Description
This Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe features tender pieces of steak seasoned with a flavorful homemade Cajun spice blend, seared to perfection in a hot skillet, then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these steak bites are quick to prepare and deliver bold, savory flavor with a hint of smokiness and a touch of heat.
Ingredients
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
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. steak (strip steak, sirloin, ribeye, or your choice), sliced into roughly 2-inch pieces
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- Minced fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Slice the steak into roughly 2-inch pieces and set them aside in a mixing bowl, ready for seasoning.
- Season the Steak: In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, light brown sugar, and dried thyme. Add this seasoning blend to the steak pieces in the mixing bowl and toss thoroughly to coat all the meat evenly.
- Preheat the Skillet: Place a large heavy-bottomed skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat while dry for several minutes until you notice wisps of smoke, indicating the pan is properly heated for searing.
- Sear the Steak Bites (in batches): Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat the surface. Add about half of the seasoned steak bites — ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan — and let them sear undisturbed for 2 minutes. Flip the pieces and sear another 2 minutes until they develop a nice brown crust. Remove the cooked steak bites to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining oil and steak pieces.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and keep the skillet (do not wash; keep all the flavorful browned bits). Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, infusing the butter with garlic flavor.
- Combine and Serve: Turn off the heat and return all the steak bites to the skillet. Stir well so the garlic butter coats the steak evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with minced fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing to allow proper browning and prevent steaming the meat.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron for best heat retention and even cooking.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder version.
- For best results, let the steak come to room temperature before cooking.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the butter sauce.
- Serve steak bites immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
