Tender and juicy pan seared Cajun Butter Steak Bites are full flavoured with crispy edges.
Ready in under 10 minutes without any marinating needed, these Cajun Butter Steak Bites are a quick and easy family favourite!
STEAK BITES
Steak bites are a meat lovers dream come true! Whether you use sirloin steak, strip steak or ribeye, you will LOVE this twist on a steak! Eat them straight out of the pan as an appetizer or as a main with a delicious side like buttery mashed cauliflower, mashed potatoes, crispy roasted potatoes, or a simple salad.
The best part is you don’t need much to make them, especially if you have Cajun seasoning on hand (just make sure you’re using a LOW SODIUM brand). If not? We’ve included the perfect quantity of Cajun you need for these steak bites.
A super quick recipe that packs a punch!
HOW TO MAKE CAJUN STEAK BITES
The trick to perfect steak bites, like any steak, is getting your pan or skillet nice and hot before searing. Sear in batches to prevent them from boiling instead of frying and get a nice crust on the edges. The meat stays irresistibly juicy and tender on the inside.
- Toss steak pieces in our homemade Cajun seasoning.
- Heat skillet or pan to just smoking hot.
- For medium steak bites, sear for two minutes each side. For well done bites, sear 3-4 minutes each side.
- Once the steak is cooked to your liking, reduce the heat and add butter and garlic to the hot pan.
- Take the pan off the heat and toss your steak bites in the garlic butter. THAT’S IT!
The Cajun seasoning oozes into the butter, creating a mouthwatering sauce for your bites.
THE BEST STEAK FOR STEAK BITES
For our steak bites recipe, we use tender New York Strip Steak (also known as porterhouse steak). You could also use:
- Sirloin steak
- Rump
- Tenderloin
- Eye Fillet
- Scott Fillet
- Rib eye
TIPS
To prevent butter from burning from the start of cooking, you’re going to sear your steak bites in oil. Use canola, vegetable or coconut oil. We add the butter at the end purely to create that Cajun sauce.
If you have a cast iron skillet, use it for this recipe. Nothing beats steak cooked in cast iron! If you don’t have cast iron, use a good quality nonstick pan that doesn’t warp at high temperatures.
Stay close to your steak bites while they are in the pan. They only need 2 minutes each side. Use tongs to check on them and make sure they’re not overcooking or burning.
LOOKING FOR MORE STEAK RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Pan Seared Garlic Butter Steak & Mushroom Cream Sauce
Chili Lime Steak Fajitas
Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp
STEAK BITES ON VIDEO
Cajun Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients
For Cajun Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon mild paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, add more if you like heat
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar KETO: use brown sugar substitute
- 1/2-3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, add more if you like heat
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper to taste
For Steak:
- 23 oz (650 g) steak, cut into 2-inch cubes (Sirloin, Rump, New York Strip, Porterhouse or Ribeye)
- 1-2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
Instructions
- Combine cajun seasoning in a shallow bowl. Add the steak bites and toss to evenly coat.
- Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a skillet or pan over medium-high heat until hot.
- Sear the steak bites in batches for 2-3 minutes each side until edges are crispy and browned, adding extra oil as needed. Set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and heat until melted. Sauté the chopped garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds), while scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Take the pan off the heat. Throw the steak bites back in and toss through the garlic butter to evenly coat.
- Serve warm.
Kimberly says
Made this using a cheaper cut of meat marinated in milk for 12 hours to tenderize. Loved it!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Robert DeCuir says
When you live in “Cajun Country”, you tend to be hesitant when a recipe pops up related to anything around here, BUT…I made this by the directions (used olive oil over the other stuff) and found this to have great flavor, very mild heat to start and a sauce that’s perfect for developing into a gravy over rice or whipped potatoes. This recipe is a keeper! Thank you for offering it, Bobby
Joan Espinosa says
A MA ZING!!!! this was so easy to make and so delicious. I served it with Mashed Potatoes. OMG!!
Vee says
This recipe was super easy and super delicious! I made this for dinner and my family LOVED it! For the side dishes, I made a Caesar Salad and Creamed Potatoes. The steak was so tender and flavorful. Thank you so much for this.
Andrew Limas says
I love your website so much !!! Please never stop posting !
Luz Munera says
Made this today and family was in heaven, said it was TOP CHEF quality….lol…I have been enjoying making your recipes.
Ahnna Gordon says
⭐ 10 out of 10 would make again and recommend. My brother is a big food critic (as am I) and he didn’t even finish his first bite before gushing about how tasty the dish was. Made it with sirloin that I trimmed up just so we didn’t have to fight the tougher fat when eating. I used smoked paprika because it’s all I have and also cut the amount cause it is Strong. I also added a sliced onion to the butter at the end and if I had had mushrooms that also would have been added. Thanks for the wonderful recipe! I will be sharing this with my friends and beef buyers as they always ask what i do to mix things up. ⭐
tessa says
are you related to gordon ramesy
Cindy says
This is absolutely incredible! I used ribeye and the steak was so tender and flavorful! My husband said it is one of the best dishes he ever had. I served it with roasted sweet potato fries, perfect. That butter sauce with the Cajun flavors, yum. I think I will serve it with mashed potatoes or pasta to soak up that sauce. We are seriously making it again tomorrow. And did I mention it is fast?
Amber C. says
Made this with Venison flank steak & it was so wonderful! Definitely a keeper! Thanks so much for sharing!
Kevin says
I normally don’t care for steak, but these were delicious! Thank you for the recipe!
Bobette says
I made this tonight, and my family loved it. My husband said it’s his favorite steak dish that he has ever had.
Selina says
Hello, this recipe looks delish and I’m excited to try it. Do you think it will work with smoked paprika?
Kat says
Just wondering if this would work if the bites were seared an hour in advance and then heated with the butter before eating?
Sheri says
This recipe is delicious and easy! The seasoning is awesome too. I usually make this once a week because everyone loves it and it’s so easy. Thank you!
Sherry says
Great flavor! I used Olive oil instead of canola or vegetable and it worked great. Not crazy about canola or vegetable for health reasons. Delicious flavor and tender. Everyone loved it!!!
Rachele says
I had never been acquainted with a lot of Cajun recipes, the first one I had tried I didn’t really like. Not with this! I was hesitant because I didn’t have lots of experience cooking steak and it would have been a big waste of money if we bought the meat and didn’t enjoy it. I made this with mashed potatoes/gravy, steamed carrots, and rolls. Needless to say, I just used McCormick’s perfect pink cajun seasoning (about 1/8 of a cup). Delicious! Easy! And very tender and juicy! My sister didn’t even use the gravy that I made for the potatoes; she said the juices/sauce from this tasted great with the potatoes. I cooked 2-3 minutes each just as suggested to get more juicy and tender steak bites. YUM! Thanks for the recipe!
A. Young says
I absolutely love this recipe! So much so, that I never got around to making the mashed potatoes; my wife and I started eating them right out of the cast iron pan, LOL! This will definitely get added to the regular rotation. BTW, I used a pack of “beef stew meat” from Sam’s that was very tender.
vanessa says
very good! did with jasmine rice and mixed veggies. used a kobe waygu – nice flavor.
Sandy says
OMG..this was so Good!!! It’s rare that a recipe looks exactly like the pic, but this did, and my husband and son LOVEDit! I used only a tap of salt instead of 1.5 but otherwise didn’t change a thing. TY so much!!
Theress says
I would like to make these for my wedding reception. Will beef stew cuts work?
Morgan says
No way. Definitely need a more tender piece of meat. Don’t be afraid to cut it up (it’s really easy, just trim all the fat off). You need a nice, tender piece of meat and stew meat isn’t. It’s the type of meat that you slow cook or put in a stew that simmers a long time until it breaks down all the connective tissue and cartilage. Top sirloin from co$tco is a good price and quality meats too. Good luck!
Fish says
Any meat will work basically. But, the better the cut the more tender. Stew meat usually needs a long, slow cook time or will be tough.
valyncia says
I made this and it was great! I made a gravy out of the garlic sauce by adding a little flour and beef broth. I’ve never found anything my family and I didn’t like on this website!!!
Taylor says
Ah, this was so good! I adjusted the amounts of salt and fat to make it a little healthier, as well as omitted the sugar, but otherwise did everything as instructed. This may be one of my new favorite seasoning blends! Also, I used beef cubes normally reserved for stewing, cut them up real small and cooked them until they were no longer squishy. Definitely keeping this one. <33
Theresa Larose says
I made this recipe for the Cajun Butter Steak Bites and it was wonderful. My Husband loved it so much that he finished the leftovers later that night. Said I have to make it again soon. It was a hit. Love your recipes.
Maria says
Hello Karina, so I’ve been looking to do more dump and freeze crockpot cooking. Wondered which of your recipes would be good for this technique. It’s simply taking all of the ingredients in a recipe, dumping it all in a large freezer bag, then use with a crockpot when ready. Many recipes in YouTube, but NOTHING like your collection, Karina. Much loves!
Maria
Chef Lo says
Great recipe! Excellent seasonings. Everything I make from your website tastes so wonderful.
Gail says
I made this with venison loins, and it was awesome!
Ellise says
I have made this recipe twice. The first time I burned it instead of searing, but we ate every bite! The second time, I used a heavy stainless skillet, and I used a little lower temp. Was perfect!! I don’t recommend using ribeye steak unless you can cut away the gristle. Great flavor and fit right into my low-carb diet! Thanks!
Susan Nelson says
Made these last night, left out the cayenne because I’m allergic. They were outstanding! Used tri tip that had been previously frozen. They were fantastic and tender. My husband loved it. This recipe will become a regular for us. Paired it with asparagus and flash fried Swiss chard.
CHopper says
Oh my!!!!! Delicious! Definitely a keeper recipe!!
Sheila says
These are amazing, so tender and full of flavor. I use the prime sirloin steaks from Costco and they cook up quick for a weeknight dinner.
Dan says
Used filet very easy to make Daughter said it was best steak she has ever eaten
Sherry says
I can’t wait to try the steak bites for a romantic dinner…however, would you share the name of the music you play on the recipe. I want to use that for our dinner also? Love your recipes!
Kelly says
Have you ever made Chicken the same way? Would it turn out the same? My kids loved the steak bites, but I have chicken in the fridge and wanted to make something similar. Ideas???
Amanda says
This was amazing! I made the recipe exactly as instructed, except we dipped in the garlic butter rather than coating the steak bites in it. For some reason, dipping made me feel less guilty than coating ; )
pyro says
Delicious! Used ribeye. The extra sauce dripping onto the mash potatoes was glorious. The seasoning was perfect – flavorful but not too spicy. This is the first recipe I’ve cooked up (and I’ve cooked a lot in 13-ish years of marriage) and thought “It looks/smells/tastes like something made by a pro chef at an upscale restaurant.”
Jennifer says
Could I do this with chicken? I’m not a beef eater.
Brooke says
Cut the cayenne pepper in half because one of my kids doesn’t like spicy, I added shrimp too. Soooo delicious!!!
Shene says
Do you think this could be made with left over steak. My husband and I never eat a whole steak and I am hunting for a way to use left overs
Shene says
I was wondering if there is a way I could do this with left over steak.
Betsy Dewhurst says
This was soooo good!! I used sirloin for this recipe. We both loved it. I happened to have spaghetti squash as a side dish. So of course we put the sauce on that. Delicious! Then my boyfriend discovered that he loved the sauce on his biscuits. Now he thinks it will be good on eggs ha ha. Needless to say, we will be making this again! Your cajun seasoning recipe is the best!
Gloria says
I’m going to make the bites tonight, but was wondering if you have ever done it without cutting the steak into pieces? If so, did you do the same method, but just cook the steak a little longer? I love your recipes. Thank you for bringing me such tasty, delicious recipes. ?
Karina says
Absolutely Gloria! And you’re very welcome!
Saundra Shaw says
These are a,axing and so easy! Great way to use steak in the winter,
Shaka says
Fabulous recipe! The steK turned out deliciously tender.
Colin says
This was dynamic. I made it cutting up pork tenderloin. Added a bit of curry to the rub. Omg
Tiffany says
Do you have to drain the oil before adding the butter at the end?
Jeremy says
I would say there’s too much oil if you have to drain it. You want just enough to coat the steak.
pyro says
I didn’t and it was delicious (though I also didn’t have an excessive amount of oil left after removing the meat either’. You really want to use a wood spoon or spatula and scrape the brown bits off the bottom and not lose any pouring oil off – incredible flavor there!
Sandra says
I’m so surprised at how easy this was! I realized I had cajun seasoning from Penzey’s already which made prep even faster, all I had to do was cut the garlic! The steak bites had so much flavor, we loved it.
Amy says
I cant believe I made steak that was so tender and delicious! Thank you so much for your recipe, I’ve made several fron this site and none have disappointed.
For this I made it with a sirloin and followed the directions exactly then sprinkled fresh parsley at the end.
Karina says
You’re very welcome Amy!
Vero says
Yes! This was a winner. I’ve experimented with cooking steak a few different ways. Stovetop, grill, oven and whatnot. Sometime marinating with garlic butter and searing then into the oven. And while we have had a few good batches, we always found ourselves continuing to look for that recipe that would be the keeper. Well, this is it! So, so easy and so, so good. I was lucky to have all the spices on hand. Made double and saved to make again soon. Served with mashed potatoes and green beans. Mmmmm.
Karina says
Mmmm yum! Love your sides.
Sheridan says
How much of the seasonings should I use if I’m only cooking a 1.3lb serloin? I’m making this for me and my hubby tonight!!
Karina says
Hi Sheridan… I’d use the same amounts and have extra flavours on your steak!
Kat says
Omg these are delicious!!! I adjusted the seasoning a little bit because my husband didn’t want the steak to be spicy. The steak was so flavorful without being hot and my husband said I always have to prepare steak this way now! 😀
Karina says
Yay! Kate that’s awesome!
Tina says
These were very good. Will definitely make again!!!
Karina says
I’m so happy to hear that Tina!
Holly says
I want to make this but need a good substitute for the butter. Do you have a next best oil or fat? Thanks!
Karina says
Hi Holly, you could use coconut oil, olive oil or canola oil, or ghee.
Alan says
I used NY Strip steak and this recipe is a great way to start out the year. Tender, tasty and delicious; and not difficult to make. Loved it.
Jacob Kraft says
Absolutely amazing, thank you so much!
CHERIE Popely says
I have tri-tip in my freezer. Do you think that would be an acceptable meet for me to cut into chunks and use instead of the different meats that you listed? I don’t want to use anything that would end up being tough. Sounds like a great recipe, and I have big meat eaters in my house. I am hoping to try this very soon.
Karina says
Tri-tip should be fine!
Mary says
This was hands down the BEST recipe yet! I always and I mean always overcook steak to where it’s like shoe leather, but some miracle, following your recipe to the T, this came out excellent! The steak was like butter! I have two boys, and they couldn’t say enough about how good it was, and they keep asking me when I’m going to make it again. Thanks Karina!!
godwin says
Excellent, fast and easy !!!
Candance F. says
I will be trying this tomorrow night. I will be using ribeye and will also do my shrimp! Can’t wait to taste!!
Madeline says
Absolutely delicious and quick recipe! I servedserved it with rice and avocado salad. My children and husband loved it. Do you have a video on this recipe like you have for other recipes? I enjoy trying the recipes while seeing the video and I have not been able to find this video.
Chris says
I’ve made this twice. The first time was a triumph, the second was underwhelming but only because I used ‘budget’ rump. Big mistake and I should have known better. I’ll go back to a prime cut next time 🙂 I used even more garlic than the recipe called for and the flavour was amazing. My resident teenage boys polished the frying pan with pieces of bread
Ashley says
This looks amazing and I can’t wait to try it! Do you think I could sub avocado oil for canola oil?
Thanks!
C.M. says
Definitely a huge hit! I made it as is, only adding a 1/2 tsp of tarragon in the seasoning. We had it over jasmine rice with sliced avocado and salad on the side. Delicious! Thank you!
Karina says
I’m so happy you tried it! Thank you for your feedback!
Kathaleen says
Can’t wait to try this recipe! I’ll be using elk steak so I will let you know how it works! I have a packaged Cajun seasoning I like so I’m going to use about 3 T.
Eboni says
I just made this tonight! It was a failure / success. I would advise anyone using store-bought Creole seasonings to just use the homemade Cajun seasoning that she has under her recipe. the store bought brand (konriko) that I used made it taste like I was eating straight salt. I was able to use brown sugar and white sugar to cut down on the saltiness so it was edible. It has great flavor but the saltiness from the seasoning was very evident. I ended up reading the salt content after the fact on my store-bought seasonings and it had way too much salt in it so that was my fault. I will definitely try it again but using your Cajun seasoning recipe!
Karina says
Oh no! Thank you for telling us Eboni. I wonder why it was so salty? The cajun seasonings we have here do not contain as much salt. I’m so sorry!
Kendra Surdam says
Cajun Butter Steak Bites: Fantastic! I did not add the garlic with the butter because my husband didn’t want it but followed the recipe otherwise and it was absolutely delicious. Will add to my repertoire. Served with Zatarain’s Yellow Rice. I used boneless sirloin. Delectable! Will use the spice mixture on other meats in the future. Thank you!
Karina says
I’m so glad you tried it Kendra!