Description
This Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe features tender, juicy pieces of steak perfectly seasoned with a bold Cajun spice blend and seared to caramelized perfection in a hot skillet. Finished in a savory garlic butter sauce and garnished with fresh parsley, these steak bites make a quick and flavorful dinner or appetizer that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 lbs. steak (strip steak, sirloin, ribeye, etc.)
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or less, to taste)
- 1/2 tsp packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- Minced fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare: Slice the steak into roughly 2-inch pieces and set them aside in a mixing bowl to prepare for seasoning.
- Season: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and dried thyme. Sprinkle this seasoning blend over the steak pieces and toss well to evenly coat all the meat.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat while it is dry. Continue heating for several minutes until wisps of smoke begin to appear, indicating the pan is hot enough for searing.
- Sear in Batches: Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the surface. Place about half of the steak pieces into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Sear without flipping for 2 minutes until browned, then flip and sear for another 2 minutes on the other side. Remove the cooked steak bites to a plate and repeat this process with the remaining oil and steak pieces.
- Make Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to medium-low and keep the same skillet without washing to retain leftover flavors. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt. Then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, infusing the butter with rich flavor.
- Combine and Serve: Turn off the heat and add the cooked steak bites back into the skillet. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the garlic butter sauce. Serve the steak bites hot, garnished with minced fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan for the best sear and heat retention.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure a proper crust forms on the steak bites.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference to keep the spice level balanced.
- Allow steak to rest briefly after searing if time permits for juicier bites.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
