Cowboy Butter Steak Bites – Juicy Steak Coated in Garlic Herb Butter
Let’s talk about steak bites. Not just any steak bites—the kind that are juicy, buttery, garlicky, and packed with bold flavor. You know, the ones that disappear in seconds because they’re just that good.
Now, imagine those perfectly seared steak bites, tossed in a rich, spicy, herby, lemony butter sauce known as Cowboy Butter.
Yeah. This is about to be your new favorite way to eat steak.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Crispy, caramelized steak. That golden sear = FLAVOR.
✅ Cowboy Butter is next-level. It’s buttery, garlicky, herby, tangy, and just a little spicy.
✅ Done in 15 minutes. Quick, easy, and impossible to mess up.
✅ Pairs with anything. Serve with potatoes, rice, or just eat them straight from the pan (no judgment).
Ingredients
🥩 For the Steak Bites:
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak (or ribeye, NY strip, or filet), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
🧈 For the Cowboy Butter:
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh, not the fake bottled stuff)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chives, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Cowboy Butter Steak Bites
1. Prep the Steak
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels (this helps them sear better).
- Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Let them sit while you make the cowboy butter.
2. Make the Cowboy Butter
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, parsley, chives, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir it all together. Try not to drink it.
3. Sear the Steak Bites
- Heat a cast iron skillet (or heavy pan) over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak bites in a single layer (don’t crowd the pan).
- Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Toss in Cowboy Butter
- Pour the cowboy butter into the same pan. Let it sizzle for 30 seconds.
- Add the steak bites back in and toss until fully coated in buttery goodness.
5. Serve & Watch Them Disappear
- Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley and chives.
- Serve with crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or straight off the skillet.
How to Customize It
🔥 Make it spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
🔥 Want extra garlic? Double the minced garlic in the butter.
🔥 Prefer a tangy twist? Add an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
🔥 No steak? Use chicken, shrimp, or even mushrooms.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
🔥 Not patting the steak dry.
- Moisture = no crispy sear. Pat it dry before cooking.
🔥 Crowding the pan.
- Cook in batches if needed. You want that steak to sear, not steam.
🔥 Overcooking the steak.
- Medium-rare to medium (135-145°F) is the sweet spot. Overcooked steak = sadness.
🔥 Skipping the butter toss.
- Coating the steak in hot cowboy butter takes it from great to legendary.
FAQs – Because I Know You’re Curious
1. What’s the best steak for this?
Sirloin is the best balance of flavor + tenderness + affordability. But if you want next-level, go for ribeye or filet.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Steak bites are best fresh. If reheating, do it in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes.
3. What should I serve with this?
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Buttered noodles
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus
- A big loaf of crusty bread
4. Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yep! Air-fry the steak bites at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Final Thoughts – Get Ready to Be Obsessed
These Cowboy Butter Steak Bites are juicy, garlicky, herby, buttery perfection. They take 15 minutes to make, and once you try them, you’ll never eat plain steak again.
So what are you waiting for? Get that cast iron hot and make some magic.
🔥 Try them & let me know what you think! 👇🔥
