If you’re ready to treat yourself to something irresistibly savory and packed with flavor, this Garlic Herb Steak Bites in White Wine Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender cubes of top sirloin steak seared to perfection swim in a luscious white wine sauce that’s enriched with garlic, fresh herbs, and butter. This dish radiates warmth and sophistication, perfect for turning an ordinary evening into an unforgettable dinner shared with friends or family. Get ready to dive into bite-sized pieces of juicy steak coated in a sauce that’s both silky and aromatic—every single morsel bursting with pure deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma in our Garlic Herb Steak Bites in White Wine Sauce Recipe. From the spiced steak to the fresh herbs and the white wine that ties it all together, every component contributes a unique touch.
- Top sirloin steak (2 lbs.): Choose a well-marbled cut for tender, juicy steak bites; top sirloin is ideal for searing and flavor absorption.
- Salt (to taste): The essential seasoning to enhance all flavors naturally.
- Garlic powder (¾ teaspoon): Adds a deep, savory foundation without overwhelming the fresh garlic in the sauce.
- Onion powder (¾ teaspoon): Delivers a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Paprika (¾ teaspoon): Brings gentle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- Brown sugar (¾ teaspoon): Balances the spices with a touch of sweet richness.
- Pepper (½ teaspoon): Freshly cracked or ground for a mild kick.
- Chili powder (½ teaspoon): Provides subtle heat that awakens the palate.
- Mustard powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a tangy note that complements the wine sauce perfectly.
- Olive oil (2-3 tablespoons): For searing the steak, offering a fruity richness and perfect crust.
- Dry white wine (¾ cup): The star of the sauce, imparting acidity and depth while marrying the garlic and herbs.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): Melts into the sauce for indulgent creaminess and shine.
- Garlic cloves (4, thinly sliced): Fresh and fragrant, they infuse the sauce with aromatic goodness.
- Fresh thyme (4 sprigs): Its earthy, lemony notes brighten the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
How to Make Garlic Herb Steak Bites in White Wine Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Mix
Start by combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, pepper, chili powder, and mustard powder in a small bowl. This spice blend is your secret weapon, loading every steak bite with layers of flavor. Having the seasonings ready helps keep the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cut and Season the Steak
Cut your top sirloin into 1-inch cubes, then pat them dry to ensure they sear nicely. Salting the steak generously before applying the seasoning mix is key for flavor penetration. The rub you create with the spices will coat the steak pieces, building that delicious crust and infusing every bite with boldness. Pro tip: lightly tenderize the steak under plastic wrap if you want extra tenderness.
Step 3: Sear the Steak in Batches
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Each bite needs just about 1 minute per side to achieve a stunning medium-rare sear. This process locks in juices and creates that irresistible caramelized crust. After searing, transfer your steak bites to a plate and keep warm.
Step 4: Build the White Wine Sauce
Turn off the heat briefly, then pour the dry white wine into the skillet. Bring the heat back to medium and use a spatula to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck on the pan’s surface. This step is where the magic happens—those fond bits dissolve and enrich your sauce. Let the wine reduce by half, concentrating the flavors and mellowing the acidity.
Step 5: Add Butter, Garlic, and Thyme
Once the wine has reduced, add butter, sliced garlic, and fresh thyme sprigs to your skillet. The butter adds a velvety richness while the garlic and thyme infuse the sauce with savory aroma and delicate herbaceous notes. Simmer this mix gently for about three minutes, letting all the flavors mingle beautifully.
Step 6: Return Steak Bites to the Skillet
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the steak bites back to the pan along with any juices that have gathered on the plate. Spoon the garlic herb white wine sauce over them and allow everything to heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the steaks soak up even more flavor while reaching your preferred doneness. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Your Garlic Herb Steak Bites in White Wine Sauce Recipe is now bursting with luscious flavors and gorgeous textures, ready to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Steak Bites in White Wine Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Add freshly chopped parsley for a lively green touch that cuts through the richness. For a little extra flair, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving will elevate the steak bites to new heights. Thin lemon wedges on the side can also add a zesty accent, balancing the sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes and roasted green beans are classic companions to the steak bites, soaking up every drop of that irresistible white wine sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp mixed greens salad with a simple vinaigrette. Creamy polenta or garlic butter mushrooms also pair wonderfully, adding their own complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these steak bites as a sophisticated appetizer at your next gathering with toothpicks on a wooden board alongside crusty bread. For a dinner centerpiece, arrange the steak bites over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, drizzle with sauce, and sprinkle fresh herbs artfully on top. You could even turn them into a decadent steak taco filling or sprinkle them over a warm grain bowl to get creative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover steak bites and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and steak together locks in moisture and flavor, ensuring they taste just as delicious when reheated gently.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked steak bites and sauce for up to 2 months. Portion out into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture retention.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid high heat to keep the steak tender and prevent the sauce from separating. Microwaving is possible but less ideal, as it can dry out the meat unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While top sirloin is perfect for this recipe due to its tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye or filet mignon. Just adjust cooking times slightly for different thicknesses and fat content to ensure the best results.
What type of white wine works best in the sauce?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works beautifully. Avoid sweet or heavily oaked wines, as they can overpower the sauce’s delicate balance.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free white wine and check that your spices have no added fillers containing gluten.
Is it okay to prepare the steak bites ahead of time?
While they’re best served fresh for optimal texture and flavor, you can prep the steak bites a few hours in advance and keep them chilled. Just reheat gently when ready to serve, keeping a close eye so they don’t overcook.
How do I know when the steak bites are cooked properly?
Medium-rare is ideal for tender steak bites, which usually means searing about one minute per side per batch. If you prefer them more well-done, extend the cooking time slightly but be careful not to dry them out.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb Steak Bites in White Wine Sauce Recipe is truly a champion when it comes to impressive taste with minimal fuss. Whether for a cozy dinner or a casual get-together, it brings together bold spices, fresh herbs, and a silky sauce that makes every bite a delightful experience. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become one of your new favorite dishes to share.
Print
Garlic Herb Steak Bites in White Wine Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This flavorful Steak Bites recipe features tender top sirloin steak cubes seared to medium-rare perfection and simmered in a rich garlic, thyme, and white wine butter sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these juicy steak bites deliver a savory and slightly smoky taste with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and depth from the seasoning blend.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 2 lbs. top sirloin steak (alternative cuts: ribeye, filet, or flank steak)
- Salt, to taste (up to 1 ½ teaspoons recommended)
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
Cooking Ingredients
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more as needed for searing)
- ¾ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning and Steak: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, chili powder, and mustard powder in a bowl and set aside. Measure out olive oil, white wine, butter, garlic, thyme, and parsley before starting. Optionally, cover the steak with plastic wrap and gently tenderize both sides with a meat mallet for enhanced tenderness.
- Cut and Season Steak: Cut the top sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Sprinkle steak cubes with salt up to 1 ½ teaspoons or to taste. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of each steak cube to ensure full flavor absorption.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Heat 2-3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the steak cubes for 1 minute on each side (approximately 4 minutes per batch) until a medium-rare crust forms. Remove cooked steak bites to a plate and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pan: Turn off the heat briefly, then add the dry white wine to the skillet. Set heat back to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape up browned bits (fond) from the bottom and sides of the pan. Bring the wine to a gentle boil and reduce by half, about 6 minutes, to concentrate the flavors.
- Make the Sauce: Add the butter, thinly sliced garlic, and fresh thyme sprigs to the skillet. Simmer gently for 3 minutes, allowing the garlic to infuse the butter and thyme to release its aroma.
- Combine Steak and Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Return the seared steak bites along with any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the steak, heating through for 2-3 minutes or until cooked to the desired doneness. Remove thyme sprigs and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley as a finishing touch.
- Serve: Serve the steak bites hot as an appetizer with toothpicks, or as a main course accompanied by mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- For more tender steak bites, tenderize the meat with a mallet before cutting.
- Dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best for deglazing and flavor.
- Feel free to use ribeye or filet mignon as alternative steak cuts for different textures.
- Adjust salt and seasoning amounts based on personal preference.
- To keep steak medium-rare, avoid overcooking during searing and reheating steps.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the wine a bit longer before adding butter.
