Here is a recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites that yields deliciously flavorful and tender bites of steak. I'll also include some tips on cooking techniques and suggestions for variations.
**Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe**
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs steak ( ribeye, strip loin, or sirloin), cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
* 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
**Variations:**
* **Bacon-Wrapped Steak Bites:** Wrap each steak cube with a piece of bacon (about 2-3 pieces per cube) before cooking.
* **Spicy Steak Bites:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce (e.g., Frank's RedHot or sriracha) to the garlic butter mixture for an extra kick.
* **Mushroom-Infused Steak Bites:** Add 1/4 cup of sautéed mushrooms (e.g., button, cremini, or shiitake) to the garlic butter mixture for added flavor.
**Cooking Steps:**
1. **Preheat**: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Season**: In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you want to use (e.g., paprika, dried thyme). Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the steak cubes, making sure they're all coated.
3. **Sear**: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they develop a nice crust. Remove the steak cubes from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. **Garlic Butter**: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly softened. Remove from heat.
5. **Combine**: Add the cooked steak cubes to the garlic butter mixture and toss to coat evenly.
6. **Bake**: Place the garlic butter-coated steak cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. (For medium-rare, they'll take around 8-10 minutes; for medium, 10-12 minutes.) **Note:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, and 150°F (65°C) for medium-well.
7. **Rest**: Remove the steak bites from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the bites even more tender and flavorful.
**Tips on Cooking Techniques:**
* **Don't overcook**: Steak bites can quickly become overcooked and tough. Make sure to check their temperature regularly, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Use a thermometer**: A thermometer will help you ensure the steak bites reach your desired level of doneness.
* **Don't overcrowd**: Cook the steak bites in batches if necessary, to prevent overcrowding the skillet or baking sheet. This ensures they cook evenly and don't steam instead of sear.
* **Let them rest**: Allow the steak bites to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them more tender and flavorful.
**Presentation:**
* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
* Serve immediately, or let them cool and reheat later.
**Storage:**
* If you need to store the cooked steak bites, let them cool completely and refrigerate them for up to 3 days.
* Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Steak Bites!