Description
Spicy Cajun Steak Bites are flavorful, bite-sized pieces of strip steak coated in a bold Cajun seasoning blend, seared to perfection in a hot skillet, and finished with a buttery garlic and jalapeño sauce. This dish delivers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors and is ideal as a main course for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 2-14 oz strip steaks
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium jalapeño thinly sliced
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp cayenne powder
- 1 tbsp red pepper flake
- 1 tbsp fine ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp white pepper
- 1 ½ tbsp oregano
- 2 tsp hot paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Slice the strip steaks into roughly 3/4 inch size pieces, ensuring they are bite-sized for even cooking and optimal searing.
- Make the Seasoning Blend: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne powder, red pepper flake, black pepper, white pepper, oregano, and hot paprika. Mix well to create the Cajun seasoning.
- Season the Steak Bites: Place the steak pieces into a mixing bowl and toss with one tablespoon of avocado oil until evenly coated. Add two tablespoons of the Cajun seasoning and mix well to ensure the steak bites are evenly seasoned. Set aside.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Heat one tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over high heat until it begins to shimmer and smoke slightly. Add the steak bites and continuously turn them to sear all sides evenly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes total until browned. Remove the steak bites from the pan and place them on a plate. Reduce the heat to low and allow the pan to cool for about 2 minutes.
- Prepare the Butter Sauce: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic, scraping the pan bottom with a wooden turner to lift all flavorful browned bits. Then add the thinly sliced jalapeños and cook until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the butter, garlic, and jalapeño sauce to coat thoroughly. Plate the steak bites and drizzle the remaining butter sauce over them before serving for maximum flavor.
Notes
- For maximum flavor, avoid relying solely on grill marks; searing the steak bites fully allows for more even charring and better taste.
- Cutting the steak into bite-sized pieces increases the surface area for searing, enhancing the Maillard reaction and overall flavor.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne powder and jalapeño or omit the jalapeño slices.
- Use a cast iron skillet for best heat retention and superior searing results.
- Let the pan cool slightly before adding butter to avoid burning it and preserve its flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
