What is the best cut of steak for steak bites?

The best cuts for steak bites are sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip . These cuts have the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. Avoid leaner cuts like round steak, as they can be tough.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes! To make it milder, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning. You can also swap it with smoked paprika for a smoky but non-spicy alternative.

How do I get a perfect sear on the steak bites?

Make sure your pan is very hot before adding the steak, and do not overcrowd the skillet . Cooking in batches ensures each piece gets a good crust instead of steaming.

Can I cook steak bites in an air fryer?

While possible, cooking them in a skillet gives the best flavor because of the browned bits in the pan that enhance the garlic butter sauce . If using an air fryer, cook at 400°F for about 6-8 minutes , shaking the basket halfway through.

Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Name: Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt; 1 ½ teaspoons 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; 1 ½ lbs steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 5 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated); 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley (for garnish)

Description

Juicy, tender steak bites seasoned with bold Cajun spices, seared to perfection, and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. A quick and easy meal packed with flavor, ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

Cajun Seasoning Blend

1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 ½ teaspoons 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 (sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated)
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the steak: Slice the steak into bite-sized pieces, about 2 inches each. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this ensures a perfect sear.
Season the steak: In a bowl, combine all the Cajun seasoning ingredients. Sprinkle the seasoning over the steak bites and toss until evenly coated. Let the seasoned steak sit while preheating the skillet.
Heat the skillet: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Let it heat up for a few minutes until very hot. Add one tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the pan.
Sear the steak: Add half of the steak bites to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop a nice crust. Flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining steak bites, adding the second tablespoon of oil as needed.
Make the garlic butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Combine everything: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce until fully coated. Let them cook for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

For extra heat: Add more cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
For a milder version: Reduce or omit the cayenne and use sweet paprika instead.
Steak doneness guide: Use a meat thermometer—130-135°F for medium-rare, 140-145°F for medium.
Storage tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a little butter for the best results.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-seared
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 410
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 110mg