Description
Delicious Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites featuring tender steak pieces seasoned with a flavorful Cajun spice blend, seared to perfection in a skillet, then tossed in rich garlic butter and garnished with fresh parsley. Ready in 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Spice 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, etc.)
- 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 aside in a mixing bowl.
- Season: In a small bowl, combine 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 mixing bowl with the steak bites, and toss thoroughly to coat the meat evenly.
- Preheat skillet: Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat while it is dry. Allow it to heat for several minutes until wisps of smoke appear, indicating it’s hot enough for searing.
- Sear (in batches): Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl to coat. Add about half the steak bites without overcrowding the pan. Sear without flipping for 2 minutes, then flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes until well browned. Remove to a plate. Repeat this process with the remaining oil and steak bites.
- Make garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium-low and keep the same skillet (do not wash it to retain flavor). Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to incorporate all the flavor.
- Combine and serve: Turn off the heat and return the steak bites to the skillet. Stir well to coat the meat in the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with minced fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For best results, choose a steak cut suitable for quick searing such as strip steak, sirloin, or ribeye.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing to ensure the steak bites brown properly rather than steam.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper quantity according to your heat preference.
- Using a heavy-bottomed skillet helps achieve an even sear and better flavor development.
- Serve these steak bites with a side of vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
