This delicious Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe makes a quick and easy weeknight meal, combining tender, juicy venison steak bites with a rich, garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Are A Family Favorite
When life gets busy, it’s tempting to fall back on takeout. But trust me, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe is so easy and satisfying that you’ll be glad you stayed in. My wife and 9-year-old daughter gave this meal two enthusiastic thumbs up - and that’s no small feat when it comes to my two biggest food critics.
Whether you’re new to cooking venison steak or a seasoned pro, this dish is packed with flavor and simplicity. The steak bites are tender, juicy, and coated in a savory garlic butter sauce that’s good enough to lick off your fork. Pair that with buttery, creamy mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a dinner that feels both comforting and impressive.
Why You'll Love This Steak Bites Recipe
- Fast and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe takes about 40 minutes and that is because of the mashed potatoes. If you skip the mashed potatoes, you can serve this up as an appetizer in less than 15 minutes!
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
- Full of Flavor: The garlic butter sauce with a hint of Worcestershire and soy sauce makes these venison steak bites irresistible.
- Great for Venison Steak Lovers: It’s a perfect way to showcase the rich, delicious taste of venison.
Ingredients For Garlic Steak Bites
Here's what you'll need to make this unforgettable meal:
- Venison Steak: I used two pounds of tender venison steak. The key to tenderizing venison is using a Jaccard meat tenderizer to break down muscle fibers.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These make for the creamiest mashed potatoes with just the right buttery flavor.
- Butter, Garlic, and Onion: The trinity of flavor in this recipe.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground sage enhances the venison beautifully.
- Worcestershire and Soy Sauce: Adds a slight umami punch to the garlic butter sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the dish without much effort.
How To Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites
1. Prep the Venison: Start by tenderizing the venison steak with a Jaccard meat tenderizer. Pat it dry with paper towels and cut it into bite-size pieces.
2. Season the Steak Bites: In a small bowl, mix ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ground sage, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle the seasoning over the steak bites and press it in so it sticks. Let the seasoned meat sit at room temperature while you prepare the mashed potatoes.
3. Make the Mashed Potatoes: Dice the Yukon Gold potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover with cold water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Set the pot over low heat to let any remaining water evaporate. Mash the potatoes until smooth, then fold in 2 tablespoons of butter and the heavy cream. Season with the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
5. Cook the Steak Bites: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the canola oil, then carefully add the steak bites in a single layer. Sear for about 2 minutes without stirring to develop a golden-brown crust. Stir and cook for another minute until the bites are evenly browned.
6. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Transfer the steak bites to a plate. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and golden. Stir in the Worcestershire and soy sauce.
7. Serve: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the steak bites and toss to coat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
Helpful Hints for Venison Steak Bites
- Don’t Skip the Tenderizing: Venison can be tough if not properly tenderized. The Jaccard meat tenderizer works wonders.
- Sear in Batches: Overcrowding the pan will prevent the steak bites from getting that beautiful golden crust. If you only have a small skillet, sear the meat in batches.
- Make It Your Own: Swap Yukon Gold potatoes for red potatoes if you prefer, or add a little horseradish to the mashed potatoes for extra zing.
- Control the Heat: Cooking venison steak bites quickly over high heat ensures they stay tender. Lower heat for too long can dry it out.
Venison Steak Bites With Garlic Butter
The beauty of this venison steak bites recipe is how adaptable it is. You can serve the steak bites with garlic butter as an appetizer at a dinner party - just skip the mashed potatoes and stick toothpicks into the bites for an easy party snack.
On the flip side, if you want to make this a complete dinner, add a side of sautéed vegetables, like green beans or our family favorite - asparagus.
Why Cook With Venison?
Venison is a lean, flavorful meat that offers a nice alternative to beef. It's packed with protein and has less fat, making it a great choice for those looking to eat healthier while still enjoying a hearty meal. But venison can also be tricky to cook because it lacks the fat marbling that keeps beef tender. That’s why the tenderizing process and quick cooking method in this steak bites recipe are key to success.
One of the best parts of using venison is knowing where your food comes from. If you’re a hunter or have access to wild game from family or friends, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
This Recipe Was Tested And Approved
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are hearty, satisfying, and loaded with flavor - plus, it earned my wife and daughter’s seal of approval, which is always the ultimate test.
The next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, remember this steak bites recipe. It brings together everything you need for a winning meal: simplicity, flavor, and family-friendly appeal. Give it a try and watch how fast those plates are cleared.
More Venison Steak Recipes
If you are looking for another great way to use venison steak, check out all of our venison steak recipes. One of our favorite hors d'oeuvres for a party is my Deer Steak and Mushroom Crostini recipe.
If you love venison steak as much as we do, you can also check out my Easy Deer Steak Frites and Deer Steak with Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Venison Steak Caesar Salad.
Come Deer Hunting in North Dakota
If you are headed our way for North Dakota deer season, check out the North Dakota Game & Fish Department website. And if you want me to come along with you as your camp cook, photographer, or butcher, you can find out more details here.
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DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE
If you make this Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mashed Potatoes Recipe, tag @wildgameandfish so I can share it on my Instagram stories.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds venison steak
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 5-6 Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 Tablespoon canola oil
- 5 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablepoons heavy whipping cream
- ½ large yellow onion, diced
- 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Place the venison steak on a cutting board and tenderize using a Jaccard meat tenderizer.
- Pat the venison steak dry with paper towels, then use a sharp knife to cut into bite size pieces.
- In a small bowl, combine ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper with the sage, garlic powder, and onion powder and use to season the venison steak bites. Press seasoning into meat so it adheres. Let the steak sit at room temperature while you prepare the mashed potatoes.
- Put the diced potatoes in a large 4-quart or larger pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Then lower the heat to medium and gently simmer until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, about 20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Place the pot over low heat and let any remaining water steam off, about 1 minute. Mash the potatoes well with a potato masher. Use a spatula to fold in 2 Tablespoons of butter until melted, then fold in the heavy cream. Season with remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add canola oil, then add the seasoned steak bites to it. Cook for about 2 minutes before stirring the steak bites. You want to make sure you get a good sear on them. Stir the steak bites and continue cooking for another minute until they’re golden brown.
- Transfer the venison steak bites to a large plate and in the same skillet add the remaining 3 Tablespoons of butter with the onion and garlic. Turn the heat down to medium and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes aromatic and starts to brown. Stir in the Worcestershire and soy sauce.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the steak bites and toss well. Garnish with parsley and serve over the mashed potatoes.
Joe Lorsung says
Great way to use up some venison top or bottom round!!
Jeff Benda says
Thanks Joe!
Bob says
Absolutely delicious. I finally pulled the trigger and got the Jaccard you always recommend and it made a huge difference on how tender the steak was. Thanks!
Jeff Benda says
Thanks Bob! Glad to see folks are catching on to using the Jaccard!
Samantha Pechtl says
Very delicious! My husband was worried it would taste gamey, but it did not and he agreed it was very tasty. My 5 year old that hardly eats anything but pb&js, Mac and cheese, and chicken nuggets was asking for more! That, in itself, deserves a bravo for this recipe! Thanks!
Jeff says
Mmmm.
R A Decker says
This was extremely easy to make. We used backstrap being I do not have the tenderizer tool. I did use one of the old fashioned meat mallet though. Even our 8 y/o son who is extremely hard to please unless it is processed food loved it. We will definitely try this one again. I may use lamb meat next go around.
Jeff Benda says
So glad you enjoyed it and that it was approved by your 8-year-old son. Our 9-year-old daughter tastes and approves all the recipes so she'll be excited to hear that!
Trina says
We love making this with my husband's deer steak. I appreciate how quick it is to throw together. Thank you!