Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites

If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly way to cook steak that still packs a flavorful punch, this recipe is for you. It yields enough to feed a crowd with just 1 1/2 pounds of steak, or you can slice the meat into smaller portions to serve as a tasty appetizer (complete with toothpicks for easy snacking!).

The cajun seasoning used in this recipe is homemade and bursting with bold flavors, without being too spicy. It pairs perfectly with the rich taste of steak, making for a mouthwatering combination.

To prepare, simply sear the seasoned steak until it’s mostly cooked through. Then, using the same skillet, whip up a delicious garlic butter sauce that takes the dish to the next level. Toss the steak back in the skillet to coat it in the heavenly garlic butter sauce, and get ready to savor every bite.

Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Ingredients

Cajun seasoning blend

  • 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

Steak bites

  • 1 1/2 lbs. steak strip steak, sirloin, ribeye, etc.
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil divided
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic finely minced or grated
  • minced fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare

1Slice steak into roughly 2″ pieces and set aside in a mixing bowl.

Season

1In a small bowl, combine seasoning blend ingredients, then add to the mixing bowl with the steak bites and toss to combine well.

Preheat skillet

1Heat a large heavy bottomed skillet over MED HIGH heat. Do this while the skillet is dry, and heat for several minutes, or until you see wisps of smoke.

Sear (in batches)

1Add 1 Tbsp of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.

 

2Add about half the steak (adding less steak if the skillet isn’t very big – making sure not to overcrowd the skillet).

3Sear for 2 minutes without flipping, then flip over and sear another 2 minutes, until well browned. Set aside on a plate and repeat with remaining vegetable oil and steak bites.

Make garlic butter

1Reduce heat to MED LOW and use the same skillet (don’t wash it – you want all that flavor!), and add butter. Once melted, add garlic and cook about 30 seconds or so, using a wooden spoon to scrape browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Combine and serve

1Turn off the heat, add steak bites back to the skillet and stir well to combine with the garlic butter.
Serve hot, sprinkled with minced fresh parsley.

Notes

If you want smaller steak bites, you can cut the steak into about 1 inch pieces, and cook for slightly less time.
Cajun seasoning blend can be tweaked to your tastes.