Description
Dinner for Two: Garlic Butter Steak Bites (Date Night) is a fast, cozy steakhouse-style dinner you can make in one skillet. Juicy seared steak bites get tossed in garlicky butter and herbs—perfect for a romantic dinner at home with mashed potatoes, salad, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) sirloin steak (or strip/ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Pat steak cubes completely dry and season with salt and pepper.
- 2. Heat a heavy skillet over high heat until very hot; add oil and swirl.
- 3. Add steak in a single layer; sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned (work in batches if needed).
- 4. Transfer steak to a plate; reduce heat to medium.
- 5. Add butter to the skillet; when foamy, add garlic and thyme and stir 30–45 seconds.
- 6. Stir in Dijon if using, then return steak and any juices to the pan.
- 7. Toss steak bites in the garlic butter for 30–60 seconds to glaze.
- 8. Remove from heat; add parsley and lemon juice if using; taste and adjust salt.
- 9. Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, salad, or bread for dipping.
Notes
- A ripping-hot pan is the secret to browned edges and juicy centers.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; sear in batches so the meat browns instead of steams.
- Add garlic after searing to prevent bitterness from burning.
- For medium-rare bites, aim for about 130°F/54°C in the thickest piece.
- Let the steak rest 2 minutes before serving so juices stay inside.
- If the butter starts browning too fast, pull the pan off heat for a few seconds.
- Leftovers reheat best in a skillet with a splash of broth—microwaving can toughen steak.
- Sirloin is budget-friendly; tenderloin is the most tender option if you want a splurge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
Keywords: garlic butter steak bites, dinner for two, date night dinner, romantic dinner, easy steak recipe, one pan dinner