Garlic Butter Cajun Steak (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Steak Bites
01 -
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
02 -
Salt and ground black pepper, as needed
03 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 -
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
05 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 -
3 tablespoons olive oil
07 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 -
1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into small cubes
→ Cajun Alfredo Pasta
09 -
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
10 -
12 ounces spiral pasta (fusilli or rotini works great)
11 -
1 tablespoon butter
12 -
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
13 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
14 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
15 -
1 cup heavy cream
→ Garnish
16 -
Optional grated Parmesan cheese
17 -
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
Boil water in a large pot and add a generous amount of salt. Cook spiral pasta based on the package’s al dente instructions. Drain water after saving 1/2 cup of it, then set pasta to the side.
02 -
Use paper towels to dry off the steak cubes. Season them evenly with smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
03 -
Get a skillet nice and hot on medium-high with some olive oil. In batches, cook steak pieces in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side. They should be browned and medium or medium-rare. Take them out when ready and cover lightly with foil.
04 -
Turn the burner down to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add chopped garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells fragrant and turns a bit golden. Toss in red pepper flakes, if you want a bit of spice.
05 -
With butter and garlic still in the pan, pour in the heavy cream. Add some Cajun seasoning, a bit of garlic powder, and salt or pepper to taste. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until it thickens slightly. Lower the heat and whisk in the Parmesan until it blends smoothly.
06 -
Toss your drained pasta into the Alfredo sauce in the skillet and stir everything thoroughly. You can add a little of that reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the texture.
07 -
Slide the cooked steak bites (plus any juices) back into the skillet with the pasta. Mix it all together carefully and let it heat briefly.
08 -
Spoon pasta and steak onto plates or into bowls. Sprinkle on some fresh parsley and top with optional Parmesan. Serve while warm.
# Notes:
01 -
This combo blends buttery steak pieces with a Cajun twist on a creamy pasta base.
02 -
Salting pasta water generously makes for better flavor in the final dish.
03 -
To ensure a perfect steak sear, pat it dry and don’t crowd the pan.
04 -
Cook steak to your liking: rare (2-3 mins), medium-rare (3-4 mins), or well-done (around 5 mins).