If you’re looking for a show-stopping dinner that’s impossibly easy, outrageously flavorful, and perfect for sharing, Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the answer to your cravings! These seared steak morsels are boldly seasoned, finished in a garlicky, buttery sauce, and absolutely irresistible from the very first bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor: The homemade Cajun seasoning and sizzling garlic butter coat every bite for an explosion of mouthwatering taste.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites come together in about 30 minutes—weeknight dinner just got an upgrade!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether served as an appetizer or main, these juicy steak bites disappear faster than you can plate them.
- Versatile: They pair beautifully with so many sides and can easily be adapted for different heat levels or proteins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites so special is how a handful of everyday ingredients—when combined—produce a dish that’s packed with richness, spice, and irresistible savoriness. Here’s what you’ll need and why each part matters:
- Strip steak, sirloin, or ribeye: Use a tender cut for juicy, flavorful bites—sirloin is budget-friendly, ribeye is melt-in-the-mouth luxurious.
- Cajun seasoning blend: The cornerstone of this recipe! A homemade mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, herbs, and cayenne brings zesty, bold Southern flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Adds smokiness and depth, kicking up both color and taste.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural beefy flavor of the steak.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Layer on aromatic, savory notes that define Cajun cuisine.
- Dried oregano & thyme: Just a touch of earthiness to balance the spice.
- Cayenne pepper: Adjust this according to your heat preference—a little goes a long way!
- Packed light brown sugar: Just enough to round out the spice with a hint of caramel sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: High-smoke point oil keeps the steak bites perfectly seared and crisp-edged.
- Unsalted butter: The foundation of your luscious pan sauce, infusing every bite with creamy richness.
- Fresh garlic: Minced and sautéed in butter for that bold, punchy finish.
- Fresh parsley: The pop of color and freshness that ties everything together at the end.
Variations
One of the things I adore about Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites is how easy they are to customize! It’s a flexible recipe—swap ingredients to fit your pantry, taste, or dietary preferences and make it your own every time.
- Chicken or shrimp option: Don’t have steak? Chicken breast or peeled shrimp can be swapped in with delicious results—just adjust the cook time accordingly.
- Make it spicier (or milder): Amp up the cayenne for fiery bites or dial it way back for a kid-friendly version.
- Lemon garlic twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice along with the garlic butter for a pop of citrusy brightness.
- Dairy-free: Use a quality plant-based butter and you’re set—still rich, flavorful, and so satisfying.
- Keto-friendly: Skip the brown sugar; the savory spices are still the star of the show.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Step 1: Slice and Season the Steak
Start by slicing your steak into hearty, 2-inch pieces and popping them into a big mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix all the Cajun seasoning ingredients together—then sprinkle them generously over your steak. Toss it all together until each bite is perfectly coated in those punchy, aromatic spices.
Step 2: Preheat Your Skillet
Fire up a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and let it get really hot (you want to see faint wisps of smoke). This means you’ll get that sizzling, crispy edge when your steak hits the pan—so important for flavor!
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
Drizzle in a tablespoon of vegetable oil, swirl to coat, and add half the seasoned steak bites. The trick here is not to overcrowd the pan—work in batches so there’s plenty of room for each piece to get deeply caramelized. Sear them for about 2 minutes on one side (don’t touch!), then flip and let them go for another 2 minutes. Set these beauties aside and repeat with the rest.
Step 4: Make the Cajun Garlic Butter
Turn the heat down to medium-low and, in the same skillet, melt the butter right into those crusty browned bits (don’t you dare wash that flavor away!). Stir in your minced fresh garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up every bit of that delicious fond from the pan.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Now, invite your steak bites back into the skillet, toss everything together so each piece gets oily, buttery, and garlicky, then turn off the heat. Shower with fresh parsley and bring straight to the table—you want everyone to experience these Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites piping hot!
Pro Tips for Making Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Choose the Right Steak: Go for well-marbled cuts like sirloin or ribeye for juicy, tender bites with loads of flavor.
- Let Your Pan Get Smoking Hot: A super-hot skillet is the secret to getting that perfect caramelized crust—be patient, it makes all the difference!
- Batch Searing is Key: Crowding the pan means steaming instead of searing; cook your steak bites in batches so each one gets gorgeously brown.
- Don’t Skip the Pan Sauce: Deglazing those crusty bits with butter and garlic unleashes maximum flavor—your steak bites will thank you.
How to Serve Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites with plenty of fresh, minced parsley for extra color and brightness. For even more pizzazz, try a shower of thinly sliced green onions or a squeeze of lemon juice—simple touches that wake up every bite.
Side Dishes
These steak bites are incredibly versatile—serve them over a buttery mound of mashed potatoes, pile them onto fluffy rice, or spoon them alongside oven-roasted veggies. They’re also fabulous with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of garlicky Cajun butter.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your dinner guests? Thread steak bites onto mini skewers for party appetizers, layer them into lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb option, or pile them high on a platter with toothpicks and extra Cajun butter for dipping. There are so many playful ways to enjoy this dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight and they’re just as crave-worthy on day two!
Freezing
If you’d like to prep ahead, freeze cooled steak bites in a well-sealed freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating—they’ll retain their juiciness and bold Cajun flair.
Reheating
Warm steak bites gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a pat of butter or splash of water if needed to keep them juicy. For a quick fix, microwave on low in 30-second bursts—but the skillet method keeps them at their best!
FAQs
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Can I use pre-made Cajun seasoning instead of homemade?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or already have a favorite Cajun blend, go right ahead. Just taste and adjust the salt and spice level to your liking, as some blends are saltier or spicier than others.
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What’s the best steak cut for Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Sirloin is a fantastic everyday choice—tender, flavorful, and budget-friendly. For extra richness, ribeye or New York strip also work beautifully. Just make sure to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the butter for your favorite plant-based or dairy-free butter substitute. You’ll still get that luscious garlic flavor and glossy finish that makes Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites so special.
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Is there a way to make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites less spicy?
Certainly! Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in your seasoning blend, and your steak bites will have all the Cajun flavor without the fiery kick.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites—they’re the ultimate blend of bold Southern spice, garlicky richness, and melt-in-your-mouth steak. These always impress and bring everyone to the table with a smile, so go ahead and treat yourself or your loved ones to a plateful of joy tonight!
Print
Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender steak bites seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend and cooked in a garlic butter sauce. This easy and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
Cajun 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
Steak bites
- 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 steak into roughly 2″ pieces and set aside in a mixing bowl.
- Season: In a small bowl, combine seasoning blend ingredients, then add to the mixing bowl with the steak bites and toss to combine well.
- Preheat skillet: Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over MED HIGH heat. Do this while the skillet is dry, and heat for several minutes, or until you see wisps of smoke.
- Sear (in batches): Add 1 Tbsp of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add about half the steak (adding less steak if the skillet isn’t very big – making sure not to overcrowd the skillet). Sear for 2 minutes without flipping, then flip over and sear another 2 minutes until well browned. Set aside on a plate and repeat with remaining vegetable oil and steak bites.
- Make garlic butter: Reduce heat to MED LOW and use the same skillet (don’t wash it – you want all that flavor!), and add butter. Once melted, add garlic and cook about 30 seconds or so, using a wooden spoon to scrape browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Combine and serve: Turn off the heat, add steak bites back to the skillet and stir well to combine with the garlic butter. Serve hot, sprinkled with minced fresh parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
