Stew Meat Steak Bites with Garlic, Herbs and Butter

These garlic herb butter steak bites, made with stew meat, are packed with flavor. Marinated in coconut aminos, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs, then cooked to perfection in butter, this easy meal is ready in under 30 minutes after the meat has marinated.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Meat lovers will rejoice over these juicy, tender bites of steak—packed with flavor in every piece.
• You can serve them as a main dish over your favorite side, like mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, making them the perfect versatile main course.
• This delicious recipe is easy to make, with simple ingredients and a few steps, making these juicy steak bites a weeknight winner.
• With high protein and loads of flavor, these steak bites are both satisfying and nourishing.
• Best of all, it’s ready in 30 minutes after the marinating process, so you can enjoy a delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen that your entire family will love!

Ingredients for Stew Meat Steak Bites

I love this recipe because all you need for a steak bite are simple pantry ingredients:

• Beef Stew Chunks: Beef stew meat is a cost-effective option compared to buying steaks like filet mignon or new york strip steak, especially when feeding a large family. I typically use about 4 pounds of stew meat for our family of six. If some of the chunks are large, cut them into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
• Marinade Sauce: The marinade is a simple yet flavorful blend of Worcestershire Sauce and Coconut Aminos (or soy sauce), adding depth to the meat.
• Herbs: To infuse the steak bites with savory flavor, I use a combination of basil, parsley, black pepper, salt, minced onion and garlic, oregano, thyme, and rosemary—classic herbs that complement the beef perfectly.
• Butter: The marinated stew meat steak bites are cooked in butter for even more delicious flavor!

Kitchen Tools (affiliate links): Large Cast Iron Skillet | Mixing Bowls

How to Make Stew Meat Steak Bites

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to making these flavorful marinated garlic herb steak bites:

1. Cut the beef stew chunks into smaller, bite-sized 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, Worcestershire sauce, basil, parsley, pepper, salt, minced onion, garlic, oregano, thyme, and rosemary until well combined.
3. Add the steak chunks to the marinade and mix well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors soak in.
4. Heat a large cast iron pan over medium heat.
5. Add 1/4 cup butter to the large skillet and allow it to melt.
6. Add the marinated stew meat chunks to the skillet and cook on all sides for 1-2 minutes to get a beautiful sear. Total cooking time for the steak bites is about 5-6 minutes.
7. If cooking in batches, remove the cooked steak bites to an oven-safe dish and keep warm in the oven. Add more butter to the skillet and repeat the searing process.
8. Once all the steak bites are seared, transfer them to one dish and serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips for Making the Best Stew Meat Steak Bites

1. Preheat your cast iron skillet until it’s hot. When the meat hits the skillet, it should sizzle loudly, giving it the perfect sear.
2. Resist stirring the steak bites for the first 1-2 minutes. This allows them to sear properly and develop a rich, browned crust.
3. Avoid overcrowding the skillet. The steak pieces should be in a single layer, not stacked. Too many pieces in the pan at once will prevent a good sear on all sides.

What to Serve with Stew Meat Steak Bites

This meal is great for quick weeknight dinners and will surely please the whole family with its tender, flavorful bite-sized pieces of steak. Here is what to serve with them:

• Side Salad
• Green Beans
• Sweet Potatoes

How to Store Leftover Stew Meat Steak Bites

1. Refrigerator: Let the steak bites cool to room temperature before storing. Place the steak bites in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Reheating: Warm up leftover steak bites in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little butter or oil if needed to bring back the juiciness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use stew meat for steak bites?

Yes, you can definitely use stew meat for steak bites! When cooked properly, stew meat can be just as juicy and delicious as traditional steak cuts, making it a great, budget-friendly option for steak bites.

Why is my stew meat tough in steak bites?

Stew meat can turn tough if it’s overcooked or the pan isn’t hot enough. Sear it quickly over high heat for just 1-2 minutes per side rather than cooking it low and slow like you would for an actual stew — that’s what keeps it tender here.

What’s the best way to make stew meat tender for steak bites?

A short marinade (even just 1 hour) adds flavor and a boost of salt-driven juiciness, but the real key to tenderness is the hard sear in a very hot cast iron skillet — that’s what locks in juices without overcooking the interior.

How to Make Stew Meat Steak Bites

These Garlic Herb Butter Steak Bites are a quick and flavorful dinner option made with stew meat. Marinated in a savory blend of coconut aminos, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs, then cooked in butter to perfection, they’re ready in under 30 minutes after marinating. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is both budget-friendly and packed with high-protein, delicious flavor!

Print

Rate

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 6 minutes minutes

Marinate 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 11 minutes minutes

Serving Size 6 people

Equipment

• 1 large cast iron skillet

Ingredients

• 4 pounds beef stew chunks
• ⅓ cup Worcestershire Sauce
• ⅓ cup coconut aminos or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 3 teaspooon dried minced garlic
• 6 tablespooon butter

Instructions

• Cut the beef stew chunks into smaller, bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, Worcestershire sauce, basil, parsley, pepper, salt, minced onion, garlic, oregano, thyme, and rosemary until well combined.
• Add the steak chunks to the marinade and mix well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors soak in.
• Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
• Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt.
• Add the marinated stew meat chunks to the skillet and sear on all sides for 1-2 minutes. Total cooking time for the steak bites is about 5-6 minutes.
• If cooking in batches, remove the cooked steak bites to an oven-safe dish and keep warm in the oven. Add more butter to the skillet and repeat the searing process.
• Once all the steak bites are seared, transfer them to one dish and serve immediately.

Notes

1. Preheat your cast iron skillet until it’s hot. When the meat hits the skillet, it should sizzle loudly, giving it the perfect sear.
2. Resist stirring the steak bites for the first 1-2 minutes. This allows them to sear properly and develop a rich, browned crust.
3. Avoid overcrowding the skillet. The steak pieces should be in a single layer, not stacked. Too many pieces in the pan at once will prevent a good sear on all sides.
4. Short on Time: If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinade! Simply season the stew meat with the herbs and sauce right before cooking, and sear the steak bites in butter for a quick and flavorful meal.

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This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program participant, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Originally posted January 7, 2021 – updated March 04, 2025

About Sarah

Wife. Mother. From-Scratch Cook. Homemaker.

I’m Sarah, the creator of Rocky Hedge Farm, where I share my love for simple living, homemade meals, and creating a cozy home. As a wife and mother, I’m passionate about slowing down, cooking from scratch, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life. From DIY projects and family-friendly recipes, I hope to inspire others to embrace a life rooted in simplicity and warmth.

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