Some meals are impressive without needing fancy ingredients or complicated steps. This dish—tender garlic-butter steak bites served with perfectly fried eggs—is a perfect example of maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you want a protein-packed breakfast, a quick lunch, or a satisfying dinner, this skillet recipe will never disappoint. The combination of juicy steak pieces coated in a fragrant garlic-butter herb sauce and golden, crispy-edged fried eggs creates a comforting yet indulgent meal. Below is a complete recipe with detailed instructions and culinary explanations to help you make the best version at home.
🥩 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
For the Steak Bites
500g beef steak (sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin, or rump), cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon crushed chili flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
For the Fried Eggs
2–3 large eggs
1–2 tablespoons butter or oil
Salt and pepper
Optional garnish: chopped herbs or chili flakes
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Steak
The most important part of this recipe lies in choosing and preparing the steak correctly.
Choosing the meat
You can use different cuts, but the best ones for steak bites are ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin, because they stay tender and juicy when cooked quickly over high heat. Avoid very lean cuts like round steak, which may become tough.
Cutting the beef
Cut the steak into evenly sized cubes (about 2–2.5 cm each). Uniform pieces ensure even cooking and a better texture.
Seasoning
Place the steak cubes in a bowl. Season generously with:
Salt
Black pepper
Smoked paprika
Onion powder
Rub the spices all over to ensure each cube is well coated. Allow the beef to sit for 10–15 minutes. This brief rest helps the seasoning penetrate the meat and ensures a more flavorful bite.
- Heat the Pan
Use a cast iron skillet (like in your picture) for best browning, but a heavy stainless steel pan also works well.
Heat the pan over medium-high heat.
Add olive oil and let it get hot until it shimmers.
A hot pan ensures a caramelized crust on the steak.
- Sear the Steak Bites
Add the steak cubes in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; otherwise, the steak will steam instead of sear.
Cook the steak bites:
Sear for 1–2 minutes without moving them.
Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes.
For medium doneness, total cooking time should be around 4–5 minutes.
Once done, remove the steak bites and set them aside on a plate.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat slightly to medium.
Add to the same pan:
3 tablespoons of butter
Minced garlic
Let the butter melt and the garlic cook for 30–45 seconds. Do not burn the garlic—burnt garlic tastes bitter.
Then stir in:
Chopped parsley
Chili flakes (optional)
Now return the steak bites to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter mixture for about 30 seconds to fully coat each piece. The pan will be glossy, aromatic, and packed with flavor.
- Fry the Eggs
Move the steak bites to one side of the skillet (or remove them and cook separately if preferred).
Add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil to the clean section of the skillet.
Crack the eggs directly into the pan. Cook them to your preferred style:
Sunny-side up (like in your photo)
Over-easy
Over-medium
Season the eggs with salt and pepper.
Let the edges become crispy while the yolk stays bright and runny.
🍽️ Serving the Dish
Serve the steak bites with the eggs right from the skillet for a rustic, attractive presentation.
You can add:
Fresh parsley on top
Extra chili flakes for heat
A squeeze of lemon for brightness
This meal pairs beautifully with:
Toasted bread
Garlic rice
Mashed potatoes
Crispy fries
Salad
Grilled vegetables
✨ Tips for the Best Flavor
- Dry the steak cubes
Before seasoning, pat them dry with paper towels.
Dry meat browns better, giving the steak bites a perfect crust.
- Do not stir constantly
Letting the steak sit untouched for the first minute helps with caramelization and deeper flavor.
- Use fresh garlic
Freshly minced garlic releases oils that taste sweeter and more aromatic than garlic paste.
- Butter + oil combo
Oil helps the beef sear without burning, while butter adds richness.
- Hot pan = good crust
If your pan is not hot enough, the meat juices will leak and make the steak tough.
🍳 Recipe Variations
- Honey Garlic Steak Bites
Add:
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon soy sauce
to the butter mix.
This creates a sweet-salty glaze.
- Spicy Cajun Steak Bites
Season the steak with:
Cajun seasoning
Extra chili flakes
A squeeze of lime
- Creamy Steak Bites
After removing the steak:
- Add ½ cup heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce.
- Add grated parmesan.
- Return steak to the sauce.
Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes.
- Mediterranean Style
Add:
Oregano
Lemon zest
A touch of olive oil
Serve with couscous or pita bread.
🥄 Storage and Reheating
This dish is best eaten immediately because steak bites cool quickly and eggs don’t reheat well.
However, you can store steak bites for:
Up to 3 days in the refrigerator
Reheat in a hot pan for 1 minute to avoid overcooking.
💬 Final Thoughts
This recipe is simple yet luxurious, using everyday ingredients to make a restaurant-quality meal. The crisp golden eggs paired with buttery, garlicky steak bites create a satisfying and flavorful dish suitable for any time of the day. With the tips and variations included here, you can customize the recipe to your taste and elevate it even more.