Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy pieces of steak packed with flavor! Cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a touch of Cajun spice, they’re sure to impress your taste buds.
These little bites are perfect for a quick meal or a party snack! I always make extra because they disappear fast—you might want to do the same! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: I recommend using sirloin or ribeye for their great flavor and tenderness. If you want a leaner option, consider using flank steak or tenderloin. Both will work nicely in this recipe!
Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. This way, you can adjust the heat to your liking!
Butter: I use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. However, if you’re in a pinch, salted butter can work, just be mindful of adding extra salt to the dish.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for cooking due to its high smoke point, but if you need a substitute, avocado oil or canola oil will also do the trick.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fantastic punch of flavor, but garlic powder can be a substitute in a pinch—just use about 1/4 teaspoon instead of fresh.
How Do I Get My Steak Bites Perfectly Browned?
Browning the steak bites is essential for flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the oil and steak. This helps create a nice crust.
- Only add enough steak bites to cover the pan without overcrowding. Overcrowded meat will steam instead of brown.
- Cook without moving the bites for 2-3 minutes on each side. This lets a crust form for that delicious flavor.
Once they’re beautifully browned, you can toss them in the garlic butter for that extra flavor boost!
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 pound sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 10 minutes to cook, for a total of about 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized cubes. Once you have your cubes ready, season them generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well-coated to get that delicious flavor!
2. Cook the Steak Bites:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned steak bites in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan—this helps the steak cook evenly. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
Once your steak bites are seared, reduce the heat to medium-low. Push the steak bites to one side of the skillet. In the empty space, add the butter and let it melt. As soon as the butter has melted, throw in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Don’t forget to stir it to mix with the butter!
4. Combine and Coat:
Now it’s time to make it really tasty! Toss the steak bites in the garlic butter mixture until they are all coated. Let them cook together for an extra minute so the flavors can meld beautifully.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer your delicious steak bites to a serving dish. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a touch of color. Serve them hot, perfect as an appetizer or main dish alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy your flavorful Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are great choices for this recipe, you can use other cuts like flank steak, tenderloin, or even chuck eye. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different cuts may require slightly different cooking durations for the desired doneness.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade Cajun seasoning by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Adjust the heat level according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
It’s best to cook these steak bites fresh for the best texture, but you can prepare the steak cubes and season them in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking to help the flavors marinate. Just remember to remove them from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking the meat.
