Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a flavorful and quick dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender steak pieces are coated in a smoky, spicy seasoning, then seared to perfection and tossed in rich garlic butter. This recipe is sure to impress with bold flavors and simple preparation.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or less, to taste)
• 1/2 tsp packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1 1/2 lbs. steak (strip steak, sirloin, ribeye, etc.)
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated)
• Minced fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the steak into roughly 2-inch pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and dried thyme. Add this seasoning blend to the steak pieces and toss well to coat evenly.
3. Step 3: Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot and begins to smoke slightly.
4. Step 4: Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the pan.
5. Step 5: Add about half of the steak pieces to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2 minutes without flipping.
6. Step 6: Flip the steak bites and sear the other side for another 2 minutes until well browned. Remove the cooked pieces to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining oil and steak.
7. Step 7: Reduce the heat to medium-low and return the skillet to the stovetop. Add butter and let it melt.
8. Step 8: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon for extra flavor.
9. Step 9: Turn off the heat and add the seared steak bites back into the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir well to coat the steak evenly.
10. Step 10: Serve the steak bites hot, garnished with minced fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• Use ribeye or sirloin for juicier bites, but any tender steak cut works well.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level for mild to spicy heat.
• For extra richness, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the garlic butter before tossing in the steak.

Storage

Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to retain juiciness or in the microwave using short intervals to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed steak for even cooking and the best texture. If using frozen, thaw completely before slicing and seasoning.

What sides go well with Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the rich flavors.

Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 129 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy pieces of steak coated in a flavorful blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and aromatic spices, seared to perfection and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy skillet recipe delivers bold Cajun flavors with a buttery, garlicky finish, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Steak and Seasoning

• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or less, to taste)
• 1/2 tsp packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1 1/2 lbs. steak (strip steak, sirloin, ribeye, etc.)

Cooking and Garnish

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated)
• Minced fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare: Slice the steak into roughly 2-inch pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. This step ensures bite-sized pieces that cook quickly and evenly.
2. Season: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, light brown sugar, and dried thyme. Add this seasoning blend to the bowl with the steak pieces and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
3. Preheat skillet: Place a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat without any oil. Let it heat for several minutes until you see wisps of smoke, indicating it’s properly hot for searing the steak.
4. Sear steak bites (in batches): Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat. Add about half of the seasoned steak bites without overcrowding the pan. Sear for 2 minutes on one side without flipping to develop a crust; then flip and sear for another 2 minutes until well browned. Remove the cooked steak bites to a plate. Repeat with the remaining oil and steak bites.
5. Make garlic butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low and use the same skillet without washing it, preserving the flavorful browned bits. Add the unsalted butter to melt, then stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, using a wooden spoon to scrape and incorporate the fond from the skillet.
6. Combine and serve: Turn off the heat and return the cooked steak bites to the skillet. Stir well to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with minced fresh parsley for a fresh, herby finish.

Notes

• Use steak cuts like strip steak, sirloin, or ribeye for best flavor and tenderness.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing to ensure a proper crust; cook in batches if needed.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level for heat.
• Keep the skillet residue when making the garlic butter for extra flavor.
• Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun

Keywords: Cajun steak bites, garlic butter steak, skillet steak, spicy steak bites, quick steak recipe