You can’t go wrong with rich, buttery steak for dinner – especially when it’s so flavorful and simple to prepare. This recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites is served with a side of cauliflower to keep the recipe lower in calories and carbohydrates. It’s also a great recipe for meal prep.
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There is no doubt that garlic, butter, and steak are the perfect trio of flavors. Recipes like Instant Pot Garlic Butter Short Ribs and Garlic Herb Steak Butter have been really popular!
But, one more garlicky, buttery recipe never hurt anyone, right? So here it is – the easiest, tastiest recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick and easy is the name of the game around here – for the most part. This dinner recipe takes around 30 minutes to make and doesn’t require a ton of ingredients. Most are pantry staples!
You can make this meal all in just one pan. The best recipes are the ones that are easy to clean up too!
This recipe is made with cauliflower, rather than potatoes. This keeps the recipe low carb, keto friendly, and gluten free.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites
What You Need to Make This Recipe
This tasty recipe is made from just a handful of basic ingredients including strips of beef, cauliflower florets, garlic, fresh thyme, butter salt, and pepper.
Prep!
Cut the head of cauliflower into bite size florets. Cut the steak into bite size pieces or strips.
Tip: look for already cut beef bites or strips in the meat section of the grocery store. This can save you a little time.
Strip the leaves from the stems of thyme.
Tip: while you can always substitute half the amount of dried herbs for fresh, in most recipes, fresh is so much better.
Create!
Season the pieces of steak with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
In a large, deep skillet or cast iron pan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium-high heat.
Add the steak and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. This will take about 7-10 minutes depending on the size and thickness of the beef. Remove to a plate.
Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and the cauliflower florets to the hot pan. Season with the remaining salt and pepper.
Cook, stirring often, until just fork-tender, about 7-10 minutes depending on the size of the florets. Remove to a plate.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the hot pan.
Stir in the minced garlic and thyme. Cook, stirring constantly, for one minute, then add back in the steak and cauliflower and toss to coat.
Cook an additional minute or two until warm.
Present!
Garnish with extra fresh thyme, if desired.
Tips and Techniques
- To save time you can purchase pre-cut beef strips or pieces, like those used in stir-fry recipes. Stew meat is not recommended as it tends to be from tougher cuts that need to cook low and slow.
- Using fresh thyme is highly recommended for the best flavor. If you need to use dried, use half the amount called for in the recipe.
- Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3 days.
FAQ’s
- What are the most tender cuts of beef? The most tender cuts of beef come from the tenderloin, but are typically the most expensive – think filet mignon. Other tender cuts are flat iron, New York strip, porterhouse, and T-bone.
More Low Carb Skillet Recipes to Try
Skillet recipes are perfect for busy weeknights. They are usually pretty quick, easy, and don’t leave you with a ton of pots and pans to clean up.
This Keto Cajun Jambalaya has a combination of shrimp, chicken, and sausage for loads of flavor. It’s delicious served over cauliflower rice. If you’re not following a low carb diet, you can use regular rice.
This recipe for Skillet Creamy Lemon Chicken with Cauliflower has been really popular throughout the year and is super easy to make. You might also like this recipe for Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Carbonara.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 2 pounds steak * cut into strips or bites
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter * divided
- 1 head cauliflower * cut into florets
- 6 cloves garlic * minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Season the pieces of steak with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
- In a large, deep skillet or cast iron pan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and the cauliflower florets to the hot pan. Season with the remaining salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring often, until just fork-tender, about 7-10 minutes depending on the size of the florets. Remove to a plate.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the hot pan.
- Stir in the minced garlic and thyme.
- Cook for one minute, then stir back in the steak and cauliflower.
- Garnish with extra fresh thyme, if desired.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- Pat the Steak Dry: Removing excess moisture helps create a better sear and gives the steak a beautiful golden crust.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Too much steak in the skillet lowers the temperature and causes steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a Hot Skillet: A properly heated cast iron skillet creates the best caramelization and flavor.
- Choose Tender Cuts: Sirloin offers a great balance of flavor and affordability, while ribeye and tenderloin create extra tender steak bites.
- How to Keep Steak Bites Tender and Juicy: Avoid overcooking the beef. Use an instant-read thermometer and remove the steak from the heat as soon as it reaches your preferred temperature. Letting the steak rest briefly before serving also helps retain moisture.
Variations
- Add Fresh Herbs: Try rosemary, thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms before cooking the steak for an easy steakhouse-inspired meal.
- Add Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, green beans or cauliflower rice for a complete low carb dinner.
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cauliflower is perfect for our weekend dinner. My husband really loves steak and I’m sure this will be his new favorite.
Erika says
This looks like the perfect dinner. The steak looks so mouthwatering. I can’t wait to try this!
Danielle says
Yum! I love the delicious combo of steak and cauliflower here!
Liz Madsen says
Looks so delicious! Nice presentation!
thisiswholesome says
I love that this is low carb and healthy. It’s just what I was looking for in a yummy dinner.