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Are you looking for a tasty dish that’s easy to make? Garlic Butter Beef Bites are the answer! This dish combines the rich flavors of tender beef, savory garlic, and fresh herbs. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that impresses your family and friends. Let’s dive into the simple steps to make this mouth-watering treat that everyone will love!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs creates a rich and savory flavor that enhances the beef beautifully.
- Versatile Serving Options: These beef bites can be served as a hearty appetizer or as a main dish paired with sides, making them adaptable for any occasion.
- Customizable Heat: The optional crushed red pepper flakes allow you to adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy them.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound beef tenderloin or sirloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper to taste
The main ingredients are key to making these beef bites shine. You want good beef, so choose tenderloin or sirloin. These cuts are soft and cook well. The unsalted butter adds a rich, creamy flavor that mixes perfectly with the garlic. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley bring bright notes that balance the dish. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky flavor, while salt and black pepper enhance all the tastes.
Optional Ingredients
– Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
– Additional garnishes for presentation
If you like some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick to the dish. For a pretty finish, consider extra garnishes. Fresh herbs work well here, making your dish look great on the table. These small touches add a lot to the overall feel of your meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Beef
First, we need to season the beef cubes. Take your pound of beef tenderloin or sirloin. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. Generously sprinkle salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika over them. This adds great flavor.
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it bubbles. Place the seasoned beef in a single layer. Sear the beef for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a nice brown crust. This step seals in the juices.
Once browned, remove the beef bites from the skillet. Set them aside on a plate. This keeps them warm while you make the sauce.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt completely. Then, add 6 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic; we want a fragrant aroma.
Now, return the beef bites to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic butter. Make sure every piece is well coated. This is where the magic happens! Add the finely chopped rosemary and parsley. Stir to combine. If you like spice, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
Final Cooking Steps
Cook everything for an additional 1-2 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. The beef absorbs the garlic butter goodness. It’s a wonderful mix of savory and fresh.
Now it’s time to serve! For a great presentation, use a wooden platter or a cast-iron skillet. Garnish with extra herbs for color. If you serve these as an appetizer, add toothpicks for easy grabbing. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter beef bites!
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Beef Bites
To get beef bites just right, first, think about doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temp of 130°F to 135°F. Use a meat thermometer for the best results. Sear the beef cubes for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This creates a nice brown crust while keeping the inside tender.
Next, manage your cooking temperature. Start with medium-high heat to brown the beef. Once browned, reduce the heat to medium when adding garlic. This prevents burning and keeps flavors fresh.
Enhancing Flavor and Presentation
Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Use high-quality beef for great taste. Fresh garlic and herbs like rosemary and parsley add zest to the dish. They bring life to the garlic butter sauce.
For presentation, serve the beef bites on a wooden platter or in a cast-iron skillet. This gives a rustic look. Garnish with extra herbs for color. If hosting, add toothpicks for easy serving. This makes it fun and simple for guests to enjoy.
Pro Tips
- Choosing the Right Cut: Opt for beef tenderloin or sirloin for the best flavor and tenderness in your beef bites.
- Perfect Searing: Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the beef to achieve a nice crust; avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Garlic Timing: Add the minced garlic only after the beef is removed from the pan to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Herb Freshness: Use fresh rosemary and parsley for the best flavor; dried herbs will not provide the same aromatic quality.

Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can mix it up with different cuts of beef. Try using ribeye or flank steak. These cuts have great flavor and can work well. Just remember to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
You can also change the herbs and spices. Instead of rosemary, use thyme or oregano. They add a nice touch. If you want a bit of heat, try cayenne pepper instead of smoked paprika. Adjust based on what you like.
Dietary Modifications
To make this dish gluten-free, check your spices for hidden gluten. Use gluten-free seasoning if needed. The rest of the ingredients are already gluten-free.
For a vegetarian version, you can swap the beef for mushrooms. Portobello or shiitake mushrooms work well. They soak up the garlic butter and taste amazing. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re tender.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your garlic butter beef bites fresh, store them right. First, let them cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. This will keep them from drying out. You can also use glass containers for easy reheating later. Remember to label the container with the date.
Refrigerate your beef bites for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag. They will stay good for up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
Reheating beef bites is easy! Start by taking them out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
To reheat, use the stovetop for the best flavor. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to the pan. Then, place the beef bites in the skillet. Heat them for about five minutes, turning them often. This way, they will warm up evenly and stay juicy.
If you are in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place the beef bites in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your tasty beef bites!
FAQs
How do I choose the best cut of beef for this recipe?
For this dish, I recommend using beef tenderloin or sirloin. Both cuts are tender and flavorful. Tenderloin is softer, while sirloin has more beefy taste. When picking your beef, look for bright red color and some marbling. The marbling adds flavor and juiciness. Always choose high-quality beef for the best results.
Can I use frozen beef for this dish, and how should I adjust cooking times?
Yes, you can use frozen beef. Just remember to thaw it properly first. The best way is to place it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave on defrost. Cook times might change slightly. Be sure to check the beef’s doneness. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Beef Bites?
These beef bites pair well with many sides. Try serving them with:
– Creamy mashed potatoes
– Garlic bread
– A fresh garden salad
– Roasted vegetables
– Rice or quinoa
You can also place them on a charcuterie board for a fun appetizer. Add some cheese and olives for a tasty spread.
This blog post covered a quick and tasty garlic butter beef bites recipe. We looked at key ingredients like beef, butter, garlic, and fresh herbs. You learned how to prepare, cook, and serve these bites perfectly. I shared tips on achieving the right doneness and enhancing flavor. You also discovered storage methods and answers to common questions about the dish.
Now you are ready to impress friends and family with this delicious recipe. Enjoy making it, and have fun in your kitche
Savory Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Delicious bite-sized beef cubes sautéed in garlic butter with fresh herbs.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal
- 1 pound beef tenderloin or sirloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste salt and black pepper
- optional crushed red pepper flakes for heat
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat.
Season the beef cubes generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the beef cubes to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
Remove the beef bites from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Return the beef bites to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic butter mixture until well coated.
Add the chopped rosemary and parsley, stirring to combine. If you like some heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes.
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Serve on a wooden platter or in a cast-iron skillet, garnished with fresh herbs.
Keyword appetizer, beef, butter, garlic
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