Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Now this is a dinner recipe for a weekday evening. Steak chunks that have been marinated with Cajun seasoning are pan-fried over high heat in cast iron to get some crust on them and then topped with garlic butter before being served with crispy fried potato pieces that have been prepared in an air fryer and finished with parmesan cream sauce in the same pan. This Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe takes only around 40 minutes but is absolutely worth trying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You need one cast iron pan to cook both the steaks and the sauce. The potatoes can be cooked simultaneously in the air fryer.
The garlic butter baste for the last one minute is what pushes the steak bits into greatness. Do not omit this step.
Air-fried crispy potatoes topped with Parmesan cream sauce can be a dish on its own actually. It just happens that the steak is better with it.
– Lyuda
Ingredients Needed to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Cajun Steak Bites
Use any good cut of steak and dice it into 1-inch cubes. Filet Mignon or Rib Eye is the most tender meat to use while the most economical choice would be sirloin. Cajun spices, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne are used for seasoning the meat prior to searing. At the end, the steak is basted in butter and minced garlic.
Parmesan Cream Sauce
Cooked immediately after removing the steak from the pan. Butter, the rest of the minced garlic, heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a little bit of lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Cook it for five minutes until done. Grate Parmesan yourself – pre-grated cheese will make your sauce grainy.
Potato Fries
Either Yukon Gold or baby potatoes should be cubed and tossed with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Either air fry for 20 minutes at 400°F or cook in the oven at 425°F for 35 minutes.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Step 1: Start the Potatoes
Season the potatoes with oil and any other ingredients you may wish to use and throw them in the air fryer or oven first because they will take the longest to cook.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steaks
Dry the steaks using kitchen towels as much as possible because water is an enemy of the sear. Add oil and Cajun seasoning blend. Heat up your cast iron pan and add the steaks in one layer, making sure that there is enough space between the pieces of steaks. Do not move the steaks for 2 whole minutes. Then turn them around and sear for 1 to 2 minutes. If you have too many steaks for your pan, cook them in batches.
Step 3: Garlic Butter Glaze
Lower the temperature to medium-low. Throw butter and ½ of garlic into the pan. Keep stirring and glazing the steaks with the melted butter while it foams in the pan for 30-60 seconds. Remove from the pan and cover them with foil.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, without cleaning it, melt the remaining butter with garlic. Cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the cream and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese and stir. When you remove the sauce from the stove, add lemon juice and parsley.
Step 5: Plate and Enjoy
Place crispy potatoes in the bowl. On top of them put the bite-sized steaks. Add Parmesan cream sauce on top of all. Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Storing and Reheating
Store the steak, potatoes, and sauce in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the potatoes in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes to get them crispy again. Warm the steak gently in a skillet over medium-low heat so it doesn’t overcook. Reheat the sauce on low with a small splash of cream to loosen it if it’s gotten too thick.
More Steak Recipes to Check Out
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately in wide shallow bowls so all three components are visible. Extra Parmesan grated over the top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look like a restaurant dish. Crusty bread alongside for soaking up the Parmesan cream sauce from the bottom of the bowl is the move.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out – a star rating or a note in the comments helps others find the recipe and helps me know what’s working in your kitchen. Tag me @gracefilledkitchen in your photos on social media so I can see your creations.
Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Crispy Potatoes & Parmesan Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook for 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
- Oven Method: Bake at 425°F for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While the potatoes cook, pat the steak dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- In a medium bowl, toss the steak with 1 tablespoon oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using).
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Arrange the steak in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Work in batches if needed.
- Sear for about 2 minutes without moving. Flip and cook for 1–2 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 1 tablespoon butter and half of the minced garlic. Cook for about 30–60 seconds, spooning the garlic butter over the steak until fragrant.
- Transfer the steak to a plate and loosely tent with foil.
- Using the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter.
- Add the remaining garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Since Cajun seasoning and Parmesan both add salt, you may not need additional salt.
- Divide the crispy potatoes between serving bowls or plates.
- Top with the Cajun steak bites and generously spoon the Parmesan cream sauce over everything.
- Garnish with extra parsley and freshly grated Parmesan, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Tenderloin and ribeye will give you the most tender steak bites, while sirloin is a great budget-friendly option.
- Be sure the skillet is very hot before adding the steak. This creates a beautiful crust without overcooking the inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the steak will steam instead of sear.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- For extra spice, increase the cayenne or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out.
Leave a comment and star rating below!
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out.
Leave a comment and star rating below!