If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor and has that perfect balance of juicy steak and rich, zesty sauce, then this Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, seared sirloin bites are coated in a vibrant cowboy butter made from fresh herbs, garlic, and a kick of smoky paprika, creating an irresistible combination that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it up for friends or treating yourself to a decadent meal, this recipe is a winner every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one contributes something special — from the tender sirloin delivering meaty goodness, to the fresh herbs and spices that build layers of flavor in the cowboy butter, creating texture, aroma, and a lovely pop of color.
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature: Acts as the rich, creamy base for the cowboy butter sauce, helping meld all flavors together.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant intensity that brightens every bite with warmth and savoriness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Gives a fresh, slightly peppery note and colorful vibrancy to the butter.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped: Provides a mild oniony flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a light, zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter and steak.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth, balancing the creamy butter with a slight sharpness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts warmth and a smoky undertone that enhances the cowboy vibe of the butter.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing flavors and seasoning the steak perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and peppery kick to round out the taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives just the right amount of spiciness to keep things exciting.
- 2 pounds sirloin, cut into 1-inch pieces: The star of the dish, offering tender, juicy chunks perfect for quick searing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for cooking the steak bites, helping to develop a golden-brown crust.
How to Make Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe
Step 1: Get Prepped
Prepare for a smooth cooking process by mincing the garlic and finely chopping the parsley and chives. Measuring out the rest of your ingredients ahead of time and cutting the sirloin into 1-inch pieces ensures everything is ready to go when the heat is on. This little prep step makes a big difference in keeping the kitchen organized and your cooking flow steady.
Step 2: Make the Cowboy Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with garlic, parsley, chives, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir it all together until you achieve a uniform, spreadable mixture packed with bold flavors. This cowboy butter is where the magic begins—it’s creamy, tangy, herbaceous, and spicy all at once, setting the stage for the steak.
Step 3: Cook the Steak Bites
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sirloin pieces in a single layer, giving them space to sear properly. Cook until they develop a beautiful brown crust on all sides, about 4 minutes. This step locks in the juices and delivers that satisfying texture we all love in steak bites. Once cooked, transfer the steak bites to a plate to rest.
Step 4: Combine with Cowboy Butter
Into the now empty skillet, add half of the prepared cowboy butter and let it melt, releasing a deliciously fragrant aroma as the garlic cooks gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them well so each piece is generously coated with that rich, flavorful butter sauce. Let everything cook together briefly for another minute or two so the flavors meld and the steak warms through.
Step 5: Serve
In a small bowl, melt the remaining cowboy butter in the microwave using 30-second increments, ready for serving. Plate up the steak bites immediately and offer the melted butter on the side for dipping or drizzling. This final touch ensures every bite is dripping with that luscious, savory sauce, making your Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate both the flavor and presentation of your steak bites. Sprinkle chopped parsley or extra chives on top to add vibrant green color and a fresh burst of flavor. A light dusting of smoked paprika or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes can visually hint at the yummy spice inside.
Side Dishes
These steak bites are fantastic on their own but pairing them with comforting sides turns this into a complete meal everyone will love. Consider creamy mashed potatoes, garlic roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad. Even buttery dinner rolls or crusty bread work great for soaking up any leftover cowboy butter—nothing goes to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual party vibe, serve the steak bites on skewers with little bowls of melted cowboy butter for dipping. Alternatively, layer the bites over a bed of rice or creamy polenta for a hearty, beautiful plate. Individual ramekins of cowboy butter with the steak bites surrounding them also make an inviting and elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover steak bites and cowboy butter together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy that delicious flavor without starting from scratch.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, the cooked steak bites freeze nicely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag with a portion of the cowboy butter sealed separately to maintain freshness. Frozen, they’ll stay good for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a little extra cowboy butter or olive oil to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving directly to preserve the steak’s juicy texture and to reheat the butter sauce without breaking it.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for steak bites?
Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and ideal for quick searing, you can also use ribeye, tenderloin, or even flank steak for this recipe. Just be sure to cut the meat into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
Is the cowboy butter spicy?
The cowboy butter has a pleasant kick thanks to the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Can I prepare the cowboy butter in advance?
Yes, you can make the cowboy butter a day or two ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before using to get that perfect spreadable consistency.
What’s the best way to cut the sirloin for steak bites?
Cut the sirloin into 1-inch chunks for an ideal bite-sized portion that cooks quickly and evenly. Try to maintain consistent sizes for uniform cooking results.
Is olive oil the only oil I can use for cooking the steak bites?
While olive oil adds a nice flavor and good smoke point, you can substitute with avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or any neutral oil with a high smoke point if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe is pure comfort food with a sophisticated twist, perfect for any night you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy seared steak and that luscious, herb-packed butter is simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite to share with your loved ones!
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Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter is a flavorful and indulgent dish featuring tender sirloin pieces seared to perfection and coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and spices. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this recipe delivers bold flavors with a simple skillet-cooking method.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 2 pounds sirloin, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cowboy Butter
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature (for serving)
Instructions
- Get prepped: Mince the garlic and finely chop the parsley and chives. Measure out all other ingredients for the cowboy butter and cut the sirloin into 1-inch pieces so everything is ready before you start cooking.
- Make the cowboy butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of room temperature butter with garlic, parsley, chives, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir diligently until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Set this flavorful butter mixture aside.
- Cook the steak bites: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sirloin pieces in a single layer and cook until browned on all sides, about 4 minutes total. Transfer the cooked steak bites to a plate and set aside.
- Combine with cowboy butter: Add half of the prepared cowboy butter to the empty skillet. Let it melt and cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss well to coat each piece in the flavorful butter. Continue cooking everything together for 1-2 minutes until evenly warmed through.
- Serve: In a small bowl, melt the remaining cowboy butter in the microwave using 30-second increments. Serve the steak bites immediately with the melted butter on the side for dipping. Enjoy your rich and savory dish!
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to make mixing easier and ensure the butter blends well with the other ingredients.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet to allow even browning of steak bites.
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the cowboy butter.
- Serve the steak bites immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Leftover steak bites can be refrigerated and gently reheated, but fresh is ideal.
