Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a flavorful, juicy, and tender steak dish with the perfect balance of spice, garlic, and butter. The tender bite-sized pieces of steak are seared to perfection and then tossed in a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce with a kick of Cajun seasoning. This dish is an ideal choice for steak lovers and spice enthusiasts alike, delivering bold flavors and a mouthwatering experience in every bite.

These steak bites are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer, toss them on top of a salad, pair them with your favorite sides, or enjoy them on their own for a quick and satisfying meal. The recipe is simple, quick, and easy to make, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning and the richness of garlic butter, these Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites will become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites

• Bold Flavor: The combination of Cajun seasoning and garlic butter creates a deeply flavorful dish with the perfect amount of spice. The seasoning is balanced by the richness of the butter, making each bite a savory experience.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is quick to prepare and cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a delicious meal in a hurry.
• Tender and Juicy Steak: The steak bites are seared until crispy on the outside but remain juicy and tender on the inside, creating the perfect bite every time.
• Versatile: Whether you serve them as an appetizer, main course, or topping for a salad, these steak bites can be enjoyed in multiple ways, making them a versatile dish for any occasion.
• Perfectly Seasoned: The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick without being overwhelming, while the garlic butter brings richness and depth to the dish. Together, they create an irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for more.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 25-28g
• Carbohydrates: 3-5g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

For the Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

• 1 lb (450g) sirloin or ribeye steak (or your preferred cut)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness

Special Equipment

While making Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites doesn’t require specialized equipment, a few pieces of kitchen gear will help ensure a smooth preparation and better results:

1. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting the steak into bite-sized pieces. It ensures clean cuts, which will help cook the steak evenly.
2. Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: A large skillet or cast-iron pan is perfect for searing the steak bites. It allows for an even sear and holds the heat well, ensuring your steak bites cook evenly and develop a beautiful crust.
3. Tongs: Tongs are helpful for turning and tossing the steak bites in the skillet. They allow you to handle the steak bites without piercing them and losing juices.
4. Measuring Spoons: For accurate measurement of the Cajun seasoning and other spices, a set of measuring spoons is helpful.
5. Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board will provide a safe and clean surface for cutting your steak into bite-sized pieces.
6. Small Bowl: A small bowl is useful for mixing the Cajun seasoning and other spices together before applying them to the steak.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak

Start by selecting your favorite cut of steak. Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak are great options for this recipe. Once you have your steak, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. This ensures even cooking.

Next, pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear on the steak bites. Once dry, place the steak on a cutting board and slice it into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Make sure the pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.

2. Season the Steak

In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the spices together until well combined. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the steak bites, tossing the pieces to coat them thoroughly. Make sure the steak is well-seasoned on all sides for maximum flavor.

3. Cook the Steak Bites

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned steak bites to the skillet. Make sure to arrange the steak bites in a single layer, leaving enough space for them to sear properly. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the steak to steam rather than sear.

Let the steak bites cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are browned and crispy on the outside but still tender and juicy on the inside. Depending on the size of your steak bites and the heat of your skillet, the cooking time may vary slightly. Use tongs to turn the steak bites so that they brown evenly on all sides.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the steak bites are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt, swirling the pan to coat the bottom.

Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Optional: For an extra touch of freshness, you can squeeze a little lemon juice into the garlic butter sauce, giving it a bright, zesty flavor that complements the rich steak and Cajun seasoning.

5. Toss the Steak Bites in Garlic Butter

Once the garlic butter is ready, return the cooked steak bites to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring that each piece is coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. Let the steak bites sit in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Once the steak bites are fully coated in the garlic butter sauce, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Your Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are now ready to serve! Transfer the steak bites to a serving platter and enjoy them hot. Serve them as a main dish with a side of vegetables or over a bed of rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. They also make a great appetizer or snack when served with toothpicks or alongside a dipping sauce.

For added flavor, you can serve these steak bites with a side of creamy ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or a tangy barbecue sauce.

Tips for Perfect Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites

• Use High-Quality Steak: The quality of the steak can make a big difference in the overall flavor and tenderness of the dish. Opt for a cut with good marbling, such as ribeye or sirloin, for the best results.
• Sear the Steak Properly: To get the perfect sear on your steak bites, make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the steak. If the pan is too cold, the steak will not sear properly and may become tough.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: If your skillet is too small, cook the steak bites in batches. Overcrowding the pan can prevent the steak from searing properly and may result in steaming rather than browning.
• Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more Cajun seasoning or even toss in some red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chilies for extra heat.
• Rest the Steak Before Cutting: Allow the steak bites to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juices. Cutting into the steak immediately can cause the juices to escape, resulting in a drier steak.

Variations of Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites

• Lemon Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Add a splash of lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce for a citrusy kick that brightens up the flavors of the dish.
• Steak Bites with Vegetables: For a more complete meal, you can toss in some sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, along with the steak bites in the garlic butter sauce.
• Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites: After tossing the steak bites in the garlic butter sauce, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top and let it melt for a cheesy twist. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan all work well with this dish.
• Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites: If you like it extra spicy, increase the Cajun seasoning and add a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for an added kick.

Storage and Shelf Life

Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the steak bites in a skillet over low heat and toss them in a little bit of butter or oil to reheat them without drying them out. Alternatively, you can microwave the steak bites, but they may lose some of their crispiness.

For longer storage, you can freeze the steak bites. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen steak bites can last for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as desired.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Pair these flavorful steak bites with a variety of sides to create a complete meal:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic are the perfect side to complement the bold flavors of the steak bites.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes, are a healthy and delicious side to balance out the richness of the steak.
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to rice, cauliflower rice is a great option for pairing with Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites if you’re following a keto or low-carb diet.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the garlic butter sauce and provide a refreshing contrast to the steak.

Print

Conclusion

Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites offer a flavorful, tender, and juicy steak experience with the perfect balance of spice and richness. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, main course, or topping for a salad, these steak bites are sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy the bold flavors and savory goodness of Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites!