Go Back
A close-up of juicy garlic butter steak bites piled on a wooden cutting board, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme.

Garlic Herb Marinated Steak Bites

Tender, flavorful steak bites marinated in a savory garlic-herb mixture, then quickly seared or air-fried to perfection. Ideal for a speedy weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Steak
  • 1.5 lbs boneless sirloin or ribeye steak cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 tsp salt optional (marinade has soy sauce)
For the Marinade
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary crushed
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
For Cooking (Pan-Fry Method)
  • 1 tbsp high-smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large cast-iron skillet (or heavy-bottomed pan)
  • Tongs
  • Air Fryer (Optional)

Method
 

Prepare the Steak
  1. Pat the steak bites dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Make the Marinade
  1. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, crushed rosemary, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
Marinate the Steak
  1. Pour the marinade over the steak bites, tossing to ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Do not marinate for more than 4 hours, as the acids can start to break down the meat's texture too much, leading to a mushy result.
Cook (Pan-Fry Method)
  1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3-5 minutes. Add 1 tbsp of high-smoke point oil to the pan. Working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, add the steak bites in a single layer, ensuring there's space between them. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until a nice brown crust forms and they reach your desired doneness (medium-rare is about 130-135°F internal temperature, medium 135-140°F).
Cook (Air Fryer Method - Optional Alternative)
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Place the marinated steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they reach your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 8-10 minutes.
Rest and Serve
  1. Remove the steak bites from the pan or air fryer and let them rest on a plate or cutting board for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak tender and juicy. Serve hot, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, avoid overcooking the steak bites, as they can become tough quickly due to their small size. A meat thermometer is your best friend here! These are fantastic served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or as an appetizer with toothpicks. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.