Homemade Arby’s Steak Bites Recipe

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Arby’s Steak Bites have been a game-changer for fast-food lovers craving something hearty yet simple. But what if I told you that you could recreate this meaty masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen?

How to make Arby’s Steak Bites

Arby’s Steak Bites are bite-sized pieces of seasoned, seared steak served as a limited-time menu item at Arby’s. They are made from tender cuts of beef that are cooked without breading, giving them a smoky, grilled flavor similar to steak tips.

Ingredients

For the steak bites:

• 1 lb beef sirloin or ribeye steak (trimmed and cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• ½ tsp kosher salt (or to taste)

For the smoky flavor:

• ¼ tsp liquid smoke (optional for that signature Arby’s smoky taste)
• ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds richness to the steak flavor)

Optional garnish:

• Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• Flaky sea salt (for finishing)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Steak

1. Start by trimming any excess fat from your steak and cutting it into bite-sized cubes (roughly 1-inch pieces).
2. Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to remove moisture—this ensures better searing.
3. In a bowl, toss the steak cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and kosher salt until evenly coated.

Step 2: Add Smoky Flavor

1. If you’re using liquid smoke, mix it with Worcestershire sauce in a separate small bowl. Lightly drizzle this mixture over the seasoned steak cubes to coat them evenly. This step mimics the smoky flavor of the original Arby’s Steak Bites.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites

1. Heat a skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
2. Once the skillet is hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding—work in batches if necessary.
3. Sear the steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side to create a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
4. Remove the cooked steak bites from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Repeat until all the steak pieces are cooked.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

1. Allow the steak bites to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Resting helps retain juiciness.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a touch of elevated flavor.
3. Serve as a snack, appetizer, or over a side like mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad!

Tips for Making Perfect Steak Bites

• Choose the right cut of meat: Sirloin or ribeye works best since they’re tender and flavorful, but you can also experiment with other cuts like strip steak.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: This ensures the steak bites sear properly instead of steaming. A cast iron skillet is ideal for developing that crispy, golden crust.
• Add spice to taste: If you want a kick of heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne powder or chili flakes into the seasoning mix.
• Control the smoky flavor: Liquid smoke can be potent, so start with a small amount and adjust based on your preference.
• Make it a meal: Pair your steak bites with dipping sauces or sides like garlic aioli, barbecue sauce, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

What to serve with

Arby’s Steak Bites are juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor—a meaty snack that can also shine as the centerpiece of a meal. While these steak bites are satisfying on their own, choosing the right side dishes and accompaniments can elevate your dining experience.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the perfect pairing for Arby’s Steak Bites. The smooth texture complements the smoky and tender steak cubes. You can also try garlic or parmesan mashed potatoes for added flavor.
• French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries are a classic match for steak bites. Whether you stick to the original or opt for seasoned sweet potato fries, they add a nice crunchy contrast.
• Mac and Cheese: Indulgently creamy, cheesy macaroni pairs beautifully with the rich, savory taste of steak bites. Consider adding smoked cheddar to tie the flavors together.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re planning to make Arby’s Steak Bites at home, you may find yourself missing certain ingredients or wondering how to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes. The good news is that steak bites are highly adaptable, and there are plenty of ingredient substitutes that can yield a delicious result without compromising too much on flavor.

1. Substitutes for the Steak

The choice of steak is crucial since it contributes to the dish’s texture and flavor, but there are plenty of options to suit your preferences and budget.

Higher-end substitutions:

• Filet Mignon: If you’re craving something ultra-tender, filet mignon is an excellent upgrade for steak bites. Be careful when cooking, as it can overcook quickly.
• Strip Steak: Similar to sirloin, strip steak gives you a balance of tenderness and flavor.

Budget-friendly substitutions:

• Flank Steak: A leaner, more affordable option that works well if marinated to tenderize. Be sure to cut it thinly against the grain to prevent toughness.
• Chuck Steak: While slightly chewier, chuck steak is a fantastic option for a budget-friendly yet flavorful alternative. Tenderize it with a marinade for the best results.
• Top Round Steak: Similar to chuck, this cut is leaner but can work well if thinly sliced and marinated.

Non-beef options:

• Chicken Thighs or Breast: While not a direct replacement, chicken bites seasoned and cooked in a similar smoky style can create a leaner, lower-fat version.
• Pork Tenderloin: Pork cubes offer a slightly milder flavor but take on seasonings beautifully, making them a versatile alternative.

2. Substitutes for Olive Oil

If you’re out of olive oil or looking for variations, try these alternatives:

• Avocado Oil: A high-smoke-point oil that works great for searing steak bites—plus, it’s heart-healthy.
• Canola or Vegetable Oil: These neutral oils are a versatile, budget-friendly choice and won’t overpower the steak’s flavor.
• Butter or Ghee: For a richer flavor, you can use butter or ghee, though be mindful of cooking at medium heat since they burn more easily.

3. Substitutes for Garlic Powder

If garlic powder isn’t available or you prefer fresh ingredients, there’s no shortage of substitutes:

• Fresh Garlic: Finely mince or grate 1–2 cloves of garlic and add them during the cooking process to mimic the flavor.
• Onion Powder or Minced Onion: While slightly different in flavor, these can still provide a savory boost.
• Garlic Salt: If using garlic salt as a substitute, reduce the amount of kosher salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.

4. Substitutes for Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika lends a subtle smoky depth to the dish, but there are plenty of options if you’re out:

• Regular Paprika: While it lacks the smokiness, it provides the same vibrant color and mild spiciness.
• Chipotle Powder: This adds a smoky, spicy flavor similar to smoked paprika. Use sparingly if you don’t want too much heat.
• Liquid Smoke (adjusted quantity): If you’re already using liquid smoke in the recipe, you can increase its amount slightly to balance the flavor.

5. Substitutes for Onion Powder

If you don’t have onion powder:

• Grated Fresh Onion: A tablespoon of grated onion can serve as a great substitute for its powdered counterpart.
• Shallot Powder: If on hand, shallot powder is a similar substitute for onion powder but with a slightly milder flavor.

6. Substitutes for Kosher Salt

Kosher salt’s coarse texture can be substituted with the following:

• Table Salt: Use slightly less table salt than the recipe calls for, as it’s finer and saltier by volume.
• Sea Salt or Himalayan Pink Salt: Both work well but may add subtle differences in flavor.

7. Substitutes for Liquid Smoke

Liquid smoke adds a unique smoky flavor, but if you don’t have it, try these alternatives:

• Smoked Paprika: If you haven’t already used smoked paprika in the recipe, this can serve as the smokiness substitute.
• Worcestershire Sauce (additional): While not smoky, Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami flavor. You can enhance the smoky effect with small amounts of ground cumin.
• Char Techniques: For an all-natural smoky flavor, cook the steak bites on a grill or under the broiler to imitate that charred taste.

8. Substitutes for Worcestershire Sauce

If you run out of Worcestershire sauce, these alternatives will provide comparable umami and tang:

• Soy Sauce or Tamari: Both add a robust, salty flavor. Tamari is a gluten-free option.
• Balsamic Vinegar + Soy Sauce: A mix of balsamic vinegar and soy sauce offers that balance of tang and richness.
• Steak Sauce (like A1): Steak sauce is usually made with similar ingredients and can mimic the flavor of Worcestershire.

Final Thoughts

Arby’s Steak Bites are packed with protein and flavor, so choosing sides and sauces that balance smoky, savory notes is key to creating a harmonious meal.

More Arby’s Recipes:

• Copycat Arby’s Loaded Italian Sandwich Recipe