Cowboy Butter Steak Bites are juicy steak bites that are seared to perfection and coated in rich, garlicky cowboy butter. Made in one skillet in under 15 minutes, or cooked in an air fryer, they are packed with flavor and perfect for dinner or a quick appetizer. They are so easy, but so good, especially if you love steak! Once you see what cowboy butter adds to steak, you will want to try all of my other cowboy butter recipes, too. Looking for another easy favorite? Don’t miss my Marinated Steak Bites, full of flavor and just as simple to make!
What Is Cowboy Butter?
Cowboy butter is a flavored butter (also called compound butter) made by mixing melted butter with garlic, herbs, lemon juice, and spices. It has a little heat from cayenne and crushed red pepper flakes, which makes it bold, buttery, and totally crave-worthy. People love it as a dip, spread, or sauce, and once you try it, you will see why it’s a fan favorite!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Oil: I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil. It adds great flavor and works well for high-heat cooking if you’re careful not to overheat it. It helps the steak get a nice sear while adding a richness that pairs well with the cowboy butter. Avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil would all work well, too.
- Steak: The best steak for steak bites is sirloin. It is tender, flavorful, and budget-friendly. For extra juicy bites, try ribeye. If you prefer different textures, you can also use tenderloin, flat iron, or strip steak. No matter which steak you choose, be sure to cut it into even pieces to ensure your steak bites cook evenly and turn out perfectly delicious every time.
- Cowboy Butter: What really makes these steak bites stand out is the cowboy butter. This fan-favorite sauce adds incredible flavor and a little heat, making it the perfect complement to the juicy steak. It’s no wonder so many people love it! It works wonders on all kinds of foods, and these steak bites are no exception!
Can You Make Cowboy Butter Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! Cowboy butter can be made up to 5 days in advance. Simply prepare the butter, store it in an airtight container, and keep it in the refrigerator. I love to make it at least a day in advance to allow the flavors to all develop even more! You can also freeze it for up to 4 months.
Best Side Dishes To Serve With Cowboy Butter Steak Bites
These cowboy butter steak bites are full of flavor on their own, but pairing them with the right sides makes the meal even better. Here are some of my favorite side dishes to serve alongside!
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes or the best Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Roasted Carrots
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Sweet Potato Fries or Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Coleslaw
Steak Doneness Guide: Perfect Temperatures for Rare, Medium Rare, Medium, and Well Done
Cooking steak just the way you like it doesn’t have to be complicated! Whether you enjoy your steak soft and pink or prefer it cooked through (I’m all about that medium doneness!), knowing the right temperature is key to getting it perfect every time. Here’s a quick and simple guide to steak doneness:
Rare: 120–125°F (very red and cool in the center)
Medium Rare: 130–135°F (warm red center and juicy)
Medium: 140–145°F (pink center with less juice)
Medium Well: 150–155°F (a little pink, more firm)
Well Done: 160°F and up (no pink, fully cooked)
Pro Tip: Remember, steak continues to cook a bit after you remove it from the heat. For the perfect bite, take it off just a little before it hits your desired temperature!
How To Store & Reheat Cowboy Butter Steak Bites
To keep your cowboy steak bites fresh, allow them to cool to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, place the steak bites in an airtight container. They will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for a quick 30–45 seconds, or for extra crispness, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. You can also pop them in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes to get that delicious crispy texture back! I love to add them to a lettuce salad for some protein!
Can You Freeze Cowboy Butter Steak Bites?
Yes, you can freeze cowboy steak bites! After cooking, let them cool to room temperature. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy them, just thaw the frozen steak bites overnight in the refrigerator. Or, reheat directly from the freezer in the microwave, skillet, or air fryer for the best results!
Cowboy Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound steak, cut into 1-inch pieces (top sirloin or ribeye work well)
- 1 recipe cowboy butter, divided
Instructions
- To a medium skillet over medium-high heat*, add olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add steak bites in a single layer (working in batches if needed) and sear for 1 ½ to 2 minutes without moving. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired doneness.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add half of the cowboy butter directly to the pan and toss the steak bites to coat. Cook for 1 additional minute, just until the butter is melted and the steak is evenly glazed.
- Melt the remaining cowboy butter in the microwave and serve on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Season steak bites with salt and pepper, and lightly coat with olive oil.
- Add to air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 4-6 minutes, shaking halfway through, until cooked to your liking.
- After cooking, transfer the steak bites to a bowl and toss with warm cowboy butter until evenly coated.
- Serve with extra cowboy butter for dipping or drizzling.
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
I love steak, and these steak bites were packed with flavor! I can't believe how easy they are to make!
Elizabeth
These steak bites are great! I love the cowboy butter with them, no need to add anything else!
Stephanie
This is a perfect weeknight dinner. These are great with a side of mashed potatoes!
Bella
If you love steak, make these steak bites! So tender and flavorful.
Annabelle
These were tender and flavorful. Great recipe!
I can’t wait to make these tips and to make the Cowboy Butter to cook them in. Thank you for sharing.