These Cajun garlic butter steak bites are packed with flavor and super simple to make! Just tender pieces of steak seared with a delicious garlic butter sauce that adds a kick!
What’s not to love? They taste fantastic and can be ready in no time. I love serving them with toothpicks for an easy snack or fancy appetizer. Perfect for sharing—or not! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: This cut is perfect for steak bites due to its tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, flank steak or tenderloin works well too. Just remember, cooking time may vary with different cuts.
Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make a quick substitute with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Customize it based on your heat tolerance if you prefer less spice!
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for sautéing, but you can also use vegetable oil or canola oil. They have higher smoke points, which is ideal for searing steak bites properly.
Unsalted Butter: For a slight twist in flavor, you could use compound butter or garlic butter, especially if you can find one with herbs mixed in. This can truly elevate the taste.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Good Sear on Steak Bites?
Getting a good sear is essential for flavor. Start by heating the pan properly. Olive oil should shimmer but not smoke. It helps to work in batches if you’re making a lot; overcrowding the pan causes steaming instead of searing.
- Pat the steak pieces dry to promote better browning.
- Place them in the pan in one layer, letting them sit without moving for 2-3 minutes.
- Flipping them once lets all sides get that nice brown crust.
Keep an eye on your steak to avoid overcooking. Remove them when they reach your preferred doneness to keep them juicy!
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and about 10 minutes of cooking time, making a total of around 20 minutes. Quick and delicious, these steak bites are perfect for a tasty dinner or an impressive appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by seasoning the bite-sized pieces of sirloin steak with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is coated evenly so every bite is packed with flavor!
2. Heat the Pan:
Grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. This will help you get a lovely sear on the steak bites.
3. Cook the Steak Bites:
Carefully add the seasoned steak pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes to get a good sear on one side. Then, flip the pieces and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are nicely browned and cooked to your liking. Once done, remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. After that, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
5. Combine:
Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and give them a good toss in the garlic butter, making sure they are well coated. Let them cook together for another minute so they absorb all that delicious flavor.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle your Cajun garlic butter steak bites with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! If you don’t have sirloin on hand, you can use cuts like ribeye or tenderloin for a more tender bite. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the thickness of the pieces.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can make a simple blend by mixing equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne or black pepper for some heat. Adjust to your taste preferences!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little butter or olive oil to keep them moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers or mushrooms would be great additions. Just slice them and sauté them in the skillet along with the garlic before adding the steak bites back. This will add flavor and color to your dish!
