How to Make Cowboy Butter Steak Bites in 20 Minutes

Craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes? These Cowboy Butter Steak Bites deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort, combining tender steak cubes with a rich, herb-infused butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• For the Steak:
• 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powde
• For the Cowboy Butter:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the cowboy butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, onion powder, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly and season with salt and pepper. Set aside at room temperature.
2. Season the steak: Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let them sit for 5 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
3. Heat the pan: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until shimmering and nearly smoking.
4. Sear the steak: Add steak cubes in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them to develop a golden crust.
5. Finish cooking: Flip the steak bites and cook for another 2-3 minutes for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness. Remove from heat.
6. Add cowboy butter: Immediately add 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared cowboy butter to the hot pan, allowing it to melt and coat the steak bites.
7. Serve: Transfer Cowboy Butter Steak Bites to a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining pan juices. Serve with extra cowboy butter on the side.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 580mg

Healthier Alternatives

Looking to lighten up these Cowboy Butter Steak Bites? Try these simple swaps:

• Replace half the butter with Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for a tangy, protein-rich sauce

• Use lean cuts like tenderloin or top sirloin to reduce fat content

• Substitute avocado oil for olive oil for heart-healthy monounsaturated fats

• Add extra herbs and reduce salt for a more antioxidant-rich, lower-sodium version

Serving Suggestions

Cowboy Butter Steak Bites pair beautifully with these complementary sides:

• Roasted baby potatoes with rosemary

• Grilled asparagus or green beans

• Creamy mashed cauliflower

• Warm dinner rolls for soaking up the delicious butter sauce

• Mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette

• Garlic butter rice or quinoa

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the pan: This causes steaming instead of searing, preventing that coveted golden crust. Cook in batches if necessary.

Moving the steak too early: Let each side develop a proper sear for 2-3 minutes before flipping to achieve maximum flavor and texture.

Overcooking the steak: These Cowboy Butter Steak Bites are best served medium-rare to medium. Use a meat thermometer for precision (130°F for medium-rare).

Adding butter too early: Wait until the steak is nearly done before adding cowboy butter to prevent burning the herbs and garlic.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftover Cowboy Butter Steak Bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cowboy butter will solidify but remains flavorful.

Freezer: While not recommended due to texture changes, you can freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.

Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Avoid microwaving as it can make the steak tough.

Cowboy Butter Storage: Extra cowboy butter can be refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for up to 3 months. Use it on grilled vegetables, bread, or other proteins.

Conclusion

These Cowboy Butter Steak Bites prove that gourmet flavors don’t require hours of preparation. Try this recipe tonight and discover your new favorite quick dinner solution!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different cut of steak for Cowboy Butter Steak Bites? A: Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye work best, you can also use New York strip, tenderloin, or even flank steak (sliced against the grain).

Q: How do I know when the steak bites are perfectly cooked? A: For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F. The steak should feel slightly firm but still have some give when pressed.

Q: Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time? A: Yes! Prepare the cowboy butter up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before using.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh herbs for the cowboy butter? A: You can substitute with 1 tablespoon dried parsley and 1 teaspoon dried chives, though fresh herbs provide superior flavor.

Q: Are Cowboy Butter Steak Bites suitable for meal prep? A: While best served fresh, you can prep the steak cubes and cowboy butter separately up to 24 hours in advance, then cook when ready to eat.