Description
This Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe features tender steak pieces seasoned with a flavorful Cajun spice blend, seared to perfection in a hot skillet, and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal, these steak bites are garnished with fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness and color.
Ingredients
Scale
Seasoning Blend
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or less, to taste
- 1/2 tsp packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. steak (strip steak, sirloin, ribeye, etc.)
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- Minced fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare: Slice the steak into roughly 2-inch pieces and set them aside in a mixing bowl.
- Season: In a small bowl, combine all seasoning blend ingredients. Add the seasoning mix to the bowl with the steak pieces and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Preheat skillet: Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat while it is dry. Continue heating for several minutes until you see wisps of smoke, indicating it is properly heated for searing.
- Sear (in batches): Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl to coat. Add about half of the steak pieces without overcrowding the pan. Sear for 2 minutes without flipping, then flip and sear another 2 minutes until the steak is well browned. Remove to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining oil and steak.
- Make garlic butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Using the same skillet (do not wash it to retain flavor), add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the skillet’s bottom.
- Combine and serve: Turn off the heat and return the steak bites to the skillet. Stir well to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with minced fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for best searing results to ensure even heat distribution.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing steak bites to achieve a good crust.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Let the skillet heat properly before adding oil and meat for maximum sear and flavor.
- Freshly minced parsley adds a bright flavor and visual appeal but can be omitted if unavailable.
