Name: Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp smoked paprika; 1 ½ tsp kosher salt; 1 ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp cayenne pepper (or less, to taste); ½ tsp packed light brown sugar; ¼ tsp dried thyme; 1 ½ lbs steak (strip, sirloin, ribeye, etc.); 2 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided; 3 Tbsp unsalted butter; 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated; Minced fresh parsley for garnish

I take tender steak pieces, toss them in a bold Cajun seasoning, then sear and finish them in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for dinner or an appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast this comes together—ready in just about 30 minutes—and how the homemade Cajun blend brings just the right level of smoky, spicy flavor without overwhelming heat. The garlic butter sauce built right in the pan is pure decadence that elevates every bite. It’s budget-friendly yet feels indulgent, and makes enough to feed 4–6 of us easily.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cajun seasoning blend:

1 Tbsp smoked paprika
1 ½ tsp kosher salt
1 ½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cayenne pepper (or less, to taste)
½ tsp packed light brown sugar
¼ tsp dried thyme

Steak bites:

1 ½ lbs steak (strip, sirloin, ribeye, etc.)
2 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
Minced fresh parsley for garnish

directions

Prepare & Season
Slice the steak into roughly 2″ pieces. Mix the Cajun spices, then toss the steak bites until well coated.
Preheat skillet
Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet on medium-high until it’s very hot.
Sear
Add 1 Tbsp oil. Sear half the steak bites without crowding the pan for about 2 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining steak and oil.
Make garlic butter
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter; once melted, stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, scraping up the browned bits from the pan.
Combine & Serve
Remove from heat and return steak to the skillet. Toss until each piece is coated in garlic butter. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.

Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~15 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

Use a store-bought Cajun seasoning if preferred.
Adjust garlic according to taste—fewer cloves for a milder flavor.
Garnish with parsley for freshness, if desired.
Kick up the heat by adding more cayenne, black pepper, or red pepper flakes.
Reduce spice by scaling back or omitting the cayenne.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy them within 4–5 days. To reheat, I gently warm them on the stovetop with a pat of butter, though a quick zap in the microwave also works if I’m in a rush.

FAQs

What’s the best steak to use for steak bites?

I prefer sirloin for its great balance of flavor and affordability, but ribeye or strip steak works wonderfully too. I pick whichever cut I feel like that day.

Can I use a store-bought Cajun seasoning blend?

Absolutely. I often grab a premade blend when I’m short on time, and it delivers excellent flavor every time.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

I haven’t tried that method yet. I really love the sear and the flavorful browned bits from skillet cooking, which help build the garlic butter sauce.

How can I prep ahead?

I’ll measure out and mix the spice blend ahead of time, and slice the steak. I store them covered in the fridge until I’m ready to cook.

What should I serve with these steak bites?

I often pair them with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, plus a simple vegetable like broccoli or asparagus to round out the meal.

Conclusion

I absolutely look forward to this recipe whenever I want a flavor-packed, quick meal. The combination of Cajun seasoning and garlic butter is so addictive, and the simple prep makes it ideal for busy nights or casual gatherings. I hope it inspires me—and you—to add this to our regular rotation.