Get ready to delight your taste buds with these irresistibly tender Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites! It’s the perfect mix of well-seasoned meat and indulgent buttery sauce, all coming together in a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few minutes of prep and cook time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The Cajun seasoning adds an intense and delightful kick that pairs beautifully with the buttery finish.
- Versatile Delight: Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main dish, it’s sure to impress.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These steak bites have a universal appeal that’s bound to win everyone over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites irresistible is their simple yet powerful mix of ingredients. Each plays a critical role in creating the dish’s savory complexity and mouth-watering aroma.
- Chili Powder: This adds a mild heat and a rich color to the seasoning mix.
- Cayenne Pepper: For those who love a bit of a fiery kick, this is your spice hero.
- Smoked Paprika: Offers a smoky depth that beautifully complements the natural flavor of the steak.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses each bite with a mellow, savory note.
- Fresh Steak Cubes: Choose a tender cut for melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Variations
Feel free to add your personal touch to these Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites. It’s easily adjustable to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to make it as spicy or mild as you like.
- Herb Twist: Swap in fresh rosemary for a slightly different aromatic profile.
- Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Step 1: Season the Steak
Start by mixing your Cajun seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Toss the steak cubes in this fragrant mix until well coated, ensuring each piece is ready to sizzle with flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat your olive oil in a large cast iron skillet. Once it sizzles, add the steak and sear each side for roughly 2 minutes until you reach your preferred level of doneness. Remove and keep them warm.
Step 3: Create the Butter Sauce
In the same pan, melt your butter and add the minced garlic, coaxing out all those delicious browned bits into a savory, seasoned butter. Return the steak to the pan, bathe in butter, and serve immediately with a sprinkle of parsley.
Pro Tips for Making Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Choose Your Cut: Tender cuts like ribeye or sirloin work best for juicy, flavorful bites.
- Searing Secrets: Ensure your pan is hot to achieve that perfect seared crust.
- Butter Bliss: Always use fresh, unsalted butter for a creamy, rich sauce.
- Garlic Magic: Gentler cooking brings out the sweet, rounded flavors of garlic, enhancing the dish.
How to Serve Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of this dish.
Side Dishes
These steak bites pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or some steamed asparagus to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the steak bites on small skewers for a fun party appetizer, or arrange them on a bed of greens for a gorgeous plate presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to keep them fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked steak cubes for up to two months. Just keep them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stove at low heat, or microwave in short bursts to maintain their juicy tenderness.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, chicken or even pork tenderloin can be fantastic alternatives, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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What if I don’t like spicy food?
Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the seasoning for a milder flavor profile.
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Is there a way to make it dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative to enjoy this dish dairy-free.
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What’s the best pan to use?
A cast iron skillet is ideal for achieving that perfect sear and caramelization.
Final Thoughts
Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a delicious treat that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. I encourage you to try them soon and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite. Happy cooking!
Print
Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
- Total Time: 17-20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Description
Experience a flavorful and juicy Cajun garlic butter steak bites recipe that combines bold Cajun spices with tender steak pieces cooked to your preference, all finished with aromatic garlic butter and fresh parsley for a delightful bite-sized meal.
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Steak:
- 1 1/2 pounds steak, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning: Combine all the Cajun seasoning ingredients in a bowl and toss the steak cubes thoroughly to coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
- Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan until shimmering.
- Cook the Steak Bites: Add the coated steak cubes to the hot pan. Sear for about 2 minutes, then flip and cook another 2 minutes on the other side. If you prefer rare, remove now; for medium-well or well-done, continue flipping and cooking until browned on all sides, about an additional 3–5 minutes total.
- Remove and Keep Warm: Transfer the cooked steak bites to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
- Make Garlic Butter: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan for flavor.
- Combine and Serve: Return the steak bites to the pan, spoon the garlic butter over them, and cook for another minute to coat everything evenly. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
- Ensure your steak cubes are of even size for uniform cooking.
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best searing results.
- Serve with your favorite sides like rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- For a spicier option, add more cayenne or chili powder.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (113 g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
