some ingredients. Full list is in the recipe card.

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.

Labeled ingredients for steak bites with cowboy butter, including sirloin, butter, garlic, chives, parsley, Dijon, lemon, olive oil, and seasonings.

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How to make this recipe

This is a step-by-step photo guide. Full ingredients and instructions are in the printable recipe card below.

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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.

Glass bowl with butter, garlic, parsley, mustard, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Text on the image says 'Add cowboy butter ingredients to bowl'.

Mixed cowboy butter in a glass bowl. Text on the image says 'Mix until well combined'.

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.

Raw steak cubes in a skillet with olive oil. Text on the image says 'Add the steak to skillet with olive oil'.

Browned steak bites in a skillet. Text on the image says 'Cook until browned, 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.

Cowboy butter melting in a skillet. Text on the image says 'Add half the cowboy butter to the skillet'.

Melted cowboy butter with garlic and seasonings in a skillet. Text on the image says 'Cook until garlic is fragrant and butter is melted'.

Add the steak back in and toss in the melted garlic butter. Cook for 2 minutes until warmed.

Steak bites in a skillet with cowboy butter and parsley. Text on the image says 'Add the steak back to the pan'.

Close-up of steak bites being tossed in cowboy butter. Text on the image says 'Cook, tossing in the butter 1-2 minutes until warmed'.

Serve immediately. Melt remaining cowboy butter in the microwave. Serve with steak bites. Enjoy!

Small bowl with cowboy butter. Text on the image says 'Add remaining butter to a bowl'.

Small bowl with melted cowboy butter. Text on the image says 'Melt in the microwave'.

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.

Steak bites in a pan with a golden spoon, coated in cowboy butter and garnished with fresh herbs.

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About Kylee Ayotte

I am a born and raised New Zealander (a Kiwi), now living in Phoenix, Arizona. I’m happily married to the love of my life – a hot American boy I met while traveling the world. I’m a mama to 2 awesome little boys and love red things, rugby, cheesecake, and bacon. Mmmmm. Bacon. Meet Kylee