These Cajun garlic butter steak bites are little pieces of joy! Juicy steak meets a rich garlic butter sauce with a kick of Cajun spice. It’s a perfect combo that gets everyone excited!
Honestly, who can resist steak smothered in garlic butter? I love serving it with toothpicks at parties because it disappears faster than I can say “more, please!” 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Sirloin or ribeye are great choices because they hold up well to high heat and contribute rich flavor. If you want a leaner option, you could use flank or tenderloin. Just note they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
Cajun Seasoning: This spice blend gives the steak its signature flavor. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs. It’s fun to customize based on your taste!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the saltiness. However, you can use salted butter if that’s all you have. A nice touch is to mix in a bit of garlic herb butter for added flavor.
Garnish: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. If you’re out of parsley, chopped green onions or cilantro work well as substitutes to brighten up the dish!
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Steak Bites?
Cooking steak bites to perfection requires timing and heat management. Start by ensuring your skillet is hot enough before adding the steak, creating a nice sear.
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. This means it’s ready for the steak.
- Arrange the steak bites in one layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this allows better browning.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side for a nice crust, adjusting the time for your desired doneness (less for rare, more for well done).
- Remove them from heat as they continue to cook slightly after you take them off.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to cook. In just about 20-25 minutes, you can enjoy delicious Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites that are quick and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Steak:
Start by placing the cubed steak in a medium bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the steak. Toss everything together until the steak cubes are evenly coated with the seasonings. This is where the flavor starts!
2. Cook the Steak Bites:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned steak bites in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook in batches. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and cooked to your liking. Once done, take the steak bites out of the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. As soon as the butter is melted, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
4. Combine the Steak with Garlic Butter:
Now, add the cooked steak bites back into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss everything together gently for 1-2 minutes to let the steak absorb that delicious garlic flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Give the dish a pretty finish by garnishing with the fresh chopped parsley. Serve your Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites immediately, and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Steak for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are great choices, you can also use tender cuts like filet mignon or even flank steak. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on how thick the pieces are, ensuring they reach your desired doneness.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own Cajun seasoning by mixing together paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the spices to your taste, especially if you prefer it spicier or milder!
How Should I Store Leftover Steak Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them from drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you enjoy more heat, you can add extra cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. Just be sure to start with a little and adjust to your spice preference!