Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and tender steak, these Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a must-try. The Cajun seasoning blend adds a smoky, spicy kick to the steak, while the garlic butter sauce gives it a luxurious, savory finish. Plus, cooking these bites in a cast iron skillet ensures that each piece gets perfectly seared on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside. It’s a quick and easy dish that delivers big flavor, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes!

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)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

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

2. Season the Steak: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Cajun seasoning blend. Add the seasoning to the steak bites and toss to coat evenly.

3. Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for several minutes, until you see wisps of smoke.

4. Sear the Steak: Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet, swirling it to coat the bottom. Add half of the steak bites (or less if your skillet isn’t very large) to the pan. Let them sear for 2 minutes without flipping, then flip and sear for another 2 minutes, or until they are well-browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside. Repeat with the remaining steak and oil.

5. Make the Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Without washing the skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet with a wooden spoon.

6. Combine and Serve: Turn off the heat, add the steak bites back to the skillet, and stir well to coat the steak in the garlic butter. Garnish with minced fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Steak Cuts: While strip steak, sirloin, or ribeye are ideal for this recipe, you can also use other cuts like flank steak or tenderloin for a different texture.

• Spiciness: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne altogether.

• Garlic Butter Twist: For an extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small amount of butter or oil to prevent them from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

1. Can I use a non-stick skillet instead of a cast iron skillet?

Yes, you can, but cast iron provides superior heat retention and will give your steak bites a better sear.

2. What type of steak is best for this recipe?

Strip steak, sirloin, and ribeye are all excellent choices, but you can also use other tender cuts like tenderloin or flank steak.

3. How can I make the steak bites spicier?

To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or include additional spicy seasonings like crushed red pepper flakes.

4. Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of steak?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast or thighs, though the cooking time will differ slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken.

5. What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

Regular paprika will work in a pinch, but smoked paprika adds a unique smoky flavor that’s worth seeking out.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the skillet. Just sauté them before adding the steak to the pan.

7. How can I make the garlic butter sauce richer?

To make the sauce richer, add a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese.

8. How do I know when the steak is done?

For a medium-rare steak, cook the steak bites for about 2 minutes per side. If you prefer your steak more done, you can cook it for an extra minute per side.

9. Can I use a grill instead of a skillet?

While grilling is an option, the skillet method ensures that the steak bites soak up all the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the steak is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the Cajun seasoning and slice the steak ahead of time. Just store everything separately until you’re ready to cook.

Conclusion

These Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are an incredibly satisfying dish, bursting with flavor in every bite. The perfect balance of Cajun spice and buttery richness makes them a standout meal for any occasion. Whether served on their own or alongside your favorite sides, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and easy recipe that delivers maximum taste and minimal effort. Enjoy!