Description
Spicy Cajun Steak Bites are tender, juicy pieces of strip steak coated in a flavorful homemade Cajun seasoning, seared to perfection, and finished with a buttery garlic and jalapeño sauce. This recipe highlights a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors with a quick cooking method ideal for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 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
- Prepare the steak: Slice the strip steaks into roughly 3/4 inch size pieces to create bite-sized cubes.
- Make the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix all the Cajun seasoning ingredients until well combined.
- Season the steak bites: Place the steak pieces into a mixing bowl, add one tablespoon of avocado oil and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the steak bites and mix thoroughly to season all pieces evenly. Set aside.
- Sear the steak bites: Heat one tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering and just starting to smoke. Add the steak bites and turn them often to sear all sides evenly. Cook for about 3 minutes total until nicely browned. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and place them on a plate. Reduce heat to low and allow the pan to cool for approximately 2 minutes.
- Make the butter sauce: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and melt completely. Add the minced garlic and use a wooden turner to scrape the crispy browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Then add the thinly sliced jalapeños and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
- Combine and finish: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the buttery garlic jalapeño sauce, coating the meat thoroughly.
- Serve: Transfer the steak bites to a serving plate and pour any remaining butter sauce over them for added flavor and moisture. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cutting the steak into bite-sized pieces increases the surface area for charring and flavor development beyond typical grill marks.
- Using a hot skillet for searing creates a delicious crust through the Maillard reaction, ensuring flavorful bites.
- The homemade Cajun seasoning mix can be stored for future use or adjusted to your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne powder and jalapeño slices in the recipe.
- Avocado oil is used for its high smoke point, making it ideal for high-heat searing, but you can substitute with other neutral oils with high smoke points.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
