Best Cajun Butter Steak Recipe (Perfectly Delicious)

As a chef with over a decade of experience, I can confidently say that a good steak is all about the seasoning and finishing touches. One of my favorite ways to elevate a perfectly cooked steak is with a rich, flavorful Cajun steak butter.

The combination of Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and minced garlic creates a savory butter sauce that adds just the right amount of spice and depth to your steak.

This recipe takes your steak from good to amazing with minimal effort.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted softened butter
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cajun Butter

Start by softening the unsalted butter at room temperature. You can also use creole butter. Once softened, add the Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the butter. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 2: Mix in the Parsley

Next, add the fresh chopped parsley, dried parsley, and thyme to the garlic butter mixture. The parsley will give the butter a nice color and a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the heat from the Cajun spices. Stir again to combine everything.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add your steak and cook it to your desired doneness. You can use the NY strip or ribeye steak for best results. For a medium-rare steak, aim for about 4–5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.

Step 4: Add the Cajun Butter

Once your steak is cooked, remove it from the heat and place it on a plate. While the steak is still hot, spoon a generous amount of the Cajun butter onto the steak. If the steak cooked on the right temperatures, the heat from the steak will melt the butter, creating a rich, delicious, flavorful sauce that drips over the steak.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Cajun butter steak immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired. This steak goes great with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables.

“Good steak is all about the seasoning, but Cajun butter takes it to the next level. It’s the perfect balance of heat, flavor, and richness; an absolute must for steak lovers.”

- David Thompson, Chef & Restaurateur

Recipe Notes

• Use room temperature butter: This makes it easier to mix the ingredients into the butter and helps everything blend evenly.
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.
• Don’t overcook the steak: For the best results, cook your steak to medium-rare or medium. Cooking it beyond that can make the steak tougher.
• Let the steak rest: After cooking, let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the steak more tender and juicy.
• Store the Cajun butter: Leftover Cajun butter can be stored in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for future use.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg

Secret Tips for Making the Best Cajun Steak Butter

As a chef who has made this recipe countless times, here are a few tricks that will make your Cajun steak butter stand out:

1. Let the butter melt naturally: Don’t force it. Allow the hot steak to melt the butter at its own pace for the best texture.
2. Experiment with different Cajun seasonings: Some brands may be spicier or saltier than others, so feel free to adjust based on your preference.
3. Add a splash of white wine: For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the pan after cooking the steak and let it reduce slightly before serving.
4. Use a cast iron skillet: Cast iron retains heat well, giving your steak a perfect sear while allowing it to stay juicy on the inside.
5. Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic has a stronger, more vibrant flavor than pre-minced or powdered garlic, enhancing the overall taste of the Cajun butter.

Best Side Dishes to Serve With

When I make Cajun steak butter, I like to pair it with hearty, flavorful sides. Here are my top picks:

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic steak side. The creamy texture is the perfect contrast to the spicy Cajun steak, and the buttery potatoes soak up the Cajun sauce beautifully.

The richness of the potatoes helps to mellow out the heat from the Cajun seasoning, creating a balanced and satisfying bite with every forkful. Plus, a touch of garlic or cream in the mash makes them even more indulgent.

2. Grilled Asparagus

Asparagus with a hint of char adds a smoky flavor that complements the Cajun steak butter. Simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill for about 5 minutes for a crispy finish.

The charred edges bring out the natural sweetness of the asparagus, while the crisp texture adds a nice contrast to the softness of the steak. This side is both light and flavorful, making it the perfect complement to a rich steak.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are deliciously crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts balances the rich, spicy flavor of the Cajun steak.

Roasting them with a bit of olive oil and salt enhances their nutty, caramelized flavor, making them a savory addition to your meal. The crispy outer layer gives a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the tender steak and smooth Cajun butter.

4. Corn on the Cob

Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brushed with a bit of butter adds a sweet and savory touch to your meal. The sweetness of the corn provides a nice contrast to the spiciness of the Cajun butter.

When grilled, the kernels take on a smoky, slightly charred flavor that pairs wonderfully with the steak. Adding a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chili powder also elevates the flavor, giving it a touch of zest and a pop of color.

5. Garden Salad

A fresh garden salad with a simple vinaigrette helps to cut through the richness of the steak and butter. The crunchiness of the salad is a refreshing contrast to the tender steak.

Lightly dressed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes offer a crisp and refreshing bite that balances the heat and richness of the Cajun steak butter. You can also add a bit of feta or goat cheese to give the salad a creamy texture that complements the spicy steak.

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