Name: Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Cajun
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)

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.

Close-up view of a black cast iron pan filled with about twenty dark brown, juicy cooked meat cubes scattered unevenly across the pan's surface. The meat pieces have a crispy and seared texture with visible spice coating, giving a rich reddish-brown color. Small green herb bits are sprinkled lightly on top of the meat, adding a fresh touch. On the lower right side, a silver spoon scoops up a cluster of meat chunks, glistening with cooking juices that reflect light. The pan is set against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Slice the steak into roughly 2-inch pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.

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.

Step 3: Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot and begins to smoke slightly.

Step 4: Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the pan.

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.

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.

Step 7: Reduce the heat to medium-low and return the skillet to the stovetop. Add butter and let it melt.

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.

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.

Step 10: Serve the steak bites hot, garnished with minced fresh parsley.

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.