These Cajun garlic butter steak bites are packed with flavor! Juicy pieces of steak are cooked to perfection and tossed in a rich, buttery, and spicy sauce.
Honestly, these little bites of goodness disappear fast at my place. Perfect for dinner or a fun appetizer, you won’t want to share these tasty treasures! 😋
I love how easy they are to whip up in just a few minutes. Pair them with some veggies or bread, and you have a mouthwatering meal ready to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Sirloin or flank steak works great, both are tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can try ribeye for a richer taste or even chicken if you prefer poultry.
Cajun Seasoning: This blend packs a punch! If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create a similar flavor profile.
Vegetable Oil or Olive Oil: These oils are great for searing since they have high smoke points. Canola oil is an excellent substitute, while butter can be mixed in for flavor, but be careful with burning.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for control over salt levels. If you need a dairy-free option, consider using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
How Do I Get a Perfect Sear on the Steak?
Searing steak to get that perfect crust is crucial. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a dry steak; pat it with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps in getting that lovely sear.
- Heat your skillet until it’s really hot. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke.
- Add the steak cubes in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; give them space to brown.
- Let them sear for 3-4 minutes without moving them. Then, flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, according to your desired doneness.
Trust the process and resist the urge to stir; that crust is all about patience!
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak or flank steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at about 20 minutes before you can enjoy your tasty Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by taking your cut steak cubes and placing them in a bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper over the steak. Toss everything together until all the pieces are well coated in the spices.
2. Heat the Skillet:
Next, grab a large skillet and pour in the vegetable oil (or olive oil) over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat up until it’s nice and hot, which usually takes just a few minutes.
3. Sear the Steak:
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned steak cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; you want them to sear properly. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes, or until a lovely crust forms on the steak.
4. Flip and Cook:
Using tongs, flip the steak bites over. Cook for another 2-3 minutes for a medium-rare finish, or adjust the time depending on how well-done you like your steak.
5. Add Garlic and Butter:
Now, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic into the skillet. Stir everything together and watch as the butter melts and infuses the garlic flavor into the steak bites. Let it cook for about 1 minute, basting the steak with that delicious garlic butter mixture.
6. Garnish and Serve:
When done, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the steak bites for a beautiful finishing touch. Serve them up right away with your favorite sides and enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Another Type of Steak for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or flank steak works best for bite-sized cubes, you can use ribeye or tenderloin if you prefer a richer flavor or more tenderness. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different cuts might require slight adjustments!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own mix using common spices. Combine 1 teaspoon each of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and oregano. Adjust the cayenne to your heat preference, and you’ll have a flavorful substitute for Cajun seasoning!
How to Store Leftover Steak Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a tiny bit of butter or oil to keep them moist and flavorful.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! To amp up the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper to your Cajun seasoning or toss in a few red pepper flakes when adding the garlic and butter. Just start with small amounts, taste, and adjust to your heat liking!
