These Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, flavorful, and seriously easy to make! They pack a spicy kick from Cajun seasoning and the rich taste of garlic butter.
Perfect for a quick dinner or as a fun appetizer! Just toss them in a pan, and watch them sizzle. You won’t be able to resist grabbing a few off the plate! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: I recommend sirloin or ribeye for a great flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for something leaner, tenderloin is a good choice. For a budget option, consider flank steak or even chicken if you’re craving something different!
Cajun Seasoning: This blend brings in the flavor! If you don’t have it, you can mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and some herbs like oregano or thyme for a homemade version.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness. If you want to make this dish dairy-free, olive oil is a good substitute. Ghee also works well for a rich flavor without dairy!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder. Just use about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove of fresh garlic.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Searing Steak Bites?
Searing is key for a nice browning on your steak bites! Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding oil. This helps create a searing effect.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! It’s better to cook in smaller batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing.
- Let the steak cook without moving it too much. This allows a crust to form.
When they’re nicely browned and cooked to your liking, you’ll be set for those delicious bites! Remember, patience is your friend here!
Delicious Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnishing:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes for prep and another 10 minutes for cooking, making a total of around 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Steak:
Begin by placing the bite-sized steak cubes in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper over the steak. Toss everything together until the steak pieces are evenly coated with the spices. This gives your steak that flavorful kick!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it is nice and hot. You want it hot enough to sear the meat properly, which will give it a beautiful color and flavor.
3. Sear the Steak Bites:
Once your skillet is hot, carefully add the seasoned steak bites in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can cause the meat to steam instead of sear. Cook the steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s browned and cooked to your liking. If necessary, do this in batches to ensure even cooking.
4. Add the Garlic Butter:
When the steak bites are cooked to perfection, reduce the heat to medium-low. Push the steak to one side of the skillet to make some room. On the empty side, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant and slightly golden. Make sure you don’t let it burn!
5. Combine and Finish:
Next, stir the cooked steak bites into the garlic butter, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let it cook for an additional minute to absorb all that yummy garlic flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish your Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites with fresh parsley. Serve them immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a nice zesty touch, if you like. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Steak for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are great choices for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use cuts like flank steak or tenderloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the meat, so adjust accordingly!
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can make a simple homemade Cajun seasoning mix using equal parts paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the levels to your taste if you prefer it spicier or milder!
How to Store Leftover Steak Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you like more heat, you can add extra cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning or toss in some sliced jalapeños while cooking. Just be cautious and taste as you go to avoid making it too spicy!
