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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
