Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Why Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites Rock
Hey there! So, the first time I made these Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites, it was one of those nights where you just need something quick and satisfying. You know, when the family’s grumbling about hunger (and I don’t mean low-key, I mean bear-growling hungry). Anyway, these bites saved the day! My husband even said, “Why don’t we make this every night?” which, let’s be honest, feels like winning the dinner lottery!
Why You’ll Love This
I tend to whip this dish up when I need a quick dinner that makes everyone happy. It’s like magic how fast it disappears from the plate! My kids go nuts for these bites (and trust me, they can be picky). Plus, you only need one pan, and I’m all for fewer dishes. The combination of Cajun spices and garlic butter is just, well, heavenly. But I remember the first time I made it, I forgot to defrost the steak! Now I always double-check.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes (I’ve used ribeye too – delish!)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (when I’m out, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne does the trick!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or a hefty spoonful of the jarred stuff; we won’t tell anyone)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional, but it looks fancy)
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot (but not smoking), add your steak cubes. Cook ’em until they’re browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. This is where I sneak a taste – quality control, right?
- Remove steak from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic. Stir it around until your kitchen smells amazing, around 1-2 minutes.
- Return the steak to the pan, toss with the garlic butter, and sprinkle Cajun seasoning. Stir it all together and keep it on the heat for another 2-3 minutes. If you’re anything like me, you might start nibbling right from the pan!
- Sprinkle with parsley if you’re feeling fancy, serve hot, and watch them vanish.
Notes from the Trenches
If you’re using a different cut of meat, say a tougher one, you might want to marinate it a bit longer. I tried with flank steak once, and it was a bit chewy – lesson learned!
Variations I’ve Tried
Once, I added some red pepper flakes for extra heat (note: my youngest wasn’t a fan). Another time, I used shrimp instead of beef, which was fantastic! Don’t bother with chicken though, it just ain’t the same.
What If I Don’t Have a Skillet?
No worries! You can use any sturdy pan. I’ve even used my trusty old wok; it works just fine.
Storing (If There’s Any Left!)
These steak bites keep well in the fridge for about two days in an airtight container. Though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
We love serving these with a side of mashed potatoes or some crusty bread to soak up all that buttery goodness. It’s become a bit of a family tradition at this point.
Pro Tips (Learned the Hard Way)
I once tried rushing the garlic step and regretted it because burnt garlic – not good. Take your time with this, and it’ll be worth it.
FAQs
Can I make this without the Cajun seasoning? Sure thing! Just use your favorite spices. Paprika and garlic powder make a great base.
What if I’m out of fresh garlic? No worries, the jarred minced stuff works in a pinch.
Can I grill these instead? Absolutely, though you’ll need to keep an eye on them as they cook fast!
For a deeper dive into Cajun cooking, check out Cooking Light or for some fantastic steak tips, Serious Eats is a great place to start.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
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1Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
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3Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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4Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
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5Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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