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These tender and juicy Cajun butter steak bites deliver incredible flavor in every mouthful with their crispy, caramelized edges and buttery Cajun sauce. Ready in under 10 minutes with no marinating required, they've become our go-to recipe for those evenings when we crave something indulgent but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
I discovered this recipe by accident when entertaining unexpected dinner guests. With only 30 minutes until they arrived and a couple of steaks in the fridge, I needed something impressive but quick. The combination of the spicy Cajun seasoning and the rich butter sauce had everyone asking for the recipe before they'd even finished eating. Now it's requested at every family gathering.
Ingredients for Cajun Butter Steak Bites
- Steak: New York Strip (porterhouse) is preferred for its perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. Cut into 1-inch cubes for ideal searing.
- Cajun Seasoning: Low-sodium varieties recommended. Blend of paprika, garlic, oregano and cayenne creates distinctive flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted European-style butter recommended for richness and creamier sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: Adds aromatic depth that complements both butter and Cajun spices.
- Cooking Oil: High smoke point oil like canola or vegetable for proper searing.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds color and fresh contrast to rich flavors.
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How to Make Cajun Butter Steak Bites
- Step 1:
- Pat steak dry and cut into 1-inch cubes. Slightly chilled meat cuts easier.
- Step 2:
- Toss steak cubes with Cajun seasoning (2 tbsp per 1 lb meat) until evenly coated.
- Step 3:
- Heat cast-iron skillet over high heat until nearly smoking.
- Step 4:
- Add oil and sear steak in single-layer batches (1-2 min per side for medium-rare).
- Step 5:
- Reduce heat, add butter and minced garlic to create sauce.
- Step 6:
- Return all steak to pan, toss in garlic butter sauce for 30 seconds.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
The Perfect Sear
The key to restaurant-quality steak bites lies in achieving the perfect sear. This creates the Maillard reaction that develops hundreds of new flavor compounds. Letting meat sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking helps achieve an even sear.
Choosing the Right Cut
While New York Strip is ideal, ribeye offers richer bites, tenderloin creates melt-in-your-mouth texture, and sirloin provides budget-friendly flavor. Always look for good marbling throughout the meat.
Creating Your Own Cajun Blend
Make your own blend with 2 parts paprika, 1 part each garlic and onion powder, ½ part oregano/thyme/black pepper, and ¼ part cayenne. Smoked paprika adds depth. Stores well for months.
My daughter, who typically avoids spicy foods, surprised us by requesting these for her birthday dinner. She says the butter perfectly balances the heat.
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Temperature Guide
Rare: 45 sec/side. Medium-rare: 1-2 min/side. Medium: 2 min/side. Medium-well: 2-3 min/side. Well-done: 3-4 min/side. Small size means they cook quickly.
These Cajun butter steak bites have rescued countless busy weeknights. The combination of spicy Cajun seasoning and rich butter transforms simple steak into something truly special - foolproof enough for novice cooks yet impressive for entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What cut of steak works best for steak bites?
- Sirloin, rump, New York strip, porterhouse, and ribeye all work great. Choose a cut with some marbling for the most flavor and tenderness.
- → How do I know when the steak bites are done cooking?
- For medium-rare, cook 2-3 minutes per side until the edges are crispy and browned. The inside should be slightly pink. For well-done, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
- → Can I make this recipe less spicy?
- Absolutely! Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use less chili powder in the Cajun seasoning for a milder version that's still full of flavor.
- → What can I serve with Cajun butter steak bites?
- They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or a simple green salad. The garlic butter sauce is great for drizzling over sides.
- → Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
- Yes, you can substitute 3 tablespoons of store-bought Cajun seasoning instead of making your own. Just look for a low-sodium version to avoid the dish becoming too salty.