Start by cutting the top sirloin steak into evenly sized bite-sized cubes. The uniformity ensures that all pieces cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels; this is crucial for achieving that lovely sear.

In a bowl, toss the steak cubes with sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Make sure each cube is nicely coated. This seasoning mixture will infuse the meat with incredible flavor as it cooks.

Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan for better heat retention. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, you’re ready to add the steak.

Carefully place the seasoned steak bites in the hot skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure a good sear. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side until a beautiful crust forms. Depending on the size of your cubes, you might need to adjust cooking time.

Once the steak bites are cooked to your liking (medium rare is fantastic here), reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic and butter. Stir continuously as the butter melts. This helps prevent the garlic from burning and allows it to infuse flavor into the butter.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley over the steak bites. Give everything a good toss to coat the steak evenly in the fragrant garlic butter.