Can I use frozen steak?

Do not use frozen steak as the moisture will prevent a proper sear. Thaw the meat completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

How do I know when it is done?

Ribeye is best served medium-rare to medium. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature which should reach 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I use a different pan?

A stainless steel or carbon steel skillet works best for this recipe. Non-stick pans may not achieve the same level of crust.

Can I make this in the oven?

You can roast the seasoned cubes on a baking sheet at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. The garlic butter finish should be added after removing them from the oven.

Yes, this recipe contains zero carbs as long as you use grass-fed butter and do not add sugary glazes.

Keto Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Name: Keto Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients: 1.5 lb ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 tbsp grass-fed butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; 1 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Recipe Lab · 2026-09-12 · Developed with AI assistance, human-reviewed · Photos: original, AI-generated with real-dish reference

Ingredients

1.5 lb ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 tbsp grass-fed butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

Pat steak cubes completely dry and season generously with sea salt and black pepper.
Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Add 2 tbsp butter.
Sear steak bites in a single layer, 2 minutes per side, working in batches. Do not crowd the pan.
Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter, garlic, and rosemary.
Spoon the garlic butter over the bites for 60 seconds.
Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Why this recipe works

Maillard Reaction: Searing the steak over high heat creates a Maillard reaction that locks in juices and forms a savory crust.
Batch Cooking: Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding which steams the meat instead of searing it.
Finishing Sauce: Spooning the garlic butter over the meat finishes the cooking process and coats the cubes evenly.

Tips

Pat the meat dry. Pat the steak cubes completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a proper sear.
Check pan temperature. Ensure the skillet is smoking hot before adding butter to prevent sticking and ensure a quick sear.
Rest the meat. Let the cooked bites rest for five minutes before serving to redistribute the juices throughout the meat.
Watch the garlic. Add the garlic and rosemary only after reducing the heat to prevent burning the garlic.
Reheat carefully. Reheat the bites in a skillet over medium heat with a teaspoon of butter to restore the crispy texture.

Serving

Serve these steak bites as a standalone snack or alongside a crisp green salad for a light meal. A dollop of full-fat sour cream or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds richness to the dish. You can also toss the bites with steamed asparagus or zucchini noodles to bulk up the meal. For a complete keto dinner, pair them with roasted cauliflower or a side of cauliflower mash.

Storage

Store any uneaten steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the bites in a skillet over medium heat with a teaspoon of butter to restore the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving the meat as it will become rubbery and lose its crust. You can also freeze the cooked bites for up to two months, though the texture may change slightly after thawing.

Variations

Sirloin or Flank Steak: Use sirloin or flank steak if you cannot find ribeye for a similar sear.
Herb Substitution: Substitute fresh thyme or parsley for the rosemary if you prefer a different herbal profile.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a spicy kick.
Sauce Finish: Finish the bites with a splash of balsamic glaze or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.

FAQ

Can I use frozen steak? Do not use frozen steak as the moisture will prevent a proper sear. Thaw the meat completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
How do I know when it is done? Ribeye is best served medium-rare to medium. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature which should reach 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I use a different pan? A stainless steel or carbon steel skillet works best for this recipe. Non-stick pans may not achieve the same level of crust.
Can I make this in the oven? You can roast the seasoned cubes on a baking sheet at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. The garlic butter finish should be added after removing them from the oven.
Is this keto? Yes, this recipe contains zero carbs as long as you use grass-fed butter and do not add sugary glazes.

Related keto recipes

Becky Bergstrom's Spinach Balls · Lemon Pepper Steak · Swordfish With Herb Sauce · 5-minute Ricotta Garlic Herb Dip · Best Keto Snacks

Macros are estimates and have not been independently verified. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, Keto Food Ideas earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

← Home