Chipotle Butter Steak Bites are an incredibly flavorful and quick meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer. The smoky, spicy, and creamy chipotle butter melts over the hot, juicy steak bites, creating a restaurant-quality sauce.
Here’s a foolproof recipe that will become a new favorite.
Chipotle Butter Steak Bites
This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, but tastes like you spent hours on it. The key is a searing hot pan and a simple, compound butter.
Yields: 2-3 servings as a main, 4-5 as an appetizer
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
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1.5 lbs sirloin steak or tenderloin, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Chipotle Butter:
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced (start with 1 for mild, 2 for spicy)
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1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from the can)
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1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
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Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar to balance the heat
For Serving:
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Lime wedges
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Fresh chopped cilantro
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Warm tortillas or crusty bread
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Chipotle Butter
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In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, and cilantro. Mix until well combined.
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Taste and adjust heat and seasoning. If it’s too spicy, add the optional honey to balance it.
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Scoop the butter onto a small piece of plastic wrap, roll it into a log, and twist the ends. Place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up while you cook the steak. (This step can be done ahead of time!)
Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites
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Pat the steak cubes completely dry with paper towels. This is essential for getting a good sear. Toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it’s very hot.
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Add the steak bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary).
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Sear without moving for 2-3 minutes to get a deep brown crust. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes for medium-rare, or until cooked to your desired doneness.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
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Reduce the heat to low. Slice the chipotle butter into rounds and add it to the hot skillet with the steak bites.
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Toss everything together until the butter is melted and has created a gorgeous, glossy sauce that coats every piece of steak.
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Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
✨ Pro-Tips for Perfect Steak Bites
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The Right Cut: Sirloin is a great balance of flavor, tenderness, and value. Tenderloin (filet mignon) is the most tender but also more expensive. Ribeye is another fantastic, flavorful option.
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Don’t Crowd the Pan: Overcrowding will steam the steak instead of searing it. If you need to cook in batches, wipe the pan clean and add a little more oil for the second batch.
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Pat the Steak DRY: This is the #1 secret to a perfect crust. Moisture on the surface of the steak creates steam, preventing browning.
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Customize the Heat: The chipotle peppers are where the heat comes from. Start with one pepper and add more after tasting the butter. Remember, you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away!
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Make-Ahead: The chipotle butter log can be made days in advance and kept in the fridge, or frozen for months. This makes the dish come together in minutes.
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Serving Suggestions:
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As a Main: Serve over mashed potatoes, cilantro lime rice, or a simple salad.
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As an Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and lime wedges.
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As Tacos/Fajitas: Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings like avocado, cotija cheese, and pico de gallo.
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Enjoy your incredibly fast, flavorful, and impressive Chipotle Butter Steak Bites