These steak bites are seared quickly at high heat and coated in a zesty garlic herb butter. This recipe provides a high-protein meal that can be prepared in under 15 minutes using a single skillet.
List of ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – used for high-heat searing.
- 1 pound steak – cut into 1-inch pieces; top sirloin or ribeye are recommended.
- 1 recipe cowboy butter – divided for glazing and side dipping.
step-by-step instructions
- Sear the meat: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add steak bites in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, and sear for 1.5 to 2 minutes without moving. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the desired doneness is reached.
- Apply the glaze: Reduce the heat to medium. Add half of the cowboy butter directly to the pan and toss the steak bites to coat. Cook for 1 additional minute until the butter melts and the steak is evenly glazed.
- Prepare the dip: Melt the remaining cowboy butter in the microwave and serve it on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Selecting the Best Beef Cut
Top Sirloin Steak
Sirloin is a lean and budget-friendly option that holds its shape well when cut into cubes. It provides a firm texture and a clean beef flavor that allows the garlic butter to stand out.
Ribeye Steak
Ribeye is highly recommended for those who prefer juicier bites due to its significant intramuscular fat. The marbling in ribeye melts during the searing process, adding a rich depth to the meat.
Beef Tenderloin
Tenderloin is the most tender cut available, resulting in steak bites that melt in the mouth. Because it is very lean, it cooks quickly and requires careful monitoring to avoid overcooking.
Flat Iron Steak
Flat iron steak offers a balance between the tenderness of the tenderloin and the flavor of the sirloin. It is a great value cut that sears evenly across its flat surface.
Strip Steak
Strip steak provides a bold, classic steakhouse flavor with a moderate amount of fat. Cutting this into bites ensures a consistent sear on all sides.
Cooking Oil Options
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil is a standard choice for home cooking and adds a subtle fruity note to the steak. When using it for searing, ensure the pan is hot but not smoking to prevent the oil from breaking down.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil has one of the highest smoke points of any cooking oil, making it ideal for high-heat searing. It is a neutral oil that does not alter the flavor of the steak or the butter.
Vegetable or Canola Oil
These neutral oils are effective for achieving a brown crust on the meat without adding distinct flavors. They are affordable and readily available for everyday cooking.
Steak Temperature Guide
Rare
Rare steak should reach an internal temperature of 120-125°F. The center remains very red and cool to the touch.
Medium Rare
Medium rare is achieved at 130-135°F. This temperature results in a warm red center and is widely considered the ideal balance of juiciness and texture.
Medium
Medium steak reaches 140-145°F. The center is pink with less juice than medium rare, providing a firmer bite.
Medium Well
Medium well steak is cooked to 150-155°F. There is only a slight hint of pink in the center, and the meat is significantly firmer.
Well Done
Well done steak is cooked to 160°F or higher. There is no pink remaining, and the meat is fully cooked through.
Managing Carry-Over Cooking
Steak continues to rise in temperature after being removed from the heat. To achieve your target doneness, remove the steak bites from the skillet when they are 5 degrees below your desired final temperature.
Air Fryer Preparation Method
Preheating the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. This ensures the meat sears immediately upon contact with the basket.
Preparing the Meat
Toss the steak cubes with a small amount of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Coating the meat in oil helps the heat distribute evenly and prevents sticking.
Cooking Process
Place the steak in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure all sides are browned.
Adding the Butter
Transfer the cooked steak bites to a mixing bowl. Toss them with warm cowboy butter immediately while the meat is hot so the glaze adheres properly.
Compound Butter Customization
Adjusting Garlic Intensity
For a milder flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic in the butter. For a more pungent kick, increase the amount of minced fresh garlic.
Choosing Fresh Herbs
Parsley and chives provide a fresh, grassy contrast to the rich butter. You can also add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary for an earthier profile.
Controlling the Heat
The heat in cowboy butter comes from cayenne and red pepper flakes. Reduce these for a family-friendly version or increase them for a spicier experience.
Adding Citrus Notes
Fresh lemon juice cuts through the heaviness of the butter. For more intensity, stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the juice.
Recommended Side Dishes
Starchy Pairings
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes are excellent for soaking up extra cowboy butter. Sweet potato fries or roasted sweet potatoes provide a sweet contrast to the savory steak.
Vegetable Accompaniments
Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots add a charred sweetness to the plate. Grilled corn on the cob is another classic pairing that complements the buttery flavor.
Light and Fresh Options
A crisp coleslaw or a garden salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the steak. Sautéed spinach or steamed asparagus are also healthy, low-carb choices.
Storage and Preservation
Refrigeration Guidelines
Allow steak bites to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
Place cooled steak bites in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thawing Process
Thaw frozen steak bites overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture. Alternatively, they can be reheated directly from frozen using a skillet or air fryer.
Reheating Techniques
Microwave Method
Heat the steak bites for 30 to 45 seconds on medium power. This is the fastest method, though it may soften the exterior of the meat.
Skillet Reheating
Warm the bites in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes. This method helps restore some of the original sear and crispness.
Air Fryer Reheating
Place the steak bites in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This is the best way to regain the crispy texture of the seared edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different meat?
Yes, this method works well with chicken breast or shrimp. Adjust the cooking times based on the protein to avoid overcooking.
How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?
Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this causes the meat to steam rather than sear. Use a high-quality cut like ribeye or sirloin and do not overcook past medium.
Can the cowboy butter be made in advance?
Yes, the butter can be prepared up to 5 days ahead and kept in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to 4 months.
What if I don’t have a skillet?
You can use a cast-iron grill pan or an air fryer. The goal is to achieve high heat for a proper sear.
How do I keep the butter from burning?
Add the butter at the end of the cooking process. Lowering the heat to medium before adding the butter prevents it from scorching.
Print
Cowboy Butter Steak Bites
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
Savor the delicious Cowboy Butter Steak Bites, perfectly cooked bites coated in rich cowboy butter! Quick, easy, and the most delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound steak, cut into 1-inch pieces (top sirloin or ribeye work well)
- 1 recipe cowboy butter, divided
Instructions
- Step 1: To a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add steak bites in a single layer (working in batches if needed) and sear for 1 ½ to 2 minutes without moving. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired doneness.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium. Add half of the cowboy butter directly to the pan and toss the steak bites to coat. Cook for 1 additional minute, just until the butter is melted and the steak is evenly glazed.
- Step 3: Melt the remaining cowboy butter in the microwave and serve on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Season steak bites with salt and pepper, and lightly coat with olive oil. Add to air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 4-6 minutes, shaking halfway through, until cooked to your liking. After cooking, transfer the steak bites to a bowl and toss with warm cowboy butter until evenly coated. Serve with extra cowboy butter for dipping or drizzling.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 527 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg