These Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a real treat! Juicy pieces of steak are cooked to perfection and tossed in a tasty butter sauce with flavorful Cajun spices.
What’s even better? They take just a few minutes to whip up! I love serving them on toothpicks for a fun appetizer or over rice for a quick dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Sirloin or flank steak are great choices for this recipe. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using tenderloin or even chicken for a different twist. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly!
Cajun Seasoning: You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning, or you can make your own with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne or substitute it with smoked paprika for a nice flavor without the heat.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness of the dish. If you want a dairy-free option, olive oil can be used instead, though the flavor will change a bit. Some folks even add a splash of heavy cream for richness if they prefer.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is what makes this dish pop. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can be an alternative — I’d recommend about 1 teaspoon, but fresh garlic really does have a unique flavor.
How Can I Ensure the Steak is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking steak perfectly can seem tricky, but with a few tips, it’s simple! Aiming for medium rare to medium is best here. Try these steps:
- Start with a hot skillet to get a good sear; olive oil will shimmer when it’s ready.
- Place the steak in the pan in a single layer to avoid steaming. Don’t overcrowd it!
- Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before flipping to develop a nice crust.
- Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure — 130°F for medium-rare and 140°F for medium.
Let the steak rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving; this helps keep it juicy!
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 pound sirloin steak or flank steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. In total, you will need about 25 minutes from start to finish. The flavors come together quickly, making this dish perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Steak:
Start by placing the bite-sized pieces of sirloin or flank steak in a bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the steak and add salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the steak is thoroughly coated with the seasoning. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb all the yummy flavors.
2. Heat the Pan:
While the steak is marinating, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to the pan and let it warm up until it shimmers. This is your cue that it’s ready for cooking.
3. Cook the Steak:
Once the pan is hot, carefully add the marinated steak bites in a single layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to be nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness; aiming for medium rare to medium is recommended for the best flavor and tenderness.
4. Add Garlic and Butter:
After cooking the steak bites, lower the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic into the skillet. Stir the garlic and butter together, allowing them to mingle for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
5. Deglaze and Flavor:
Once the garlic has cooked a bit, pour in the Worcestershire sauce. Use a wooden spoon to stir and deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom. Let everything cook together for another minute to enrich the flavors.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the steak bites for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites immediately, either on their own or alongside some rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin or flank steak works best for this recipe, you can also use ribeye, tenderloin, or even skirt steak. Just keep in mind that some cuts might be a bit more tender or may require different cooking times, so adjust as needed to ensure your steak is cooked to your liking!
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own Cajun seasoning with a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and thyme. Just combine about 1 tablespoon each of paprika and garlic powder, 1 teaspoon each of cayenne, onion powder, oregano, and thyme, and you’ll have a quick and flavorful substitute!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a little butter or oil to keep them moist. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can make the steak tough!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
You bet! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions would be excellent additions. Just sauté them in the pan before adding the steak. This will give them time to soften and caramelize, enhancing the overall flavor of your dish!
