These Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are packed with flavor! Quick and easy, they bring together tender steak pieces, cooked to perfection and tossed in a buttery, spicy sauce.
I love making these when I want to impress guests without too much fuss. Just cook, toss, and serve! Pair them with veggies or on a skewer for fun—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Sirloin or ribeye gives great flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try flank steak, or for more marbling, go with New York strip. Even chicken or shrimp can work if you’re avoiding red meat!
Cajun Seasoning: This is what gives the dish its iconic kick! If you’re out of Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder can create a similar flavor. I sometimes add a hint of oregano for extra zest!
Butter: Unsalted butter is the way to go to control the saltiness in your dish. You can substitute with ghee or olive oil for a dairy-free alternative. Just remember, it alters the flavor slightly!
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness. If you don’t have it, chopped green onions or cilantro can also bring a fresh taste to the dish.
How Do I Get My Steak Bites Perfectly Sear?
Searing the steak bites is essential for that delicious crust. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Make sure your skillet is preheated and hot—medium-high heat works best.
- Cook the steak bites in a single layer without crowding the pan. This allows them to brown well.
- Stick to the time: 2-3 minutes per side is usually enough. Adjust based on thickness and your preference for doneness.
- After cooking, let them rest for a few minutes; this keeps them juicy!
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes around 10 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook, so you’ll have tasty Cajun garlic butter steak bites ready to enjoy in about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Steak:
In a medium bowl, take your bite-sized steak pieces and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning along with some salt and pepper. Toss everything together until each piece of steak is coated evenly with the spices. This will add lots of flavor!
2. Cook the Steak Bites:
Now, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is nice and hot, add the seasoned steak bites in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to cook them in batches. Sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes on one side until it gets a beautiful brown color, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re cooked to your liking.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
Once the steak is cooked the way you like it, reduce the heat to medium and push the steak bites to one side of the skillet. On the other side, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Give it a minute to melt, and stir the garlic occasionally until it becomes fragrant (but watch it doesn’t turn brown!).
4. Combine and Garnish:
Now, toss the steak bites in the melted garlic butter, making sure they’re all well-coated. Let them cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to soak up all that delicious flavor. Finally, remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy your tasty Cajun garlic butter steak bites!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye are great choices, you can substitute with flank steak, tenderloin, or even strip steak. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the pieces, so adjust accordingly to achieve your desired doneness.
How to Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a little more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the Cajun seasoning mix. Alternatively, you could also drizzle some hot sauce over the finished steak bites for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare the Steak Bites in Advance?
While it’s best to enjoy these steak bites freshly cooked, you can marinate the steak with the Cajun seasoning and oil up to 24 hours beforehand. Keep them stored in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure the steak is at room temperature before searing for even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little bit of butter or olive oil to keep them juicy. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the steak chewy!
