Quick Cajun Steak Bites (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For Cajun Seasoning

01 - 1 tablespoon mild paprika
02 - 1 ½ teaspoons salt
03 - 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 1 teaspoon chili powder (add more if you like heat)
06 - ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
07 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
08 - ½ teaspoon brown sugar (keto: use brown sugar substitute)
09 - ½-3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (add more if you like heat)
10 - ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper, to taste

→ For Steak

11 - 23 oz steak, cut into 2-inch cubes (Sirloin, Rump, New York Strip, Porterhouse or Ribeye)
12 - 1-2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
13 - ¼ cup butter
14 - 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

# Instructions:

01 - Mix all cajun seasoning ingredients in a shallow bowl. Add the steak cubes and toss until evenly coated with the spice mixture.
02 - Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Cook the steak bites in batches (don't overcrowd the pan) for 2-3 minutes per side until you get crispy, browned edges. Add more oil between batches as needed. Set cooked steak aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and melt it completely. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
04 - Remove the pan from heat. Return the steak bites to the pan and toss them through the garlic butter until evenly coated. Serve immediately while hot.

# Notes:

01 - You can use 3 tablespoons of store-bought Cajun seasoning instead of making your own. Just make sure to use a low-sodium brand.
02 - No marinating required - this dish can be on your table in under 20 minutes.
03 - Adjust the cayenne and chili powder amounts to control the heat level.