Name: Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp smoked paprika; 1 ½ tsp kosher salt; 1 ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp cayenne pepper (or less, to taste); ½ tsp packed light brown sugar; ¼ tsp dried thyme; 1 ½ lbs steak (strip, sirloin, ribeye, etc.); 2 Tbsp vegetable oil (divided); 3 Tbsp unsalted butter; 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated; Fresh parsley, minced, for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I love how juicy, tender morsels of cajun-spiced steak are seared to perfection and then drenched in a luscious garlic butter sauce—ready in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun appetizer that everyone will devour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I can’t resist that crispy sear and smoky spice from the homemade cajun blend. The garlic butter sauce, made in the same skillet, picks up all the flavorful browned bits—I find it irresistible. It’s simple, bold, and crowd-pleasing every time.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cajun seasoning blend

1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less, to taste)
½ teaspoon packed light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon dried thyme

Steak bites

1 ½ lbs steak (strip, sirloin, ribeye, etc.)
2 tablespoon vegetable oil (divided)
3 tablespoon unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
Fresh parsley, minced, for garnish

directions

I start by slicing the steak into roughly 2-inch pieces and tossing them in a mixing bowl.
I whisk the cajun seasonings in a small bowl and coat the steak bites thoroughly.
While the skillet preheats over medium-high until faint wisps of smoke appear, I heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Adding half the steak in a single layer, I sear for 2 minutes per side until browned, then transfer to a plate. I repeat with the remaining oil and steak.
Keeping the skillet (and all those flavorful bits), I reduce the heat to medium-low, melt the butter, then add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, scraping up all the goodness from the pan.
I turn off the heat, return the steak bites to the skillet, toss to coat, then garnish with parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 (or 4–6 if served as an appetizer)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use store-bought cajun seasoning to save time.
If I want a milder flavor, I reduce the garlic to just 2 cloves.
For a different herb profile, I swap out parsley for chives or thyme.
To make it spicier, I add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes.
When I want a smoky depth, I use chipotle powder instead of cayenne.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm them in a skillet with a touch of butter or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. They stay flavorful and tender even after reheating.

FAQs

What cut of steak works best for steak bites?

I prefer sirloin for its balance of tenderness and price, but ribeye or strip steak also work great.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the steak and seasoning a day before and store them separately. Then I just cook everything fresh when ready to serve.

How do I make them less spicy?

I reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend if I want a gentler spice level.

Can I use frozen steak?

I thaw the steak completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure a good sear and avoid steaming.

What can I serve with these steak bites?

I usually pair them with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad. They also work well as a party appetizer with toothpicks.

Conclusion

This recipe has become a regular in my kitchen because it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The cajun spice rub gives the steak a bold kick, and the garlic butter sauce brings it all together beautifully. Whether I’m making dinner for the family or putting together something quick for guests, these steak bites always impress.

Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Cajun

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy, tender morsels of cajun-spiced steak are seared to perfection and drenched in a luscious garlic butter sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. Great as a cozy dinner or a shareable appetizer.

Instructions

Slice the steak into roughly 2-inch pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
Whisk the cajun seasoning ingredients together in a small bowl and coat the steak bites thoroughly.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until wisps of smoke appear. Sear half the steak in a single layer for 2 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining oil and steak.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Melt butter in the skillet and add minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds, scraping up browned bits.
Turn off heat. Return steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with parsley before serving.