These Easy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, tasty, and super quick to whip up! With a touch of Cajun spice and buttery goodness, they’re packed with flavor.
Every bite is like a little flavor party! I love serving them on toothpicks for easy snacking—perfect for game night or a cozy dinner at home. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Sirloin and ribeye both work well here. Ribeye offers more marbling and flavor, while sirloin is leaner. For a budget-friendly option, try flank steak or even beef tenderloin if you want something extra tender.
Cajun Seasoning: This seasoning is key for flavor. If you don’t have it, you can mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to create a homemade version. Adjust the spice to your taste, adding more or less cayenne!
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning. If you need a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or a vegan butter substitute instead. Both work to create that rich, flavorful sauce!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this recipe to achieve a bright flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use garlic powder—about 1 teaspoon will do, but fresh is always more aromatic and tasty!
How Do You Get a Perfect Sear on Steak?
Getting that beautiful sear is essential for flavor. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Make sure the steak cubes are dry—pat them with paper towels. Moisture prevents a good sear.
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot but not smoking. The oil should shimmer when it’s ready.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed. This ensures even cooking and browning.
- Let the steak cubes sear without moving them for 2-3 minutes on each side. The goal is a nice crust, so resist the urge to stir too often.
By following these steps, your steak bites will have that delicious brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need about 20 minutes from start to finish. Quick and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by patting your steak cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better and achieve that delicious brown crust.
2. Season the Steak:
In a medium bowl, toss the steak cubes with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated. The seasoning will give your steak a wonderful kick!
3. Heat the Skillet:
Now, it’s time to heat your olive oil in a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering—this means it’s hot enough for cooking.
4. Sear the Steak Bites:
Add the steak bites to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want them to sear nicely. If your skillet isn’t big enough, cook in batches.
5. Cook to Perfection:
Sear the steak bites for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Medium-rare to medium works great for tenderness!
6. Make the Garlic Butter:
Once the steak is done, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir the garlic in the butter for about 1 minute, careful not to let it burn.
7. Coat the Steak Bites:
Using a spoon, drizzle the garlic butter over the steak bites, making sure they are well-coated. This is where the magic happens!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove your skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish. Serve these tasty bites immediately, either as an appetizer or on top of rice, potatoes, or your favorite veggies for a wholesome meal.
Enjoy Your Meal!
These Easy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are packed with flavor and are sure to impress. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ for Easy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are great choices, you can also use flank steak, tenderloin, or even sirloin tips. Just ensure whatever cut you choose is tender and can be easily cut into bite-sized pieces.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or make your own with less cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you want more heat, you can add a dash of hot sauce or increase the seasoning slightly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If they’re a bit dry, you can add a teaspoon of butter or broth when reheating to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to serve them fresh. However, you can prep the steak and season it a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just cook them right before serving for the best results.