There are some dishes that just feel like a warm hug, you know? The kind that instantly transport you back to a happy memory, or the ones you pull out when you need a guaranteed win in the kitchen. For me, those dishes almost always involve garlic and butter, and when you combine that with tender, juicy steak tips? Well, that’s pure magic. My husband’s grandmother used to make something similar, but I’ve tinkered with it over the years, adding a little extra garlic here, a splash of something special there, until I landed on these garlic butter steak tips. They’re so incredibly simple, yet they taste like something you’d get at a fancy steakhouse. Honestly, when I’m craving something deeply satisfying without spending hours on it, this is my go-to. It’s right up there with my famous baked ziti in terms of family favorites, but in a completely different, savory kind of way. If you’ve ever been intimidated by cooking steak, trust me, this recipe is your new best friend. It’s approachable, forgiving, and absolutely delicious.

What are some garlic butter steak tips?

So, what exactly are these magical garlic butter steak tips? Think of them as bite-sized pieces of tender steak, usually sirloin or a similar cut, that have been quickly seared to perfection and then bathed in a luscious, fragrant sauce made with plenty of garlic and rich butter. It’s essentially steak, but in a more approachable, bite-sized format that’s incredibly easy to cook and eat. It’s not a stew, and it’s not a full steak dinner; it’s something uniquely its own – a jewel of a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The beauty of these steak tips lies in their simplicity. You’re not dealing with huge cuts of meat that require careful temperature monitoring. Instead, you get all the amazing steak flavor and tenderness in small, manageable pieces, making them perfect for a quick weeknight meal or even an impressive appetizer. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something gourmet, even though it’s ridiculously easy to make!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why this Garlic butter steak tips recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, and I just know you’re going to fall in love with it too. First and foremost, the flavor is just out of this world. We’re talking about that classic, irresistible combination of savory steak, pungent garlic, and rich, creamy butter. It’s a flavor profile that’s universally loved for a reason! But it’s not just about taste; the simplicity is a huge selling point for me. On a busy weeknight, when I’m looking for something impressive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this is my lifesaver. You can have this on the table in under 30 minutes, and it tastes like you slaved over it for hours. And let’s talk about cost-effectiveness. While steak can sometimes feel like a splurge, using steak tips makes this dish much more budget-friendly, and the ingredients are all pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! I love serving these steak tips over pasta, rice, or even just with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that glorious sauce. It’s a dish that truly satisfies. What I love most about this is that it feels indulgent without being fussy, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. My kids, who can be notoriously picky, absolutely devour these steak tips whenever I make them, which is saying a lot!

How do I make garlic butter steak?

Quick Overview

Making these incredible garlic butter steak tips is surprisingly straightforward. It all boils down to searing your steak tips to a perfect medium-rare, then tossing them in a simple, yet decadent, garlic butter sauce. The key is not to overcrowd the pan when searing the steak, which ensures a beautiful crust. Then, the sauce comes together in the same pan, picking up all those delicious browned bits. It’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, making it a perfect option for any night of the week.

Ingredients

For the Steak Tips:
1.5 lbs sirloin steak tips (or tenderloin, ribeye tips), cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6-8 cloves garlic, minced (I like to be generous here!)
1/4 cup dry white wine or beef broth (optional, but adds depth)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional, for a little oniony bite)
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1 teaspoon, to brighten it up)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Grab a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast iron, and place it over medium-high heat. Let it get nice and hot – this is crucial for a good sear. While the pan is heating up, take your steak tips and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a step I learned the hard way; if the steak is wet, it will steam instead of sear, and you won’t get that lovely brown crust. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the pan is hot, add the olive oil. It should shimmer, but not smoke. If it smokes immediately, your pan is too hot.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips

Carefully add the seasoned steak tips to the hot skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan! I know it’s tempting to get them all in there at once, but trust me on this one. If you overcrowd it, the steak will steam and won’t develop that beautiful caramelization. You might need to work in batches, depending on the size of your pan. Let the steak sear undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes per side, until it has a nice brown crust. You’re aiming for medium-rare, so don’t overcook them at this stage. They’ll continue to cook slightly in the sauce. Once seared, remove the steak tips from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Tent them loosely with foil to keep them warm.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Let it melt and start to bubble. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30-60 seconds, until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will turn bitter. This is where all that delicious flavor starts to build!

Step 4: Deglaze (Optional but Recommended!)

If you’re using white wine or beef broth, pour it into the skillet now. It will sizzle and steam as it hits the hot pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These little bits are flavor gold! Let the liquid simmer and reduce by about half, which usually takes 1-2 minutes. This deglazing step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the seared steak tips (and any juices that have accumulated on the plate) back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the steak tips evenly. Let them simmer in the sauce for about 1-2 minutes, just to heat through and finish cooking to your desired doneness. Stir in the fresh parsley, chives (if using), and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice really brightens up all the rich flavors.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Give it a taste! This is where you can adjust the seasoning. Do you need a little more salt? A pinch more pepper? Maybe another tiny squeeze of lemon? Make it perfect for your palate.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve these gorgeous garlic butter steak tips immediately while they’re hot and the sauce is luscious. The smell alone will have everyone rushing to the table!

What to Serve It With

Oh, the possibilities for serving these garlic butter steak tips are endless, and I love experimenting with different pairings! For a classic breakfast or brunch, I often serve them alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and some crispy home fries. The savory steak tips and rich sauce are just divine with eggs. If you’re looking for a hearty brunch, imagine these piled on top of a creamy polenta or even some savory pancakes – sounds decadent, right? When I want to turn this into a more elegant dinner, I’ll serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or a simple risotto. The starch is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing garlic butter sauce. For a lighter option, a big, fresh green salad with a bright vinaigrette is a fantastic contrast. And don’t forget the bread! A crusty baguette or some warm focaccia is essential for mopping up that glorious sauce. My kids also love these served over buttered egg noodles; it’s a comfort food dream! Honestly, they’re so flavorful and satisfying, they can really stand on their own, but pairing them with a simple starch or vegetable really makes it a complete meal.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Garlic Butter Steak Tips

I’ve made these garlic butter steak tips more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that I think make all the difference. First, when you’re prepping the steak tips, make sure they are cut from a good quality piece of beef. Sirloin is great because it’s flavorful and tender enough for this quick cooking method. If you can find pre-cut steak tips, even better, but if you’re cutting your own, aim for pieces that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Patting the steak *really* dry before searing is non-negotiable for achieving that perfect crust; it’s a simple step but it’s a game-changer. For the garlic, I honestly recommend using fresh garlic. Garlic powder just doesn’t give you that same pungent, aromatic punch that fresh garlic does. And don’t be shy with it! The more garlic, the better, in my opinion. When it comes to the butter, I always use unsalted butter. This gives you more control over the saltiness of the final dish. If you’re using unsalted butter and find you need a little more salt, you can always add it at the end. For the deglazing liquid, while wine adds a lovely complexity, good quality beef broth works just as well if you prefer to avoid alcohol or don’t have wine on hand. The key is to scrape up all those brown bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s where so much of the flavor is hiding! Finally, remember that steak tips cook very quickly. The goal is to sear them and then finish them in the sauce briefly. Overcooking them will make them tough, so keep an eye on them. A quick toss in the sauce is all they need.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This is one of those dishes that’s fantastic the day it’s made, but leftovers are still pretty darn good! If you happen to have any garlic butter steak tips left (which is rare in my house!), the best way to store them is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep well for about 2-3 days. When it comes to reheating, I usually opt for the stovetop. I’ll place the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or a tiny bit more butter to help loosen up the sauce. Stir gently until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can sometimes make the steak a bit rubbery, but if that’s your only option, reheat in short bursts, stirring in between, until just warmed. If you’re planning to freeze portions, I’d recommend letting them cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or bags. They should last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat from frozen, the best method is to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat using the stovetop method described above. I generally don’t add the fresh parsley or chives until just before serving, so they’ll be freshest when you reheat too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While sirloin tips are fantastic, you can also use other tender cuts like filet mignon tips, ribeye tips, or even strip steak cut into similar-sized pieces. The key is to use a cut that’s tender enough to cook quickly without becoming tough. Avoid tougher cuts like chuck or round, as they won’t yield the best results for this quick-sear method.

How do I know when the steak is done?

For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of around 130-135°F (54-57°C). Since the steak tips are small, you can often tell by touch and visual cues. They should feel slightly yielding but springy to the touch. When searing, you’re looking for a nice brown crust on the outside. Remember, they’ll continue to cook slightly as they rest and are tossed in the sauce. If you prefer them more well-done, just leave them in the pan a minute or two longer, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough quickly.

Can I make this spicy?

Oh, you absolutely can! If you like a little heat, a fantastic way to add it is by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic when you’re making the sauce. You could also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce at the end, or even serve with some sliced jalapeños on the side. A little heat really complements the rich garlic butter flavor!

What if I don’t have fresh parsley or chives?

While fresh herbs are wonderful for brightness and visual appeal, you can certainly get away without them if you don’t have them on hand. Dried parsley can be used, but use a smaller amount (about 1 teaspoon) as dried herbs are more potent. For chives, you could omit them or add a very small pinch of dried onion powder to the sauce for a hint of that flavor. The star of the show is still the garlic butter steak!

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prep some elements ahead, which is helpful on busy nights! You can cut your steak tips and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. You can also mince your garlic and chop your herbs ahead of time and keep them in separate small containers. However, the searing and sauce-making is best done right before serving to ensure the steak is tender and the sauce is fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my favorite way to make garlic butter steak tips! It’s a recipe that truly delivers on flavor without demanding too much of your time or effort. It’s the perfect balance of savory, rich, and utterly delicious, and I find myself making it again and again because it’s just so reliably wonderful. It’s the kind of dish that makes a weeknight feel like a special occasion. If you’re a fan of simple yet incredibly flavorful cooking, I really hope you’ll give this a try. It’s become a staple in my home, and I have a feeling it might just become one in yours too. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts, or share any twists you’ve added. Happy cooking, everyone!