These easy Cajun garlic butter steak bites are pure joy! Juicy pieces of steak are cooked to tender perfection and tossed in a buttery garlic sauce with a spicy kick. Yum!
Nothing beats the smell of steak sizzling in garlic butter! I can’t resist having extra bites, and they are perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself! 😉
Making these steak bites is a breeze—just sear, toss in the sauce, and you’re ready to go! Serve them with a side of veggies for a tasty meal, or enjoy them as a fun snack.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: I recommend using sirloin or ribeye for great flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, flank steak or tenderloin could work, but they may cook a bit differently.
Cajun Seasoning: This is where the flavor comes alive! If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a sprinkle of paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano can mimic that spice blend. You can also adjust it to make it spicy or mild based on your preference.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. For a dairy-free version, try using ghee or olive oil instead. This will still give you a lovely richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the star here! If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but the flavor isn’t as robust. I think fresh garlic makes all the difference!
How Do You Get the Perfectly Browned Steak Bites?
Getting a nice sear on your steak bites is key to flavor. Start by ensuring the steak is patted dry; this helps browning. Making sure the pan is hot enough is also very important. Here’s how to do it best:
- Heat the skillet on medium-high until hot before adding oil.
- Cook the steak in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan, as this lowers the temperature and leads to steaming instead of searing.
- Don’t rush flipping the steak! Let it develop its crust for about 2-3 minutes before turning.
Trust the process, and you’ll get that delicious, deep brown crust that makes these steak bites irresistible!
Easy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for searing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time, totaling approximately 25 minutes. It’s quick, simple, and yields delicious steak bites perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by patting the steak cubes dry with paper towels. This will help them get that wonderful brown color when seared. The drier the steak, the better they’ll caramelize on the outside!
2. Season the Steak:
In a mixing bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Now, toss your steak cubes into the spice mix, making sure each piece is evenly coated with those flavorful spices!
3. Sear the Steak:
Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Once hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this can steam the meat instead of searing it. You may need to do this in batches.
4. Brown the Steak Bites:
Let the steak cook without moving it for about 2-3 minutes until it gets a nice brown crust. Then flip the steak cubes and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. You’re looking for a beautifully seared exterior while keeping the center tender.
5. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Once the steak bites are browned, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate. Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the remaining pan drippings. Allow the butter to melt, then add the minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic!
6. Combine and Serve:
Return the seared steak bites to the pan and toss them into the garlic butter sauce. Let everything cook together for another minute while stirring constantly to ensure the flavors meld perfectly. Finally, remove from heat, garnish with the chopped parsley, and serve those tasty bites immediately!
Enjoy these juicy, flavorful Cajun garlic butter steak bites as a snack, appetizer, or served alongside your favorite sides!
FAQ for Easy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Can I Use Different Cuts of Steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are great options for tenderness and flavor, you can also use flank steak, tenderloin, or even skirt steak. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut of steak you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! If you’re out of Cajun seasoning, you can mix your own using paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and thyme. Adjust the spices to suit your taste, and you can even make it as spicy or mild as you prefer!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While these steak bites are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the steak and toss them in the seasoning up to a day in advance. Just refrigerate them in an airtight container and sear them just before serving for the best taste and texture!
