These Cajun garlic butter steak bites are a tasty treat! Juicy pieces of steak are cooked to perfection and tossed in a creamy, garlicky butter sauce that’s packed with flavor.
It’s like a flavor party in your mouth! I love serving them with some crispy bread to soak up every bit of that yummy sauce. You won’t want to miss a single bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: This cut is great for tenderness, but you can swap it for tenderloin or ribeye if you prefer. Just be mindful that different cuts might change the cooking time and flavor a bit.
Cajun Seasoning: If you can’t find Cajun seasoning, you can make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. Just adjust the spice level to your liking based on what spices you have on hand!
Olive Oil: While olive oil is my go-to for this recipe, you could use vegetable oil or grapeseed oil, which have high smoke points and work well for searing the steak.
Unsalted Butter: Mixing in flavored butters or even using ghee can add a twist. If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap butter for a bit more olive oil or avocado oil, though it won’t be as rich.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this dish, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Just reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated than fresh garlic.
How Do I Get the Steak Bites Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking steak bites can be tricky, but with the right methods, you can get them just how you like them. Remember to let your steak cubes sit in the seasoning to absorb those flavors fully before cooking.
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the steak. Look for shimmering oil to know it’s ready.
- Don’t crowd the skillet! This helps each piece get nice and browned. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness; 130°F is medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
- Once you add garlic and butter, stir quickly to prevent burning the garlic!
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total: 15-20 minutes for seasoning the steak and about 10-15 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and delicious—a perfect treat for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Steak:
In a medium bowl, toss the steak cubes with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until they are well coated. Let the steak sit for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the flavors soak into the meat.
2. Heat the Pan:
While the steak is marinating, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering, which means it’s ready for cooking!
3. Cook the Steak:
Add the seasoned steak bites to the skillet in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan—if needed, cook in batches. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they have a nice sear and are browned.
4. Add Garlic and Butter:
Once the steak bites are nearly cooked to your liking, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir everything around to coat the steak bites in the melted butter and garlic. Let them cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
5. Serve:
Take the skillet off the heat and garnish your Cajun garlic butter steak bites with fresh parsley. Enjoy them warm as a tasty appetizer or a delicious main dish!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin is a great choice, you can use ribeye, tenderloin, or even flank steak for this recipe. Just keep in mind that different cuts may vary in cooking time and tenderness, so adjust accordingly. For flank steak, you might want to slice it thinly across the grain for optimal tenderness.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can make your own using a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Adjust the spice levels to your liking, especially if you prefer a milder or spicier flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra butter if needed to keep them juicy. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture of the steak bites!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! To amp up the heat, consider adding more Cajun seasoning or incorporating some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking. You could also serve with a spicy dipping sauce on the side for an extra kick!
