There’s something about the sizzle of steak hitting a hot skillet that pulls me right into the kitchen every time. This recipe for Cowboy Butter Steak Bites is a quick dinner that feels like a small celebration after a long day. The first time I made it, the aroma of garlic and herbs filling the air was enough to make my whole house feel cozy and alive.

One evening, after a busy afternoon, I tossed those perfectly seared steak cubes into the skillet and watched the butter melt into a golden pool of flavor. The richness of the garlic mingled with fresh parsley, chives, and thyme, while a hint of smoked paprika and cayenne teased the senses. Each bite was a burst of juicy, tender steak swirled in that luscious sauce. I remember sitting down with a fork in hand, feeling like I had wandered into a rustic steakhouse without leaving my kitchen. The simplicity of it all paired with such bold flavors made that meal unforgettable.

Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Juicy steak bites cooked to perfection with a simple seasoning.
The cowboy butter sauce adds a rich, savory, and slightly smoky twist.
Fresh herbs bring brightness that balances the richness beautifully.
Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or a main course.

If you’re worried about cooking steak bites evenly or getting the sauce just right, this recipe is forgiving and straightforward. The skillet sauce comes together quickly, and you can adjust the heat or herbs to suit your mood.

Cowboy Butter Steak Bites

Print Recipe

Juicy steak bites cooked to perfection and tossed in a rich, flavorful cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, herbs, and spices. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh chives, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice

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Instructions

Pat the sirloin steak cubes dry with paper towels.
Season the steak bites evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the steak bites to the skillet in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Cook the steak bites for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the softened butter.
Add the minced garlic to the butter and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped parsley, chives, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice until well combined.
Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the cowboy butter sauce to coat evenly.
Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
Remove from heat and serve immediately.

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe? Yes, sirloin is great for bite-size pieces, but ribeye or filet mignon also work well if you prefer a more tender or marbled option.

Is this recipe spicy? It has a subtle kick from cayenne and smoked paprika, but it’s not overwhelming. You can adjust the spices to be milder or bolder depending on your taste.

How do I store leftovers? Keep any extra steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Gently reheat in a skillet to keep them juicy and flavorful.

Give these Cowboy Butter Steak Bites a try next time you want to turn a simple dinner into something memorable. You’ll find yourself coming back for that rich, buttery sauce and perfectly seared steak every time.