Description
This flavorful Steak Bites recipe features tender sirloin steak cubes perfectly seasoned and seared to medium-rare, then simmered in a rich garlic, thyme, and white wine butter sauce. Ideal as a savory appetizer or a satisfying main dish, these steak bites deliver bold tastes and a luscious sauce that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 2 lbs. top sirloin steak (see notes for other cut options)
- Salt (to taste, up to 1½ teaspoons)
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
Cooking Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more as needed)
- ¾ cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning and Tenderize: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, chili powder, and mustard powder in a bowl and set aside. Cover the steak with plastic wrap and gently tenderize each side with a meat mallet to enhance tenderness.
- Cut and Season Steak: Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes, pat dry to remove moisture. Sprinkle with salt to taste (up to 1½ teaspoons). Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the steak cubes, ensuring thorough coverage for maximum flavor.
- Sear Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In batches, sear the steak bites for 1 minute per side, totaling about 4 minutes per batch, achieving a medium-rare cook. Remove and set aside each batch before continuing with the next.
- Deglaze with Wine: Turn off the heat momentarily, add dry white wine to the skillet. Turn heat back to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape and incorporate the browned bits (fond) from the skillet into the sauce. Bring to a gentle boil and reduce the liquid by half over approximately 6 minutes.
- Add Butter and Aromatics: Stir in butter, thinly sliced garlic, and fresh thyme sprigs. Simmer gently for 3 minutes to infuse the sauce with garlic and herb flavors.
- Combine Steak and Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Return the steak bites along with any accumulated juices back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over the meat and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes, adjusting cooking time if a different doneness is desired. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve: Present as an appetizer with toothpicks or elevate to a main course alongside mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- Top sirloin is preferred for tenderness and flavor, but ribeye or filet mignon can also be used.
- Dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works best for deglazing and sauce flavor.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to taste, particularly salt and spices.
- For more tender steak bites, gently tenderizing the meat with a mallet is recommended before cutting and seasoning.
- Ensure steak cubes are patted dry before seasoning to achieve a good sear.
