There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked steak coated in a buttery, spicy glaze to satisfy your taste buds. I decided to give this Cajun Butter Bourbon Steak a try, and it was a game changer! The bold flavors of Cajun seasoning combined with the smooth bourbon kick made it absolutely irresistible.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor and sophistication, yet simple enough to whip up at home, this is it. Here’s everything you need to make this mouthwatering recipe!
Credit: delish.com
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2 lbs New York Strip Steak (thick cut)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
For Cajun Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1½ tbsp grain mustard
- ⅓ cup dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 sprigs thyme
For the Cajun Butter Sauce:
- Reserved marinade (from above)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- Parsley (fresh or dried) for garnish
Note: Serves approximately 6 people.
Variations
If you want to tailor this recipe to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences, here are a few variations you can try:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or margarine.
- Sugar-Free: Swap out the brown sugar for a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
- Spicier Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to your Cajun seasoning for more heat.
- Milder Flavor: Reduce the cayenne pepper and chili powder for a less intense spice level.
- Different Cuts of Steak: If New York Strip isn’t available, opt for thick-cut ribeye or sirloin.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 minutes
- Marinating Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 23 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large Mixing Bowl: To prepare the marinade.
- Small Bowl: To mix the Cajun seasoning.
- Cast Iron Skillet: For cooking the steak and achieving that perfect sear.
- Plastic Wrap: To cover the marinating steak.
- Tongs: For flipping the steak in the skillet.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure precise doneness.
- Saucepan: To prepare the Cajun butter sauce.
- Cutting Board: For slicing the cooked steak.
How to Make Cajun Butter Bourbon Steak?
This recipe comes together seamlessly with a little planning. Each step builds on the previous one, leading to a flavorful steak paired with a rich sauce.
Step 1: Prepare the Cajun Seasoning
Start by creating your own Cajun spice blend. Mix the smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, sea salt, and garlic powder in a small bowl. This aromatic combination packs a punch and will coat the steak beautifully.
Step 2: Season the Steak
Generously sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over both sides of the New York Strip steaks. Place the seasoned steaks on a plate and refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the meat for maximum taste.
Step 3: Make the Marinade
While the steak is in the fridge, prepare the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine dark brown sugar, bourbon, minced garlic, olive oil, grain mustard, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, a teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning, and the sprigs of thyme. Whisk until the ingredients are well blended. Reserve half of this marinade for the sauce later.
Step 4: Marinate the Steaks
Place the steaks into the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 6 hours for deeper flavors. The longer they soak, the tastier they’ll be!
Step 5: Cook the Steaks
Remove the steaks from the marinade and pat off any excess liquid. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until it’s very hot. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare. Once done, allow the steaks to rest on a cutting board while you prepare the sauce.
Step 6: Create the Cajun Butter Sauce
Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a rapid boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly. Whisk in the unsalted butter until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes rich and silky.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Pour the Cajun butter sauce over the steak and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Credit: delish.com
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
The combination of bold, buttery, and smoky flavors makes this dish irresistible.
- It’s easy to prepare, even for beginners.
- You can customize the spice levels to suit your taste.
- The marinade enhances the steak’s natural richness.
- It’s an impressive dish that looks and tastes gourmet.
- Pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes.
How to Serve Cajun Butter Bourbon Steak?
For a well-rounded and visually appealing meal, plate the sliced steak on a large serving dish. Drizzle the Cajun butter sauce over the top and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley. Serve it alongside your favorite sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (asparagus or brussels sprouts are great options), or a crunchy salad for balance. For an extra special presentation, use a wooden serving board and add lemon wedges or rosemary sprigs for decoration.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the key nutritional details per serving (based on six servings):
- Calories: Approximately 420
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 25g
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to save time on a busy day, you can prepare parts of this recipe in advance. Marinate the steaks ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight. The Cajun seasoning can also be mixed in bulk and kept in a sealed container for future use.
Leftover steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm it slowly in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to retain its tenderness. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the meat.
Tips for Making the Recipe
After trying this recipe, here are some helpful tips to make your steak even better:
- Allow the steak to come to room temperature before cooking for more even searing.
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best results; it retains heat beautifully.
- Don’t skip the resting step after cooking. This keeps the juices in your steak.
- Taste your sauce as you go and adjust salt or sweetness to your liking.
- If you want bolder Cajun flavors, sprinkle a bit of the seasoning into the final sauce.
This Cajun Butter Bourbon Steak recipe is a culinary masterpiece. Each bite is bursting with bold Cajun heat, balanced by the sweetness of bourbon and butter. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular weeknight, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table!