Juicy Grilled Garlic-Butter Steak Bites Ready in 20 Minutes

These grilled garlic-butter steak bites deliver everything you love about a steakhouse dinner in a quick, shareable recipe. Each piece is seasoned simply, grilled over high heat and finished with warm garlic-herb butter after it leaves the flame.

The entire recipe takes approximately 20 minutes, making it perfect for an easy outdoor dinner, game-day appetizer or backyard party. Cook the steak bites in a grill basket or thread them onto skewers so they stay safely above the grates.

Grilled Garlic-Butter Steak Bites

Prep time: 12 minutes
Cooking time: 6–8 minutes
Total time: Approximately 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds sirloin steak or New York strip
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Optional lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

• Outdoor grill
• Perforated grill basket or metal skewers
• Instant-read food thermometer
• Small saucepan or grill-safe skillet

How to Make Garlic-Butter Steak Bites on the Grill

1. Cut and Dry the Steak

Trim away any large or tough pieces of exterior fat. Cut the steak into approximately 1¼-inch cubes, keeping the pieces as uniform as possible so they finish cooking at roughly the same time.

Pat the steak thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture helps the meat brown instead of steaming.

2. Season the Steak Bites

Place the steak pieces in a large bowl. Add the oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika and onion powder. Toss until each piece is lightly and evenly coated.

You can season the meat immediately before grilling or refrigerate it for up to several hours. If refrigerated, keep it covered until you are ready to cook.

3. Preheat the Grill

Preheat the grill to high heat, approximately 450–500°F. Place a perforated grill basket on the grates while the grill preheats. A hot basket helps create better browning and reduces sticking.

If using skewers, thread the meat onto metal skewers without packing the pieces tightly together. A small amount of space allows heat to circulate around the steak.

4. Grill Over High Heat

Arrange the steak bites in the hot grill basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket. Close the lid and cook for approximately 2–3 minutes.

Turn the pieces and continue grilling for another 2–4 minutes, rotating them as needed to brown multiple sides. Cooking time will vary according to the meat’s size, starting temperature and the heat of the grill.

Check one of the largest pieces with an instant-read thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking whole cuts of beef to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F followed by a three-minute rest.

5. Make the Garlic-Herb Butter

While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan or grill-safe skillet over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for approximately 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.

Remove the butter from the heat and stir in the parsley and thyme. Do not pour butter over the steak while it is directly above the flame, as dripping butter may cause flare-ups.

6. Finish and Rest

Transfer the cooked steak bites to a clean serving platter. Pour the warm garlic-herb butter over the meat and toss gently to coat.

Allow the steak to rest for at least three minutes before serving. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.

How to Prevent Steak Bites From Falling Through the Grates

A perforated grill basket is the easiest option because it allows the steak to contact high heat while keeping small pieces contained. Metal skewers are another good choice, especially if you want to serve the steak as an appetizer.

If using wooden skewers, soak them according to their package directions and keep exposed ends away from direct flame. Never place loose steak cubes directly on widely spaced grill grates.

Tips for the Best Grilled Steak Bites

• Choose the right cut: Sirloin provides a good balance of flavor, tenderness and value. New York strip or ribeye can also be used.
• Keep the pieces uniform: Similar-size cubes cook more evenly.
• Dry the surface: Moisture makes browning more difficult.
• Preheat thoroughly: The grill and basket should be hot before the steak is added.
• Leave room between pieces: Overcrowding traps steam and reduces browning.
• Cook by temperature: Grills and steak pieces vary, so use a thermometer instead of relying solely on time.
• Add butter after grilling: This preserves its flavor and helps prevent flare-ups.
• Serve promptly: Steak bites are at their best immediately after resting.

Easy Ways to Serve Steak Bites

Serve the garlic-butter steak bites as a main course with grilled vegetables, a baked potato or a fresh salad. For a party, place toothpicks beside the platter and offer horseradish sauce, garlic aioli or chimichurri for dipping.

You can also use them in:

• Steak tacos
• Loaded baked potatoes
• Rice or grain bowls
• Steak salads
• Toasted sandwich rolls
• Game-day appetizer platters

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Quick recipes become even easier when your grill, preparation space, refrigeration and storage are arranged in one organized outdoor cooking area.

Sunzout offers customizable outdoor kitchens, built-in grills, griddles, outdoor refrigerators, ice makers, storage cabinets and beverage appliances. Whether you need a compact grill station or a complete backyard entertainment kitchen, Sunzout can help you plan a layout around the way you cook.

Visit SunzoutOutdoor.com to explore outdoor kitchens, grills and cooking appliances. Sunzout ships products and ready-to-assemble outdoor-kitchen systems nationwide and offers free 3D design assistance before you order. Installation and utility connections are completed locally by qualified professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steak is best for grilled steak bites?

Sirloin is an excellent choice because it is flavorful, relatively lean and easy to cut into uniform pieces. New York strip and ribeye can also work, although ribeye may create more flare-ups because of its additional fat.

Can I prepare the steak bites ahead of time?

Yes. Cut and season the meat several hours ahead, then keep it covered in the refrigerator. Do not leave raw steak sitting at room temperature for extended periods.

Can I use a griddle instead of a grill basket?

Yes. A built-in outdoor griddle creates excellent surface contact and makes it easy to turn the pieces. Cook in batches so the steak sears instead of steaming.

Why should the garlic butter be added after grilling?

Butter can drip into the grill and cause flare-ups. Adding it after the steak leaves the heat also helps preserve the fresh garlic and herb flavors.

What temperature should steak bites reach?

The USDA recommends cooking whole cuts of beef to at least 145°F and allowing the meat to rest for three minutes. Check the center of one of the largest pieces with a food thermometer.

How should leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container promptly. Reheat them gently to avoid making the steak tough or overcooked.