This Easy Chipotle Steak Bites recipe is packed with so much flavor and is so easy to throw together! Nothing better than delicious juicy and tender steak bites smothered in a yummy buttery chipotle garlic sauce.

spicy steak bites in a cast iron skillet.

Easy Chipotle Steak Bites Recipe

Easy Chipotle Steak Bites are a meat lover’s dream come true! Lots of delicious juice and tender steak bites smothered in a yummy buttery chipotle garlic sauce.

This Easy Chipotle Steak Bites recipe is packed with so much flavor and is so easy to throw together! You basically need just 4 ingredients: beef, a can of chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, butter, and garlic.

These take minutes of prep and minutes to cook. A super easy and quick recipe that packs quite a punch…The garlic butter sauce is to die for!

chipotle steak bites in a cast iron skillet with chopped cilantro.

Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

  • Beef Steak: I used picanha (beef Coulotte), but you can see other cuts of steak. Read below for more details.
  • Salt and black pepper: For seasoning.
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: These are the star of this dish! They add a wonderful smoky flavor to the steak. Check out my Ultimate Guide to Cooking With Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce.
  • Oil: canola, vegetable oil, or even olive oil.
  • Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter, whatever you have handy.
  • Garlic: I recommend using fresh garlic, which offers a more vibrant flavor profile and texture.
  • Fresh cilantro: To garnish, this is optional! You can substitute for fresh parsley if you prefer,

The Best Cut of Meat to Make Steak Bites

When making steak bites, you’ll want to choose a cut of meat that is tender, flavorful, and well-suited for quick cooking. I mostly use sirloin, but here are some recommended cuts for delicious steak bites:

  1. Tenderloin/Filet Mignon: This is one of the most tender and lean cuts of beef. It’s known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and mild flavor. Cut into bite-sized pieces, tenderloin steak bites will be incredibly tender and luxurious.
  2. Ribeye: Ribeye is a well-marbled and flavorful cut that offers a good balance of tenderness and richness. The marbling adds juiciness and enhances the flavor of the steak bites.
  3. Striploin/New York Strip: Striploin is a popular choice for steak bites due to its tenderness and robust flavor. It has good marbling and a nice meaty texture.
  4. Sirloin: Sirloin is a versatile cut that combines tenderness and beefy flavor. Look for top sirloin or sirloin steak for tender and flavorful steak bites.
  5. Flank Steak: Flank steak has a pronounced beefy flavor and a distinctive grain. It can be delicious and tender when sliced against the grain into bite-sized pieces. Marinating the flank steak before cooking can further enhance its tenderness and flavor.
  6. Skirt Steak: Skirt steak is known for its rich flavor and loose texture. It’s important to slice it against the grain into bite-sized pieces to ensure tenderness.

Whether you prefer a lean and tender cut or a well-marbled, flavorful option, choose the cut that best suits your taste preferences and cooking method.

How To Make Easy Chipotle Steak Bites

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

  1. Season and Marinade the Beef

    Season beef cubes with salt and black pepper to taste. Place the chipotles in adobo in a small food processor and purée until smooth. Add the chipotle puree to the beef and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for 15 – 30 minutes, or even overnight if time allows.

    steak bites in a bowl with chipotle marinade.

  2. Sear the Steak

    Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a cast iron skillet or pan over medium-high heat until hot. Sear the steak bites in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until the edges are crispy and browned, adding extra oil as needed. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

  3. Finish Up The Sauce

    Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and heat until melted. Add garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute) while scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
    Take the pan off the heat. Throw the steak bites back into the skillet and toss through the garlic butter to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve.

    Easy Chipotle Steak Bites | Mommy's Home Cooking

Best Internal Temperature For Steak Bites

The best internal temperature for steak bites can vary depending on personal preference and the level of doneness you prefer. I usually cook them with medium doneness, 145°F to 150°F (63°C to 66°C). Here are some general guidelines for the internal temperature of steak bites:

  1. Rare: For rare doneness, aim for an internal temperature of around 125°F to 130°F (52°C to 54°C). The center of the steak bite will be bright red and slightly cool.
  2. Medium Rare: For medium-rare doneness, target an internal temperature of about 135°F to 140°F (57°C to 60°C). The center will be warm and pink with a hint of redness.
  3. Medium: For medium doneness, aim for an internal temperature of approximately 145°F to 150°F (63°C to 66°C). The center will have a pinkish color.
  4. Medium Well: For medium-well doneness, target an internal temperature of around 155°F to 160°F (68°C to 71°C). The center will be slightly pink with mostly gray-brown throughout.
  5. Well Done: For well-done doneness, aim for an internal temperature of about 165°F to 170°F (74°C to 77°C). The center will be uniformly gray-brown.

Keep in mind that steak bites are smaller in size compared to traditional steak cuts, so they tend to cook relatively quickly. Monitoring the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and adjusting the cooking time accordingly is important. Remember that the steak bites will continue to cook a little after you remove them from the heat, so you can take them off the heat a few degrees below your desired internal temperature and allow them to rest for a few minutes to reach the desired doneness. I recommend testing a few steak bites to ensure they reach your desired level of doneness before serving.

Tips And Tricks to Make Chipotle Steak Bites

Try to cut the beef cubes the same size for even cooking.

Use a really hot skillet; this makes the steak crispier and develops that golden crust on the outside.

DO NOT crowd the pan – cook the steak bites in 2 -3 batches.

Do not move the steak bites for the first 1 or 2 minutes. You want it to sizzle and brown on one side before flipping them over.

Don’t overcook the beef, or it will get tough; I recommend 1-2 minutes on each side.

Deglaze the skillet with butter scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

close up of spicy chipotle steak bites in a cast iron skillet.

Steak Bites Serving Ideas

I love to serve Easy Chipotle Steak Bites with yuca fries and guasacaca or chimichurri. Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or rice are great options too. Of course, steak bites can be served in various ways, depending on your preference and the occasion. Here are a few of my favorites ways to serve steak bites:

  • Appetizer: Serve steak bites as a tasty appetizer for gatherings, parties, or game nights. Skewer the steak bites with toothpicks for easy serving, and accompany them with dipping sauces such as chimichurri, garlic aioli, or a tangy barbecue sauce.
  • Salad: Add steak bites to a fresh salad for a hearty and flavorful meal.
  • Sandwich or Wrap: Create a delicious steak bite sandwich or wrap by placing the bites on a toasted roll or tortilla.
  • Steak Bowl: Create a satisfying steak bowl by serving the steak bites on a bed of cooked rice or quinoa.
  • Loaded Nachos: Top a bed of tortilla chips with steak bites, melted cheese, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream, and any other desired toppings. Bake them in the oven until the cheese melts, and serve them as loaded steak bite nachos.

Storing Instructions

Allow the cooked steak bites to cool to room temperature before storing them. Transfer the steak bites to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. While they may still be safe to eat after this period, their quality may begin to deteriorate.

Reheat Leftovers

When ready to enjoy the leftover steak bites, reheat them thoroughly. You can do this by briefly heating them in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they may become dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can beef stew meat be used for steak bites?

Yes, technical, you can! However, stew meat is often from tougher cuts of beef that benefit from long, slow cooking to become tender, so the steak bites could end up chewy.

What meat is used for steak bites?

When making steak bites, you’ll want to choose a cut of meat that is tender, flavorful, and well-suited for quick cooking, such as tenderloin, sirloin, or picanha.

How can I tell when the steak bites are cooked to my desired doneness?

You can use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature to determine when steak bites are cooked to your desired doneness. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the largest steak bite to get an accurate reading. Keep in mind that cooking times can vary based on the heat of your cooking method and the size of the steak bites. It’s always a good idea to test a few steak bites to ensure they reach your desired level of doneness.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions work well.

close up of spicy chipotle steak bites garnished with chopped cilantro in a cast iron skillet.

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Recipe Card 📖

Easy Spicy Chipotle Steak Bites in a cast iron skillet.

Easy Chipotle Steak Bites

Oriana Romero
This Easy Chipotle Steak Bites recipe is packed with so much flavor and is so easy to throw together! Nothing better than delicious juicy and tender steak bites smothered in a yummy buttery chipotle garlic sauce. 
4.67 from 9 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinade Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 people

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 2-3 lb Beef Steak, cut into 2-inch cubes (I used beef Coulott; see notes for more beef cuts suggestions)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 7 oz (199 g – 1 small can) Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) canola or vegetable oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Important

Don’t forget to check out the step-by-step photos above in the post—they’ll guide you through the process and make everything super clear!

Instructions
 

  • Season beef cubes with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Place the chipotles in adobo in a small food processor and purée until smooth.
  • Add the chipotle puree to the beef and toss to coat evenly. Let marinade for 15 – 30 minutes or even overnight if time allows.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet or pan over medium-high heat until hot. Sear the steak bites on each side for 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned, adding extra oil as needed. I recommend doing the searing in batches. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
    PRO TIP: Check Doneness > You can use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature to determine when steak bites are cooked to your desired doneness. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the largest steak bite to get an accurate reading. Keep in mind that cooking times can vary based on the heat of your cooking method and the size of the steak bites. It's always a good idea to test a few steak bites to ensure they reach your desired level of doneness.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and heat until melted. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute) while scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  • Take the pan off the heat. Throw the steak bites back into the skillet and toss through the garlic butter to coat evenly.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm with yucca fries, roasted potatoes, or white rice, if desired
Oriana’s Notes
 
BEEF: I used picanha (beef Coulotte), but you can see other cuts of steak. Read the post above for other beef cuts recommendations.
CHIPOTLE: chipotle peppers in Adobo are spicy, so feel free to add just half of the can if you want a little spicy kick.
EXTRA RECIPE TIPS:
  • Try to cut the cubes the same size for even cooking.
  • Use a really hot skillet; this makes the steak crispier and develops that golden crust on the outside.
  • DO NOT crowd the pan – cook the steak bites in 2 -3 batches.
  • Do not move the steak bites for the first 1 or 2 minutes. You want it to sizzle and brown on one side before flipping them over.
  • Don’t overcook the beef, or it will get tough; I recommend 1-2 minutes on each side.
  • Deglaze the skillet with butter scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
 
If you’re making this recipe, please read the whole post content to get lots of tips, tricks, variations, frequently asked questions, and step-by-step photos.
 
 Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
 
Please note that nutritional information is a rough estimate, and it can vary depending on the products used.
I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!Recipe reviews on the website are extremely valuable to other readers online. So, please don’t forget to give it a 5-star rating below.

Nutrition

Calories: 489kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 50gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 164mgSodium: 857mgPotassium: 821mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2835IUVitamin C: 0.9mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 4.9mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

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Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Calories 489
Keyword beef chipotle spicy steak

Disclosure: This recipe was sponsored by Rumba Meats in April 2019.

This recipe was originally published in April 2019. The recipe remains the same, but more notes, tips, photos, and information were added to the post in July 2023 to make it as helpful as possible!

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4.67 from 9 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    We’re Under Covid-19 shelter-in-place, so I’m searching for recipes based on what I have on hand. I searched for a recipe for yuca fries, which I used, but one of the links was to this chipotle steak. I improvised by using the skirt steak I had in the freezer. I cut it into 1/2-inch strips, marinated for 30 or so minutes. I followed all the directions except for adding more butter (cuz I like butter!) and this was DELICIOUS wit the yuca fries and a simple lettuce and tomato salad. Will definitely make again!

  2. This recipe is soooo good! I also use sirloin and marinade for 30 minutes because I didn’t want it too spicy. I will definitely make it again! Everyone loved it. Thanks for the recipe.