These Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are incredibly tasty! They’re packed with flavor from the Cajun spices and rich garlic butter that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Honestly, who wouldn’t love tender steak pieces cooked to perfection? I can never resist sneaking a few before dinner! They’re perfect for game nights or just a special treat at home.
I love serving these with some crispy fries or fresh veggies to balance that rich flavor. It’s quick to make, so it’s a win for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: This cut is perfect for quick cooking. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider flank steak or ribeye. Both are tasty, just keep an eye on cooking time as they might cook faster or slower.
Cajun Seasoning: This adds a lovely kick! If you’re out, mix your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano. Adjust the spices based on your heat preference.
Butter: I use unsalted butter for more control over the flavor. If you’re keeping it dairy-free, olive oil works as a substitute, but the flavor may differ slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that strong, aromatic taste. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar can be used, but I really recommend using fresh for the best flavor!
How Do You Achieve a Perfect Sear on the Steak?
Searing is crucial as it locks in juices and adds great flavor. Start by ensuring your skillet is hot before adding the steak. Here’s how:
- Use a heavy skillet or cast iron for even heat distribution.
- Make sure the olive oil is hot enough—you can test it by flicking a bit of water into the pan; it should sizzle.
- Let the steak bites cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on one side. This helps develop that beautiful brown crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you have too many pieces at once, they’ll steam instead of sear!
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook. So, you can enjoy these tasty Cajun garlic butter steak bites in about 25 minutes—perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by placing the bite-sized pieces of sirloin steak in a large bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the steak. Toss everything together well so that the steak gets coated evenly. Let it sit and marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb those flavors.
2. Heat the Pan:
While the steak is marinating, take a large skillet and place it on the stove over medium-high heat. Pour in the olive oil and let it heat up until it’s nice and hot but not smoking.
3. Cook the Steak:
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated steak bites in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan to ensure they sear nicely. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes without moving them. This allows a beautiful brown crust to form on one side.
4. Flip and Add Garlic:
After searing on one side, gently flip the steak bites over using tongs. Cook them for another 2-3 minutes. Once they’re flipped, toss in the minced garlic to add flavor to the dish.
5. Add Butter:
As the garlic starts to smell wonderful, add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Stir the steak bites and garlic together well, ensuring that the steak is coated in the melting garlic butter.
6. Finish Cooking:
Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on the internal temperature if you have a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, you want it to reach about 135°F. If you’d like it a bit more done, feel free to cook just a minute or two longer.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once your steak bites are cooked to your preference, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color. Serve these Cajun garlic butter steak bites warm, right from the skillet, and enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! If sirloin isn’t your preference, you can use ribeye or tenderloin for a more tender bite. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as different cuts can vary in thickness and tenderness.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own Cajun seasoning by mixing equal parts paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne for heat. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a touch of butter to keep them juicy.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you enjoy a bit more heat, you can add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning. You can also serve the steak bites with a spicy dipping sauce on the side for an extra kick!
