Give your wings craving a glow-up with this quick and easy recipe for an elevated dish that aligns with your low-carb goals!
If you’re like me, you associate Buffalo sauce with chicken wings. My college days are a testament to that pairing! But sometimes it’s a fun exercise to take an ingredient out of context and see how it works with unexpected pairings.
Case in point: this recipe for low-carb Buffalo steak bites. It combines the tangy zest and mild spiciness of Buffalo sauce with the deeply savory umami of steak. And it turns out to be a match made in low-carb heaven!
With just a quick sear in a hot pan—and an assist from the ever-delicious butter—the beef cubes develop a delectably savory crust while staying tender and juicy inside. Then a combo of Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing brings in layered notes of vinegar-forward brightness and mellow richness for a creamy, tangy, spicy blend that’s super satisfying and maybe a little addictive.
If you’ve been missing Buffalo wings on your low-carb diet—as I have—this dish will satisfy your cravings in an elevated, grown-up way that stays true to your goals.
The best ingredients for top-shelf steak bites
Selecting the right beef cut sets up perfect steak bites every time. This recipe calls for sirloin steak because it tends to be inexpensive and on the leaner side. But you can use other, well-marbled cuts like rib eye, New York strip, or tenderloin for rich flavor and juicy texture. These cuts brown beautifully and stay tender after a quick sauté. For budget-friendly meals, opt for sirloin flap or stew meat—just make sure to cut pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate. Trim excess fat if you like, but remember that marbling helps keep your steak bites succulent and delicious.
To make sure this dish stays low-carb, double-check the labels on your store-bought ingredients. Opting for sugar-free Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing helps avoid hidden carbs.
How do I store leftovers?
Let your steak bites cool before storing them, but don’t leave them at room temp for longer than 2 hours. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot throughout.
Similar recipes to try
Hungry for more low-carb dishes that feature the spicy kick of Buffalo sauce? This Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe lets your slow cooker do all the work for a cheesy addition to happy hour. And this recipe for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs keeps your hands from getting sticky while you enjoy all the flavors of your favorite wings. Speaking of wings, check out this tutorial for How To Make Keto Buffalo Wild Wings that’ll bring back memories of your college days.
Low-Carb Buffalo Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sirloin steak about 3 big steaks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 1/3 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
- Place the steak cubes in a mixing bowl. Add the salt, pepper, and baking powder. Toss to coat the cubes evenly.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Then add half of the steak cubes to the skillet. Let them sit undisturbed for about 1 minute to start browning. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, turn the cubes to brown all sides as they continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes more. Transfer the cooked pieces to a clean bowl and repeat the browning process with the remaining steak pieces.
- Return all the steak bites to the skillet. Pour in the Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Stir to coat all the steak pieces evenly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, making sure all the beef is thoroughly cooked and letting the sauce thicken slightly.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
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