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Cowboy Butter Steak Bites Recipe


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4 from 41 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Juicy, pan-seared sirloin steak bites tossed in bold cowboy butter made with garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes. This quick and flavorful dish delivers rich, buttery, and slightly spicy flavors perfect as an easy dinner, appetizer, or protein-packed snack.


Ingredients

Steak Bites

  • lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Cowboy Butter Sauce

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh chives, chopped
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)


Instructions

  1. Season the Steak Bites: Pat the sirloin steak pieces dry with paper towels. In a bowl, season them evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to ensure flavorful bites.
  2. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking, preparing for a perfect sear.
  3. Sear the Steak Bites: Add the seasoned steak bites in a single layer to the hot skillet to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the pieces develop a nice brown crust. Remove the steak bites from the pan and set them aside.
  4. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add Flavorings: Stir in the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, chopped chives, and crushed red pepper flakes. Combine well to create a vibrant, flavorful butter sauce.
  6. Toss Steak Bites in Sauce: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet. Toss them thoroughly with the cowboy butter sauce until they are evenly coated and heated through.
  7. Final Cook and Serve: Cook the coated steak bites for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Serve immediately for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Sirloin steak is recommended for its flavor and tenderness, but ribeye or New York strip steaks also work very well.
  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure each steak bite sears properly and develops a nice crust.
  • You can add a splash of beef broth to the skillet when making the cowboy butter sauce for extra richness and more sauce.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American