Description
Spicy Cajun Steak Bites are tender, flavorful chunks of strip steak seasoned with a bold blend of Cajun spices, seared to perfection in a hot skillet with garlic, jalapeños, and butter for a rich, spicy finish. Perfect as a main course, these steak bites deliver intense flavor and a delightful char.
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
Seasoning Blend
- 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 Steak Bites: Slice the strip steaks into roughly 3/4-inch size pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Mix Seasoning: Combine all the seasoning ingredients—smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne powder, red pepper flake, black pepper, white pepper, oregano, and hot paprika—in a small bowl to make the Cajun seasoning blend.
- Season Steak Bites: Place steak pieces into a mixing bowl, drizzle with one tablespoon of avocado oil, and toss to coat evenly. Add two tablespoons of the Cajun seasoning and mix until the steak bites are fully seasoned. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Sear Steak Bites: Heat one tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering and just starting to smoke. Add steak bites and turn frequently to sear all sides, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes total to develop a good char. Remove steak bites to a plate.
- Prepare Sauce Base: Lower heat to low and let the pan cool for about 2 minutes. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic and use a wooden turner to scrape up all crispy browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Cook Jalapeños: Add the thinly sliced jalapeño to the butter and garlic mixture and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes, infusing the sauce with spicy heat.
- Combine and Coat: Return the seared steak bites to the pan, stirring gently to coat them evenly with the buttery garlic-jalapeño sauce.
- Serve: Plate the steak bites and drizzle any remaining butter sauce over the top for a rich, spicy finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, let the steak bites marinate with the seasoning for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if available to achieve better searing and charring.
- Adjust cayenne and jalapeño amounts to control heat level according to your preference.
- Rest the steak bites briefly after cooking to let juices redistribute for the best texture.
- This recipe works well with other cuts of beef like sirloin or ribeye when sliced similarly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
