These Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy pieces of steak cooked to perfection and tossed in a delicious garlic butter sauce with a kick! Perfect for a quick dinner or game day snack.
The best part? They cook in minutes! I love serving them with toothpicks—you know, to feel fancy while I munch away. Just be ready for everyone to ask for seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: I like using ribeye for its rich flavor and tenderness, but sirloin is also a great choice. If you’re looking for a healthier option, flank or tenderloin works well, too! Just remember, the cut you choose affects the flavor and texture.
Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can easily make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano. Adjust the spice level to your taste—more cayenne for heat, or less for a milder dish.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best so you can control the saltiness. If you’re watching calories, use a light butter or even olive oil for a healthier alternative.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.
How Do I Ensure My Steak Bites Are Tender and Juicy?
Cooking steak bites perfectly is all about timing and temperature. Start by seasoning the steak cubes well. This enhances the flavor throughout. When cooking, don’t overcrowd the pan; this allows even cooking and browning.
- Heat the olive oil until it’s shimmering before adding the steak—this helps create that nice sear.
- Cook for just 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust to your liking. Remember, steaks continue to cook a little after being removed from the heat!
- Adding garlic and butter at the end allows for those flavors to infuse without burning, keeping everything tasty and fresh.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Steak Bites:
- 1 pound steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Cooking:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook, making a total of about 20 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Steak:
In a medium bowl, place the steak cubes. Add the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the steak pieces are well coated with the spices. This will give your steak those bold Cajun flavors!
2. Cooking the Steak:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned steak bites in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to be nice and browned! For the perfect tenderness, aim for medium-rare, but cook longer if you prefer it well done.
3. Adding the Garlic Butter:
Once the steak bites are cooked to your liking, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir everything together so that the garlic and butter coat the steak bites. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the butter is fully melted.
4. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the steak bites for a pop of color and flavor. You can serve these tasty bites immediately!
5. Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy your Cajun garlic butter steak bites as an appetizer or over a bed of rice or greens for a hearty main dish. They are sure to impress anyone at your table. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Steak for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye work wonderfully, you can also use cuts like flank steak or tenderloin. Just keep in mind that the thickness may affect cooking time, so adjust accordingly for your preferred doneness!
What if I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano or thyme. Adjust the cayenne to your desired spice level!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or quickly toss them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of butter for extra flavor!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms when you add the garlic and butter. Just keep an eye on their cooking time to ensure everything is perfectly cooked together!
