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An overhead close-up shot of perfectly seared steak bites in a cast iron skillet, glistening with cowboy butter sauce and fresh herbs.

Cowboy Butter Steak Bites: The Ultimate 20-Minute Recipe

These unbelievably juicy Cowboy Butter Steak Bites feature perfectly seared sirloin cubes tossed in a zesty garlic herb butter sauce. An irresistible steak dinner or appetizer ready in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Steak Bites
  • 1.5 lbs sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Cowboy Butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 shallot finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Equipment

  • 1 Large Cast-Iron Skillet
  • 1 Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Pat the steak cubes completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until it's just starting to smoke. Add the steak bites in a single layer, ensuring not to crowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. Work in batches if necessary. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and shallot and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, chives, thyme, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Let it simmer for a minute for the flavors to meld.
  5. Return the seared steak bites to the skillet. Toss to coat the steak in the cowboy butter sauce. Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the top.

Notes

Tip 1: Ensure the steak is completely dry before searing for the best crust.
Tip 2: Use high heat and do not overcrowd the pan to ensure the steak bites sear rather than steam.
Tip 3: Fresh herbs are highly recommended for the best flavor in the cowboy butter.