These Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make! Just tender pieces of steak cooked in buttery garlic goodness with a spicy kick!
You’ll love how quick they come together; 15 minutes and dinner is served! Perfect for impressing your friends or treating yourself after a long day. Who can say no to buttery steak? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: Sirloin works great for this recipe, as it’s tender and flavorful. However, you can substitute it with flank steak or ribeye if you prefer something more marbled. Both cuts will give you delicious results!
Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought Cajun seasoning is convenient, but you can make your own by mixing paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. Tailor it to your taste! If you’re avoiding spice, try a milder seasoning blend instead.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is perfect for searing, but any high smoke point oil like canola or avocado oil can be used instead. I like using avocado oil for its health benefits and light flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the saltiness. If you want to keep things dairy-free, try using vegan butter or coconut oil for a slight coconut flavor in the dish.
Fresh Parsley: Parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste. If you don’t have it, cilantro or chives can work too, depending on your flavor preference.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Sear on Steak Bites?
Getting a good sear on your steak bites is crucial for flavor. Start with a hot skillet and a bit of oil to help prevent sticking. Here’s how you can do it:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high before adding the oil. It should shimmer but not smoke.
- Place steak bites in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan steams the meat instead of searing it.
- Don’t move them around; let them sit for about 2-3 minutes to develop a nice brown crust.
- Use tongs to flip only when they are browned.
Getting that crust is key to locking in flavors, so take your time with this step! Enjoy the sizzle and aroma as they cook!
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 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:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes to cook. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy delicious Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites that are bursting with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Steak:
Start by taking your bite-sized steak pieces and placing them in a bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper over the steak. Use your hands or a spoon to make sure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning. This will help bring a burst of flavor to your steak bites!
2. Sear the Steak:
Next, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is nice and hot, carefully add the seasoned steak bites in a single layer. Remember, don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches. Sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and cooked to your liking. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add Garlic Butter:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt, then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Now, return the seared steak bites to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter to coat every piece evenly. Cook for another minute to let all those fantastic flavors meld together.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Once the steak bites are thoroughly coated and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites immediately and enjoy this delectable dish!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin is great for this recipe, you can also use ribeye, flank steak, or even tenderloin. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the pieces for best results!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. Alternatively, you can create your own blend with paprika and garlic powder for a lighter kick while still enjoying fantastic flavor!
What Should I Do with Leftover Steak Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
For best results, we recommend making it fresh. However, you can prep the steak and season it a few hours in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook!