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Garlic Herb Steak Bites with Rich Pan Sauce Recipe

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3.9 from 4 reviews

This flavorful Steak Bites recipe features tender top sirloin steak cubes seasoned with a bold blend of spices, seared to medium-rare perfection, and finished in a rich garlic thyme butter sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect as a savory appetizer or a satisfying main dish paired with classic sides like mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Steak and Seasoning

  • 2 lbs. top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Salt, to taste (up to 1 ½ teaspoons recommended)
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¾ teaspoon paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder

Cooking Ingredients

  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more as needed)
  • ¾ cup water
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Seasoning and Ingredients: Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, chili powder, and mustard powder in a bowl and set aside. Measure out all other ingredients before starting. For extra tenderness, cover the steak with plastic wrap and gently tenderize each side using a meat mallet.
  2. Season the Steak: Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt over the steak cubes (up to 1 ½ teaspoons, seasoning to taste). Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture and rub it into all sides of the steak pieces to infuse maximum flavor.
  3. Sear the Steak: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak cubes in batches, cooking each batch for about 1 minute on each side (approximately 4 minutes per batch total). The goal is to achieve a medium-rare doneness. Remove the cooked steak bites and set aside. Repeat until all steak is seared.
  4. Make the Sauce Base: Turn off the heat once the searing is done, then add ¾ cup water to the skillet. Turn heat back to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape and deglaze the bottom and sides of the skillet, incorporating the browned bits (fond) into the liquid. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil and reduce by half, approximately 6 minutes.
  5. Add Butter, Garlic, and Thyme: Stir in 4 tablespoons of butter, sliced garlic cloves, and fresh thyme sprigs. Simmer gently for 3 minutes to infuse the sauce with aromatic flavors.
  6. Combine Steak and Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and return the seared steak bites along with any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the steak and allow it to heat through for 2 to 3 minutes or until cooked to your desired doneness. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving.
  7. Serve: Serve the steak bites as a tasty appetizer with toothpicks, or enjoy as a hearty main course alongside mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.

Notes

  • Top sirloin steak is recommended for its balance of tenderness and flavor, but you can substitute with filet mignon, ribeye, or strip steak if preferred.
  • Gently tenderizing the steak beforehand will yield more tender bites.
  • Adjust salt and seasoning quantities based on personal taste and dietary needs.
  • Cooking the steak in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures proper searing.
  • Use a silicone spatula to deglaze the pan thoroughly to build a rich, flavorful sauce.
  • Serve hot immediately for best taste and texture.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American