This Easy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe is full of flavor and so easy to make! Tender pieces of steak are cooked in a yummy garlic butter sauce with just the right kick of Cajun spice!
If you love quick meals, this one is a winner. I like to serve it with rice or crusty bread to soak up all that tasty butter sauce — yum! You’ll be coming back for seconds, I promise! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: This cut is great for steak bites because it’s tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for something leaner, try flank steak or even chicken breast for a lighter option. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly!
Cajun Seasoning: This blend adds a nice kick. If you’re out of Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, cayenne, and some dried herbs like thyme will do! For a milder version, use smoked paprika and reduce the cayenne pepper.
Unsalted Butter: While I love using unsalted butter for cooking so I can control the saltiness, you could substitute in ghee or a vegan butter if you’re dairy-free. Just keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning!
How Do You Get the Steak to Have a Beautiful Crust?
Getting that perfect crust on your steak bites is all about the heat and patience! Start by drying the steak well to allow for a better sear. Here’s how to do this well:
- Heat your skillet until it’s nice and hot before adding oil. This helps in caramelizing the steak evenly.
- Cook the steak in a single layer. If the pan is crowded, they will steam instead of sear. It’s better to do this in batches.
- Once added, let them be for 2-3 minutes without moving them. This allows them to develop that gorgeous crust.
After flipping, you want to watch the timing—about another 2-3 minutes will give you a delicious medium-rare. Trust your instincts and adjust based on how you like your steak!
Easy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 10-12 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at about 20-25 minutes from start to finish—quick and delicious for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by patting the sirloin steak cubes dry with paper towels. This helps get a nice sear. Once it’s dry, toss the cubes in a medium bowl with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they are well coated. Make sure the spices cover every piece for great flavor!
2. Heat the Pan:
Grab a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan and heat olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer, which means it’s hot enough for sizzling steak bites. This is key for achieving a lovely crust!
3. Sear the Steak Bites:
Add the seasoned steak bites to the pan in a single layer. If your pan isn’t big enough, it’s best to cook them in batches to avoid crowding. Sear the steak bites for about 2-3 minutes without moving them—this is how you get that beautiful crust. Then flip the steak bites and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes, or longer if you prefer more doneness.
4. Add the Garlic Butter:
Once your steak is cooked to your liking, reduce the heat to medium. Toss in the butter and minced garlic. Stir quickly to mix and let the garlic infuse with the butter. Spoon the sauce over the steak bites for about 1-2 minutes more, making sure they’re coated in that delicious garlic butter.
5. Finish and Serve:
Take the pan off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the steak bites for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot! These steak bites pair perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or some crusty bread to soak up that heavenly garlic butter sauce.
Enjoy your flavorful and tender Cajun garlic butter steak bites! They’re sure to be a hit.
FAQ for Easy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While sirloin steak is a great choice, you can also use ribeye, tenderloin, or even chicken breast for a lighter option. Just adjust cooking times based on the cut you choose, as leaner meats like chicken will require less cooking time.
How Spicy is This Recipe? Can I Reduce the Heat?
This recipe has a nice kick from the Cajun seasoning, but you can easily adjust the spice level. For a milder version, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild blend. Adding a little sugar or honey can also help balance the heat if it’s too spicy for your taste.
What Can I Substitute for Unsalted Butter?
If you don’t have unsalted butter on hand, you can use salted butter, just be cautious about adding additional salt to your steak. For a dairy-free option, try ghee or a plant-based butter substitute. Just ensure to monitor the heat to prevent burning.
Can I Make These Steak Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Cook the steak bites and garlic butter sauce, then let them cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through!
