Cowboy Butter Steak Bites sizzling in skillet with cowboy butter sauce | recipesbybrad.comJuicy steak bites coated in flavorful cowboy butter sauce, served hot from a skillet.
🥩 How to Make Cowboy Butter Steak Bites | Easy 30-Minute Recipe
Quick Overview
Bring the wild west to your dinner table with these mouthwatering Cowboy Butter Steak Bites. This recipe delivers tender pieces of juicy steak tossed in a bold and zesty cowboy butter sauce. With just a few simple steps and ingredients you likely already have, you can create a hearty meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer in under 30 minutes. These buttery steak bites explode with flavor thanks to fresh herbs, garlic, and a little kick of heat—making them the perfect choice for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key to incredible Cowboy Butter Steak Bites lies in using quality ingredients that highlight both the savory beef and the rich flavors of the cowboy butter sauce. Here is everything you need for this delicious dish:
Sirloin Steak (1 ½ pounds)
Sirloin offers an ideal balance between tenderness and beefy flavor at an affordable price. Cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking; try to keep them uniform for best results.
Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
Seasoning is key for drawing out the natural flavors of the beef. Use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper before searing for maximum taste.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)
A small amount of olive oil helps develop a beautiful crust on each steak bite while preventing sticking in your hot skillet or pan.
Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons)
The foundation of cowboy butter—adds richness and creates a luscious sauce that coats each piece of steak perfectly.
Fresh Garlic (5 cloves, minced)
Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with robust flavor that complements both the beef and the herbs.
Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons)
Lemon juice brightens up the sauce and balances out the richness of the butter with just a touch of acidity.
Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon)
Dijon mustard adds tanginess and depth, giving the cowboy butter its signature zing without overpowering other flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon)
Red pepper flakes introduce gentle heat to every bite; adjust amount based on your spice preference for milder or bolder taste.
Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon)
Smoked paprika contributes subtle smokiness that matches beautifully with seared beef and enhances flavor complexity.
Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped)
Chopped parsley brings freshness to every bite. It also makes the finished dish look inviting with vibrant green color.
Chives or Green Onions (1 tablespoon, thinly sliced)
Chives or green onions provide mild onion notes that pair well with both garlic and herbs in cowboy butter.
Step By step Recipe: Cowboy Butter Steak Bites
This guide will help you make perfect Cowboy Butter Steak Bites every time by dividing each part into clear steps.
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
Begin by patting your sirloin steak dry using paper towels. This step removes excess moisture which helps create a flavorful crust when seared. Cut your sirloin into even 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking throughout. Season generously on all sides with kosher salt as well as freshly ground black pepper right before cooking to enhance natural flavors.
Step 2: Sear Steak Bites in Hot Skillet
Add olive oil to a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Place steak cubes in a single layer—avoid overcrowding so they brown instead of steam. Sear undisturbed for about 90 seconds per side until a golden crust forms yet centers stay tender. Work in batches if needed for best results.
Step 3: Remove Steak & Make Cowboy Butter Sauce
Once all pieces are well-seared and cooked through to your desired doneness (usually about three minutes total), transfer them to a plate loosely covered with foil to keep warm. Lower heat slightly then add unsalted butter directly into the same skillet along with minced garlic; cook gently until fragrant but not browned, stirring constantly.
Step 4: Add Flavor Layers To The Sauce
Add lemon juice and Dijon mustard into melted butter-garlic mixture while stirring steadily so everything blends smoothly. Sprinkle smoked paprika plus red pepper flakes over it then stir again until all aromatics are fully incorporated into your bubbling cowboy butter base.
Step 5: Finish With Herbs & Combine Everything
Add chopped parsley as well as chives or green onions into your skillet once you turn off heat so herbs remain fresh but infuse their flavor into warm sauce. Return cooked steak bites back into pan then toss thoroughly until each piece is coated evenly in rich cowboy butter.
Serving and Storing Tips
How To Serve Cowboy Butter Steak Bites
You can serve these tasty steak bites right from the skillet on toothpick skewers for appetizers or spooned over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Perfect Pairings For Your Meal
Cowboy Butter Steak Bites pair nicely with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli as well as crunchy bread that sops up extra sauce left in your pan.
Storing Leftovers Properly
Let leftover Cowboy Butter Steak Bites cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in your refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat again, reheat gently over low heat on your stove or enjoy cold atop salads.
Freezing For Longer Storage
If you’d like to keep leftovers longer, freeze cooled steak bites along with any extra cowboy butter sauce in freezer-safe containers up to two months. Thaw overnight in your refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating Without Drying Out
For best texture when reheating refrigerated or thawed leftovers, use low heat on the stovetop while occasionally tossing so they warm through without becoming tough or losing their buttery coating.
Keeping It Fresh For Entertaining
If making ahead for parties or gatherings, prepare everything except tossing with herbs which can be added right before serving—this keeps both color and flavor bright.
Mistakes to avoid
Preparing Cowboy Butter Steak Bites can be simple, but a few mistakes may impact the flavor and texture. Avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.
Overcrowding the Pan
If you place too many steak bites in your skillet at once, they will steam instead of sear. This mistake prevents the pieces from developing that perfect crust, resulting in a less flavorful bite. Always cook steak bites in batches, allowing enough room between each piece. This way, each bite will have a caramelized exterior and juicy center, making every mouthful delicious.
Skipping Meat Rest Time
Many home cooks skip letting their steak rest after cooking. When you cut into steak bites immediately, juices escape and leave the meat dry. Resting for even five minutes lets juices redistribute, keeping your Cowboy Butter Steak Bites tender and juicy. Always set aside cooked steak on a plate loosely covered with foil before serving or tossing with cowboy butter sauce.
Using Cold Steak
Cooking steak straight from the refrigerator can cause uneven cooking. Cold steak bites take longer to brown and may remain tough inside. To achieve even searing and tender results, bring your meat to room temperature for about thirty minutes before cooking. This small step helps your Cowboy Butter Steak Bites cook quickly while staying juicy throughout.
Neglecting Seasoning
Some people rely only on the cowboy butter sauce for flavor, forgetting to season the steak itself. Lightly salt and pepper your steak bites before searing to develop rich flavor that complements the zesty buttery sauce. Skipping this step may result in bland bites, so always season meat directly for incredible taste all around.
Tips and tricks
The right techniques can make Cowboy Butter Steak Bites irresistible every time. Use these expert tips to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
Select the Right Cut of Beef
Choosing a tender cut is key for melt-in-your-mouth Cowboy Butter Steak Bites. Ribeye or sirloin are excellent choices as they offer great marbling without being overly fatty. Cut your beef into uniform pieces around one inch thick to promote even cooking. If you use tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak, consider marinating them first to boost tenderness and flavor absorption before cooking.
Make Cowboy Butter Ahead of Time
Create your cowboy butter in advance by blending softened butter with fresh garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and herbs like thyme or chives. Preparing it early allows flavors to meld beautifully and saves time during meal prep. Store it in the fridge until just before tossing with freshly cooked steak bites for maximum impact.
Sear Over High Heat
A hot pan is crucial for achieving a flavorful crust on each steak bite. Preheat your cast iron skillet or heavy pan until it’s nearly smoking before adding oil and beef pieces in batches. Sear quickly on all sides—usually just one or two minutes per side—to lock in juices while developing deep color without overcooking the interior.
Add Sauce Off Heat
Once the steak is perfectly cooked, remove it from direct heat before tossing with cowboy butter sauce. Adding butter sauce off heat keeps it creamy rather than greasy or separating due to high temperatures. Letting melted cowboy butter coat warm steak ensures every bite gets that zesty richness without burning delicate flavors or herbs in the sauce.
Suggestions for Cowboy Butter Steak Bites
Cowboy Butter Steak Bites pair well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to round out your meal beautifully.
Serve With Roasted Vegetables
Pair your Cowboy Butter Steak Bites with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal full of color and nutrients. The savory richness of the butter sauce complements earthy roasted veggies perfectly while adding visual appeal to any plate.
Add Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with roasted garlic work wonderfully as a base for these savory steak bites. The buttery potatoes absorb extra cowboy butter sauce, creating a satisfying combination that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
Include Crusty Bread for Dipping
A side of warm crusty bread makes an excellent companion because it soaks up any leftover cowboy butter sauce from the plate. Whether you choose baguette slices or rustic sourdough chunks, bread adds heartiness while letting nothing go to waste at mealtime!
FAQs
What cut of beef works best for Cowboy Butter Steak Bites?
The most popular cuts are ribeye and sirloin because they deliver tenderness and great flavor without much effort. For chewier cuts like flank or skirt steak, marinate beforehand to improve texture before preparing this dish for optimal results every time you cook it at home.
Can I make Cowboy Butter ahead of time?
You can prepare cowboy butter several days ahead if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bringing it to room temperature before use makes mixing easier when tossing freshly cooked steak bites so everything coats evenly without clumping together unexpectedly during final assembly.
How do I prevent my Cowboy Butter Steak Bites from getting tough?
The key is not to overcook them; high heat searing develops a crust while keeping centers juicy if you only cook each side briefly—about one minute per side depending on thickness—and let them rest afterward so juices stay locked inside where they belong instead of leaking out prematurely!
Is there a way to make Cowboy Butter Steak Bites spicy?
If you want more heat in your recipe, simply increase red pepper flakes or add finely diced jalapeno when mixing up the cowboy butter sauce ingredients! Taste as you go so spice levels meet everyone’s preference at your table without overpowering other vibrant flavors present in this zesty dish.
Can I use chicken instead of beef for Cowboy Butter Steak Bites?
You can substitute chicken breast pieces if desired; follow all steps as directed but adjust cook time since chicken may require slightly longer per side compared to beef cubes depending on thickness—always check doneness using a thermometer for food safety assurance!
Summary
Cowboy Butter Steak Bites are quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing when made correctly using quality beef and fresh ingredients for the zesty buttery sauce. Remember not to overcrowd your pan and allow steaks to rest post-cooking for juiciness. Pair them with favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for an unforgettable meal bursting with savory richness!
Cowboy Butter Steak Bites
Savor juicy steak cubes seared to perfection and tossed in a zesty, herb-packed cowboy butter sauce for an irresistible, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak (or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Instructions
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add half of the steak cubes in a single layer. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side, until deeply browned and just cooked through. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining oil and steak cubes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add butter and let melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk to combine and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in parsley, chives, and thyme. Return seared steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat well in cowboy butter sauce.
- Sauté for another 1–2 minutes, just until steak is warmed through and glistening with sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan
- Tongs
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Zester or microplane
- Mixing spoon or whisk
- Measuring spoons and cups
Notes
- For best browning, do not overcrowd the skillet; cook steak bites in batches as needed.
- Swap sirloin with ribeye or New York strip for extra tenderness and flavor.
- You can add a splash of hot sauce to the cowboy butter for extra heat.
- The cowboy butter sauce is also delicious on grilled chicken or shrimp!
Allergy Information
- Contains: Dairy (butter), Mustard
- Optional Substitutions: Use plant-based butter for dairy-free; omit Dijon or use dairy-free, mustard-free alternatives if needed.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~440
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 33g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 630mg