EASY COWBOY BUTTER STEAK BITES

Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly seared steak bites, each one bursting with a rich, herby, and slightly spicy butter sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing a country tune. These Cowboy Butter Steak Bites are an absolute flavor explosion, and I promise you’ll be whipping them up again and again!

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites:

• 1.5 lbs Sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Cowboy Butter:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Talk Steak – Choosing the Right Cut

Picking the right steak is crucial for tender, juicy bites. I’ve found that sirloin works beautifully because it’s flavorful and relatively tender without breaking the bank. However, you could also use other cuts like:

• Filet Mignon: This is the most tender option, but it’s also the most expensive. If you’re feeling fancy, go for it!
• Ribeye: A well-marbled ribeye will give you incredible flavor, but be mindful of rendering the fat properly during cooking.
• New York Strip: Similar to sirloin, but slightly more tender.

No matter what cut you choose, make sure it’s about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for the best searing and cooking. Remember, thinner pieces tend to overcook faster!

Cowboy Butter – More Than Just Butter

Cowboy butter is the star of this dish, and it’s super easy to customize. Don’t be afraid to play around with the herbs and spices to find your perfect blend. Here are a few ideas:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch more cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Go Green: Experiment with different fresh herbs like oregano, cilantro, or even rosemary.
• Add Some Sweetness: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can add a delightful touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Prep the Steak

1. Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. This is KEY to getting a good sear! Excess moisture will steam the steak instead of searing it.
2. In a bowl, toss the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the steak is evenly coated.

Make the Cowboy Butter:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer a smoother butter, you can use a food processor to blend the ingredients.

Cook the Steak Bites:

1. Heat a large skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. You want the pan screaming hot!
2. Add the steak cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and prevent proper searing. Work in batches if necessary.
3. Sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
4. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.

Combine and Serve:

1. While the steak is resting (this is important for keeping them juicy!), add the cowboy butter to the hot skillet.
2. Let the butter melt and simmer for about a minute, stirring occasionally, until it is fragrant and slightly browned.
3. Add the seared steak bites back to the skillet and toss them in the cowboy butter until they are evenly coated.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or chives, if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Steak Bites

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Seriously, I can’t stress this enough. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and leads to steamed, not seared, steak.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your steak is cooked to your liking is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a steak bite.
• Let the Steak Rest: Resist the urge to dig in immediately! Letting the steak rest for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful bites.
• Don’t Be Afraid of the Heat: Medium-high heat is essential for getting that beautiful sear. Just be careful not to burn the butter!
• Customize the Butter: This is your chance to get creative! Add your favorite herbs, spices, or even a touch of sweetness to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions – Beyond the Bite

These Cowboy Butter Steak Bites are fantastic as an appetizer, but they can also be a main course! Here are some ideas:

• Serve them over mashed potatoes or rice: The cowboy butter makes a delicious sauce for these sides.
• Make steak bite tacos: Use small tortillas and top with your favorite taco toppings.
• Add them to a salad: These steak bites would be amazing on top of a Grilled Steak & Gorgonzola Salad With Balsamic Glaze.
• Alongside roasted vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers are great choices.

Other Steak Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a steak lover like me, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious recipes:

• Garlic Butter Steak Bites: A classic for a reason.
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites, Wow!: Another take on the garlic butter flavor, with a little extra something special.
• Juiciest Garlic Butter Steak Ever: A perfect standalone steak recipe.
• High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Ultimate: Craving garlic butter beef but want a set-and-forget meal? Look no further!
• Mediterranean Steak Bowl: For a fresh and vibrant take on steak.

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can:

• Microwave: This is the quickest option, but the steak might become a bit tough.
• Skillet: Reheat the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of butter or oil. This will help them retain their moisture and flavor.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and reheat the steak bites on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

These Cowboy Butter Steak Bites are seriously addictive, and I know you’re going to love how easy they are to make. So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). Happy cooking, my friend!