Description
Spicy Cajun Steak Bites are perfectly seared bite-sized pieces of strip steak tossed in a bold, flavorful Cajun seasoning blend and finished in a buttery garlic jalapeño sauce. This quick and easy recipe offers a spicy, tender, and juicy steak snack or main dish with rich, smoky flavors that pack a punch.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Sauce
- 2-14 oz strip steaks
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium jalapeño thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
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
- Slice the Steak: Cut the 14 oz strip steaks into roughly 3/4 inch size pieces to create bite-sized chunks for cooking.
- Make the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne powder, red pepper flake, black pepper, white pepper, oregano, and hot paprika to form the Cajun seasoning blend.
- Season the Steak Bites: Place steak pieces in a mixing bowl, toss with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil until coated evenly. Then add 2 tablespoons of the Cajun seasoning and mix until all pieces are well seasoned. Set aside.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over high heat until oil shimmers and starts to smoke. Add the steak bites and continuously turn them to sear all sides evenly. Cook for 3 minutes total, then transfer the steak bites to a plate. Reduce heat to low and allow the pan to cool for about 2 minutes.
- Make the Garlic Jalapeño Butter Sauce: Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden turner to release all flavorful browned bits. Then add the sliced jalapeños and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine and Finish: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the butter, garlic, and jalapeño mixture to coat thoroughly. Continue cooking briefly to warm everything together.
- Serve: Plate the steak bites and pour the remaining buttery sauce over them for a rich, spicy finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cutting steak into bite-size pieces maximizes surface area for searing, enhancing flavor through the Maillard reaction.
- Using a skillet instead of a grill creates an even sear on all sides rather than just grill marks, optimizing flavor.
- Adjust cayenne and jalapeño quantity to control spiciness according to personal preference.
- Avocado oil is ideal due to its high smoke point when searing the steak.
- Letting the pan cool slightly before adding butter prevents burning the butter and garlic.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
