Cajun garlic butter steak has become my absolute go-to for a quick yet incredibly flavorful weeknight meal. I remember the first time I tried making this dish; the aroma of garlic and Cajun spices filling my kitchen was intoxicating! It’s truly an easy Cajun garlic butter steak recipe that delivers restaurant-quality taste without all the fuss. The steak sears up beautifully, locking in all those savory juices, while the creamy garlic butter sauce coats every piece of tender tortellini. This Cajun steak recipe is a winner every single time. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Garlic Butter Steak
- Incredible flavor explosion: Savory Cajun spices meet rich garlic butter.
- Super speedy prep: You can have this on the table in about 40 minutes.
- Budget-friendly elegance: It feels fancy but uses accessible ingredients.
- Family-approved taste: Even picky eaters love this delicious garlic butter steak recipe.
- One-pan wonder: Less cleanup for a busy cook!
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for a quick weeknight dinner or a special date night.
- A fantastic Cajun steak recipe that’s incredibly satisfying.
- This easy garlic butter steak recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Cajun Garlic Butter Steak
Gathering your ingredients for this fantastic Cajun seasoned steak with garlic butter is the first step to a delicious meal. You’ll want 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes; sirloin has a great balance of tenderness and flavor for this dish. For that signature Cajun kick, grab 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning – adjust this to your spice preference! We’ll use 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing and 4 tablespoons salted butter for that luscious garlic butter sauce. Don’t forget 4 cloves garlic, minced for that essential aromatic base. The creamy pasta element comes from 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. For extra creaminess, 4 oz cream cheese, cubed (optional) is a game-changer. Finally, have salt and black pepper to taste and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish ready.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Steak
- Step 1: First things first, let’s get that steak ready. Pat your 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear! Season them generously all over with your 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned steak cubes in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan – work in batches if you need to! Sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side until it develops a beautiful, deep brown crust. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Step 3: Lower the heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons salted butter to the same skillet. Let it melt and get a little bubbly, then add your 4 cloves garlic, minced. Sauté for about 1 minute until it’s wonderfully fragrant. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
- Step 4: Now it’s time for the pasta! Add the 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir everything around to coat the tortellini evenly.
- Step 5: Pour in the 1 cup heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream starts to thicken into a luscious sauce.
- Step 6: Stir in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and the optional 4 oz cream cheese, cubed. Keep stirring until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth, creamy, and coats the tortellini beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. This is a key step in how to cook Cajun garlic butter steak.
- Step 7: Return the seared steak cubes back into the skillet with the creamy tortellini. Toss everything together gently to coat the steak in that glorious sauce. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the steak is heated through and the tortellini is perfectly tender.
- Step 8: Serve your amazing Cajun garlic butter steak immediately, garnished with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You’ve successfully learned how to cook Cajun garlic butter steak!
Pro Tips for the Best Cajun Garlic Butter Steak
Want to elevate your Cajun garlic butter steak? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned:
- Don’t skip patting the steak dry! This is essential for achieving that gorgeous, flavorful crust.
- Use good quality Cajun seasoning; it makes a big difference in the overall flavor profile.
- For an extra rich sauce, consider adding the optional cream cheese – it makes it incredibly decadent.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak for the best sear.
What’s the secret to perfect Cajun garlic butter steak?
The real secret to the best Cajun garlic butter steak is in the searing and the sauce. Getting a great crust on the steak seals in the juices, and the creamy garlic butter sauce infused with Cajun spices is pure magic. It’s all about balancing those bold flavors! For more tips on achieving the perfect sear, check out this guide on how to cook steak.
Can I make Cajun garlic butter steak ahead of time?
You can prep some components ahead! Cube and season the steak up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. You can also mince your garlic. However, I recommend cooking the tortellini and sauce right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cajun garlic butter steak?
A couple of common pitfalls include overcrowding the pan when searing the steak, which leads to steaming instead of searing, and burning the garlic. Always cook the steak in batches if needed and keep an eye on that garlic in the skillet!
Best Ways to Serve Cajun Garlic Butter Steak
This Cajun garlic butter steak is so versatile, it works for a quick weeknight meal or a more impressive dinner. For a complete Cajun steak dinner recipe, I love serving it with a fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the sauce. Steamed broccoli or green beans also make a wonderful, healthy side that complements the bold flavors perfectly. You could even pair it with some crusty bread to sop up every last drop of that amazing garlic butter sauce. It’s a dish that truly shines with simple, fresh accompaniments.
Nutrition Facts for Cajun Garlic Butter Steak
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious Cajun garlic butter steak:
- Calories: 750
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 30g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutritional tracking, you can refer to resources like the USDA’s FoodData Central.
How to Store and Reheat Cajun Garlic Butter Steak
Leftover Cajun garlic butter steak is a treat you’ll want to savor! Once your delicious meal has cooled down completely, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. For the best quality, I recommend storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, this dish freezes beautifully for about 3 months. Just make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the easiest way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be sure to stir halfway through for even warming. This keeps the flavors just as vibrant!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cajun Garlic Butter Steak
What is Cajun garlic butter steak?
Cajun garlic butter steak is a dish that combines the bold, spicy flavors of Cajun seasoning with the rich, savory goodness of garlic butter, typically served with steak. It often features pan-seared steak cubes coated in a creamy garlic butter sauce, sometimes served over pasta or rice. It’s a flavor-packed meal that’s relatively quick to prepare.
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin is excellent for its flavor and texture, you can certainly use other cuts. Ribeye or New York strip steak are fantastic choices, offering a richer marbling that adds even more flavor and tenderness to your Cajun garlic butter steak. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
How do I make Cajun garlic butter steak spicier?
To amp up the heat for a truly spicy Cajun steak experience, you can easily adjust the seasonings. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper directly into the garlic butter sauce, or mix a bit more cayenne into your Cajun seasoning blend before coating the steak. A dash of hot sauce in the sauce can also give it an extra kick.
What sides pair well with Cajun garlic butter steak?
This flavorful dish is quite rich, so lighter sides are often best. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is wonderful for cutting through the richness. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also work beautifully. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with simple white rice or cornbread to soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce.
Variations of Cajun Garlic Butter Steak You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, there are so many fun ways to switch up this amazing Cajun garlic butter steak! For a delightful dairy-free version, swap the butter for plant-based butter and use a dairy-free Alfredo sauce or a coconut cream base for the sauce. If you’re craving an extra kick, turn up the heat with a truly Spicy Cajun steak by adding extra cayenne pepper to the seasoning or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce. You could also try grilling the steak cubes instead of pan-searing them for a smoky flavor. Another tasty variation is to swap the tortellini for ravioli or even serve the garlic butter steak sauce over rice for a different flavor profile.
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Steak: 40 Min Cajun Garlic Butter Steak
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This recipe features juicy Cajun-seasoned steak seared to perfection and served with creamy, cheesy Alfredo tortellini. It’s a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a nice crust forms. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the tortellini to the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir to coat.
- Pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream begins to thicken.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cream cheese (if using) until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the seared steak cubes to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the steak is heated through and the tortellini is tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder blend.
- Ribeye or New York strip steak can be used as alternatives to sirloin.
- Other pasta shapes like ravioli or penne can be substituted for tortellini.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and a dairy-free Alfredo sauce.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 30g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
