Description
Cajun Butter Steak Bites are tender, flavorful cubes of steak seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend, seared to perfection, and tossed in savory garlic butter. This quick and easy skillet recipe delivers a deliciously crispy exterior with a juicy center, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
- 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)
Steak and Cooking
- 23 oz steak (Sirloin, Rump, New York Strip, Porterhouse or Ribeye, cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 1-2 tablespoons canola oil (divided)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cajun Seasoning and Coat Steak: In a shallow bowl, combine all the Cajun seasoning ingredients. Add the cubed steak bites to the bowl and toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spice blend.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons of canola oil and allow it to heat until shimmering and hot, ready for searing the steak.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the steak cubes for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Cook until the edges are crispy and browned, adding more oil as needed between batches. Once seared, remove the steak bites from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet and melt it, scraping up any browned bits left from searing. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Toss Steak in Garlic Butter: Remove the pan from heat. Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the steak bites to a serving dish and enjoy immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder and cayenne pepper to taste.
- Use a high-quality steak like ribeye or New York strip for the best tenderness and flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing to ensure the steak bites get crispy rather than steaming.
- Keto-friendly substitution: replace brown sugar with a keto-approved sweetener.
- Serve with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
