Experience the rich flavors of Cajun cuisine with these mouthwatering Cajun Butter Steak Bites with Mushrooms. This easy-to-make dish features tender beef bites marinated in a flavorful blend of Creole seasoning and spices, perfectly complemented by sautéed mushrooms. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Let's dive into the ingredients you'll need for this delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef tenderloin: Cut into 1½-inch by 1-inch pieces, this tender cut of meat will be the star of the dish.
- ½ tablespoon Creole seasoning: Adds a perfect blend of spices for that authentic Cajun flavor.
- 3½ tablespoons oil: Used for marinating the beef and mushrooms, ensuring they cook up juicy and flavorful.
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms: Choose your favorite variety; they add a savory depth to the dish.
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle onion taste.
- ¾ teaspoon paprika: Adds a sweet and smoky element to the seasoning mix.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a bit of heat and enhances the other spices.
- 2½ tablespoons butter: Tossed with the steak bites and mushrooms at the end for a rich, buttery finish.
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk the Spices Together
- In a small bowl, combine the Creole seasoning, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed. This spice blend will infuse the beef and mushrooms with rich Cajun flavors.
- Step 2: Prepare the Meat
- Take the beef tenderloin and cut it into pieces approximately 1½ inches by 1 inch. This size is perfect for bite-sized portions that cook quickly and evenly. Ensure the pieces are uniform for the best results.
- Step 3: Marinate
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef pieces, sliced mushrooms, spice mixture, and 2½ tablespoons of oil. Mix everything thoroughly so that the beef and mushrooms are well coated with the spices and oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 30 to 90 minutes. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavors will be.
- Step 4: Air-Fry
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once preheated, place half of the marinated beef and mushroom mixture into the air fryer basket. Ensure the pieces are spread out in a single layer for even cooking. Air-fry for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Repeat this process with the second batch. Adjust the cooking time if necessary based on the size of your beef pieces and the efficiency of your air fryer.
- Step 5: Toss with Butter
- Once the beef and mushrooms are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the 2½ tablespoons of butter to the hot beef and mushrooms. Toss everything together until the butter is melted and evenly coats the steak bites and mushrooms. This step adds a rich, buttery flavor that complements the spices beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or Creole seasoning if needed.