These Cajun garlic butter steak bites are juicy and flavorful! Tossed in a spicy Cajun seasoning and cooked in buttery garlic goodness, they make a perfect quick meal or snack.
Who can resist bites of tender steak with a little kick? They disappear fast at my house. I love serving them with a side of veggies or over rice for a hearty meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: This cut is ideal for its balance of flavor and tenderness. However, you can swap it with ribeye or tenderloin if you prefer a richer taste or want something extra tender.
Cajun Seasoning: The seasoning brings a bold flavor. If you don’t have it, a mix of paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper can work well. Adjust the heat to your liking!
Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try using olive oil or a vegan butter alternative for a similar richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic offers the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic works in a pinch. You can also use garlic powder, but use less (about 1/8 teaspoon per clove).
Olive Oil: This is great for frying. Canola oil or avocado oil are good substitutes if you’re looking for a neutral taste or higher smoke point.
How Can I Get the Perfect Sear on My Steak Bites?
Getting that savory brown crust is crucial for flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, ensure your skillet is hot enough. A good way to test this is by adding a drop of water. If it sizzles, you’re ready!
- Add the steak bites in a single layer to let them sear evenly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
- Let the steak sit for 2-3 minutes without moving it. This helps develop a nice crust. Flip once the bottom is browned.
- Cook until your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer for best results; 130°F is great for medium-rare.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30-35 minutes total. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes marinating the steak bites and about 15 minutes cooking them to perfection. It’s a quick and delicious dish you can enjoy anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Steak Bites:
Start by placing your bite-sized steak pieces in a bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, along with some salt and black pepper, over the steak. Toss everything together until the steak is well coated. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soak up those tasty flavors.
2. Searing the Steak Bites:
Next, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated steak bites to the pan in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, so do it in batches if necessary. Let them sear without moving for about 2-3 minutes to get a nice brown crust on one side.
3. Cooking to Your Liking:
After 2-3 minutes, flip the steak bites to cook the other side. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. Check the color of the steak—this will help you know how well cooked it is!
4. Adding the Garlic Butter:
Once the steak is cooked, turn the heat down to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir everything to combine, and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to become fragrant and slightly golden, which will add a wonderful flavor to the dish.
5. Garnishing and Serving:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the Cajun garlic butter steak bites with fresh chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness! Serve immediately as an appetizer or alongside your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin steak works great, you can also use cuts like ribeye, flank steak, or even tenderloin for a more tender bite. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the thickness and fat content of the cut.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No problem! You can make a quick substitute by combining spices you might have on hand, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. Adjust to your taste, starting with about 1 tablespoon of paprika and adding a pinch of cayenne for heat.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat to maintain tenderness, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent drying out. You can also microwave them in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you’re a fan of extra heat, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking. Just keep in mind to taste as you go, so it doesn’t become overwhelmingly spicy!
