Description
Spicy Cajun Steak Bites are flavorful, bite-sized pieces of strip steak coated in a robust Cajun seasoning blend, seared to perfection in a buttery garlic and jalapeño sauce. This dish offers a rich combination of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors that make it perfect as a main course for dinner or a hearty appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 2-14 oz strip steaks
- 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
Cooking
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
Instructions
- Slice the steak: Slice the strip steaks into roughly 3/4 inch size pieces to create bite-sized portions suitable for quick cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together all the seasoning ingredients including smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, white pepper, oregano, and hot paprika.
- Season the steak bites: Place the sliced steak in a mixing bowl, toss with one tablespoon of avocado oil until evenly coated, then add two tablespoons of the Cajun seasoning mix and mix thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly seasoned. Set aside to marinate briefly.
- Sear the steak bites: Heat one tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering and slightly smoking. Add the steak bites and turn often to sear all sides, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes total. Remove the steak from the skillet and place on a plate. Reduce the heat to low and let the pan cool for about 2 minutes.
- Make the garlic jalapeño butter sauce: Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Stir in minced garlic, using a wooden turner to scrape up any crispy browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the sliced jalapeños and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Coat steak with sauce: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the melted butter, garlic, and jalapeño mixture until well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the steak bites to a serving plate and pour any remaining butter sauce from the pan over them for extra flavor and juiciness.
Notes
- Cutting the steak into smaller pieces maximizes the surface area exposed to heat, producing more flavorful charred edges.
- Using a cast iron or heavy skillet will help achieve better searing and flavor development.
- You can adjust the cayenne and jalapeño quantities according to your preferred spice level.
- Be careful not to overcook the steak bites to keep them tender and juicy.
- Using avocado oil is preferred for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Letting the pan cool slightly before adding butter prevents the butter from burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
