Name: Cajun Butter Steak Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon mild paprika; 1.5 teaspoons salt; 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder ((add more if you like heat)); 0.75 teaspoon dried thyme; 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano; 0.5 teaspoon brown sugar ((keto: use brown sugar substitute)); 0.5-0.75 teaspoon cayenne pepper ((add more if you like heat)); 0.25 teaspoon cracked pepper ((to taste)); 2-3 oz steak ((cut into 2-inch cubes; Sirloin, Rump, New York Strip, Porterhouse, or Ribeye)); 1-2 tablespoons canola oil ((divided)); 0.25 cup butter; 4 cloves garlic ((finely chopped))

If you’re searching for an easy, flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further than these Cajun Butter Steak Bites. Bursting with bold flavors and a delightful kick, these tender steak bites are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Plus, they come together in just a matter of minutes, making them a go-to meal when you’re short on time. Let’s dive into why this recipe works every time and how you can make your own Cajun Butter Steak Bites at home.

Why It Works Every Time

The magic of Cajun Butter Steak Bites lies in the perfect blend of spices and the cooking method. By marinating the steak in a mixture of aromatic spices, you infuse the meat with flavor. The high heat from searing the steak ensures that the outside gets a beautiful crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The addition of butter and garlic at the end takes these steak bites to a whole new level, creating a rich, savory sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything.

What We’re Using

To create these Cajun Butter Steak Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon mild paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder (add more if you like heat)
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (keto: use brown sugar substitute)
1/2-3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (add more if you like heat)
1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper (to taste)
2-3 oz steak (cut into 2-inch cubes; Sirloin, Rump, New York Strip, Porterhouse, or Ribeye)
1-2 tablespoons canola oil (divided)
1/4 cup butter
4 cloves garlic (finely chopped)

Tools & Equipment Needed

Before you start cooking, gather these essential kitchen tools:

Large skillet – For searing the steak bites to perfection.
Mixing bowl – To combine the spices and coat the steak.
Measuring spoons – For accurate spice measurements.
Tongs – To flip the steak bites easily.
Knife and cutting board – For cutting the steak into cubes.

Method: Cajun Butter Steak Bites

Now that we have everything ready, let’s jump into the step-by-step process of making these delicious Cajun Butter Steak Bites.

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by cutting your steak into 2-inch cubes. This size ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel to help achieve a nice sear.

Step 2: Make the Spice Mix

In a mixing bowl, combine the mild paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and cracked pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat the Steak

Add the steak cubes to the bowl with the spice mix. Toss well to coat each piece of steak evenly with the spice mixture. Let the steak marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 4: Heat the Skillet

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, it’s time to add the steak.

Step 5: Sear the Steak Bites

Add the marinated steak bites to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. For best results, cook in batches if necessary.

Step 6: Add Butter and Garlic

Once the steak bites are cooked to your desired level of doneness, reduce the heat to medium. Push the steak to one side of the skillet and add the butter and chopped garlic to the other side. Allow the butter to melt and the garlic to become fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Coat the Steak in Garlic Butter

Using tongs, toss the steak bites in the melted garlic butter, ensuring each piece is well coated. This step is crucial as it adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the steak.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer the Cajun Butter Steak Bites to a serving platter, and drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately. These bites are perfect on their own or paired with a side salad or over rice.

Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps

If you’re looking for dairy-free or gluten-free alternatives, consider these options:

Butter: Use a dairy-free butter substitute or olive oil to keep it dairy-free.
Spices: Ensure all spices are gluten-free; most are naturally gluten-free, but check labels to be safe.
Steak: Any cut of steak that you prefer is fine; just ensure there’s no cross-contamination with gluten-containing products.

Missteps & Fixes

Even the best cooks can have mishaps in the kitchen. Here are some common mistakes and how to fix them:

Steak is too tough: Make sure you are using a tender cut of steak and avoid overcooking it.
Not enough flavor: Marinate the steak for a longer period to enhance the flavor, or increase the spice quantities for a bolder taste.
Overcrowded skillet: Cooking too many steak bites at once will lead to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches for the best results.

Best Ways to Store

To keep your Cajun Butter Steak Bites fresh, follow these storage tips:

Refrigerator: Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked steak bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil or butter to keep them moist.

Questions People Ask

Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any cut of steak you prefer, such as sirloin, ribeye, or even filet mignon. Just ensure it’s cut into 2-inch cubes for even cooking.

How spicy are these Cajun Butter Steak Bites?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Start with the recommended amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder, then add more if you enjoy a spicier kick!

What can I serve with Cajun Butter Steak Bites?

These steak bites are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes. You can also enjoy them as a delicious appetizer!

Can I make these steak bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the steak bites a few hours in advance or even overnight. Just cook them fresh right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

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Hungry for More?

If you’re craving more delicious recipes to spice up your weeknight dinners, be sure to keep exploring! Whether you’re in the mood for comforting soups, savory chicken dishes, or delightful desserts, there’s always something new to try.

Cajun Butter Steak Bites are a delightful way to bring a taste of Louisiana to your dinner table. With their robust flavors and tender texture, they’re bound to become a family favorite. So roll up your sleeves, grab that skillet, and get ready to indulge in one of the most delicious steak bites you’ll ever make!