There’s something unbeatable about juicy steak bites coated in rich, garlicky cowboy butter.
These Cowboy Butter Steak Bites are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Serve them with extra cowboy butter for dipping, and you’ll have a dish everyone will be talking about.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy—ready in under 15 minutes.
The steak stays tender and juicy with a perfect sear.
Cowboy butter adds a savory, garlicky, and slightly tangy kick.
Perfect for entertaining or an indulgent weeknight meal.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Top sirloin or ribeye steak gives the best flavor and tenderness.
Extra virgin olive oil helps achieve a golden-brown sear.
Cowboy butter (made with garlic, herbs, lemon juice, and spices) brings bold flavor.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Pat steak dry before cooking to help it sear, not steam.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches for even browning.
Let the steak rest briefly before serving to lock in juices.
Serve with extra cowboy butter for maximum flavor.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Steak Bites
Step 1 – Sear the steak
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add steak in a single layer and cook 1½–2 minutes without moving.
Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until desired doneness.
Step 2 – Add the cowboy butter
Reduce heat to medium, add half the cowboy butter to the skillet, and toss steak to coat.
Cook for 1 more minute until butter is melted and steak is glazed.
Step 3 – Serve
Melt remaining cowboy butter in the microwave and serve alongside steak bites for dipping or drizzling.
What to Serve Them With
Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Crusty bread to soak up the butter sauce.
A crisp salad for balance.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap steak for chicken or shrimp.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice.
Use ghee instead of butter for a richer flavor.
Storage & Leftovers
Store cooled steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter.
Not recommended for freezing as the texture may change.
FAQs
What is cowboy butter?
It’s a compound butter made with garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, New York strip, tenderloin, or flat iron work well.
Do I need to marinate the steak first?
Not necessary—cowboy butter adds plenty of flavor.
How do I know when the steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer—130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the cowboy butter.
Can I grill the steak bites instead?
Yes, skewer them and grill over high heat for 1–2 minutes per side.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Butter Steak Bites are a bold, flavorful way to enjoy tender beef in minutes.
With rich, garlicky butter for coating and dipping, they’re perfect for weeknights, holidays, or any time you’re craving something indulgent.
Cowboy Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak in a single layer and sear for 1½–2 minutes without moving.
- Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until desired doneness.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add half the cowboy butter to the skillet and toss to coat steak.
- Cook 1 minute until butter melts and steak is glazed.
- Melt remaining cowboy butter in the microwave.
- Serve alongside steak bites for dipping or drizzling.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/cowboy-butter-steak-bites/
Notes
- Pat steak pieces dry before cooking for a better sear.
- Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to ensure a crisp crust.
- Cowboy butter can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to a month.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.