If you’re searching for a meal that is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor and keto-friendly, look no further than these keto Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Perfectly seared steak pieces cooked in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce—this dish is a dream come true for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle. Whether you’re preparing dinner, lunch, or even a hearty snack, these steak bites are sure to impress your taste buds while keeping your diet on track.
Imagine tender, juicy bites of steak infused with aromatic garlic and a touch of fresh herbs, all coming together in a savory butter sauce. This recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds but also incredibly simple to execute, making it ideal for both experienced and novice cooks alike. Ready in less than 20 minutes, it’s a perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
What’s more, this meal is rich in protein, low in carbs, and gluten-free—making it a fantastic option for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet. So, let’s dive into how you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in no time!
Ingredients for Keto Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Before we get into the step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delectable dish, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need. These ingredients are simple yet pack a punch in terms of flavor.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) of steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil for higher smoke point)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a bit of acidity)
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:
- Red pepper flakes (for a hint of heat)
- 1 teaspoon of rosemary (fresh or dried)
Tools You Will Need
To prepare this recipe, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- A large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan (for optimal searing)
- Tongs (to easily turn the steak bites)
- A sharp chef’s knife (for cutting the steak into bite-sized pieces)
- A spatula (for stirring the garlic butter)
- A small bowl (for setting aside the garlic butter mixture)
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s walk through the detailed steps to make the perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure your steak bites are seared to perfection and bursting with flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start by prepping your steak. Choose a high-quality cut such as sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin, as these cuts offer the best balance of tenderness and flavor.
- Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces:
- Use a sharp knife to cut your steak into 1-inch cubes. Ensure that each piece is uniformly sized to promote even cooking.
- Season the Steak Bites:
- Generously season your steak bites with salt and pepper on all sides. Massage the seasoning into the meat for better absorption. This will help the steak develop a nice crust when seared.
- Rest the Meat:
- Let the steak pieces rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will ensure a more even cook when they hit the hot pan.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
To get a good sear on your steak bites, you need a properly heated pan.
- Preheat the Skillet:
- Place your cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat. Let it heat up for about 2-3 minutes before adding any oil. A hot pan is essential for achieving a great crust.
- Add Olive Oil:
- Once the pan is hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or avocado oil). Olive oil has a relatively high smoke point, but for extra safety, you can use avocado oil, which is even more heat-resistant.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
- Sear in Batches:
- To avoid overcrowding the pan, cook the steak bites in batches. Overcrowding will cause the steak to steam instead of searing, resulting in a lackluster texture.
- Place the steak pieces in the pan, ensuring they are spaced apart. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes, until a golden-brown crust forms. Avoid flipping too often to let the crust develop.
- Remove and Rest:
- Once each batch is beautifully seared, remove the steak bites from the pan and set them aside to rest on a plate. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Now comes the most flavorful part of this recipe—making the garlic butter sauce!
- Melt the Butter:
- In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the 4 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt slowly, scraping up any browned bits left in the pan from the steak. These bits are packed with flavor!
- Add the Garlic:
- Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
- Add Herbs and Lemon Juice:
- Stir in the fresh thyme (or dried thyme) and any additional herbs you’re using, such as rosemary or parsley. If you like, squeeze a bit of lemon juice into the butter mixture to add a bright, acidic note that cuts through the richness of the butter and steak.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the Steak Bites to the Pan:
- Once the garlic butter sauce is ready, return the seared steak bites to the pan. Toss them in the sauce to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Finish Cooking:
- Let the steak bites cook for an additional 1-2 minutes in the garlic butter sauce, just enough to warm them through and allow them to soak up the flavor.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the steak bites with freshly chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for each serving:
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 23g
- Fats: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Net Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
This makes it a perfectly balanced keto meal—high in fat, moderate in protein, and extremely low in carbs!
Notes & Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Choosing the Right Cut:
- For the juiciest and most flavorful steak bites, opt for a well-marbled cut like ribeye or tenderloin. Sirloin is a leaner option but still works well for this recipe.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
- Overcrowding the pan will steam the steak instead of searing it. Work in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets a good crust.
- Keep an Eye on the Garlic:
- Garlic can burn quickly, especially in a hot pan. Reduce the heat when adding garlic and stir constantly to avoid bitterness.
- Make it Spicy:
- For those who love a bit of heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. The spice pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter and steak.
- Storage & Reheating:
- While these steak bites are best served fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Is This Recipe for Dinner, Lunch, or a Snack?
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a quick, satisfying dinner or lunch. They’re also perfect for meal prepping in advance. If you’re looking for a hearty snack to keep you full and energized, this recipe will also do the trick, especially for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple yet incredibly flavorful Keto Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality steak meal at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or family, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your keto meal rotation. Enjoy!
