Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites

• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or less, to taste
• 1/2 tsp packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1 1/2 lbs. steak strip steak, sirloin, ribeye, etc.
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil divided
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic finely minced or grated
• minced fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Slice steak into roughly 2" pieces and set aside in a mixing bowl.
• In a small bowl, combine seasoning blend ingredients, then add to the mixing bowl with the steak bites and toss to combine well.
• Heat a large heavy bottomed skillet over MED HIGH heat. Do this while the skillet is dry, and heat for several minutes, or until you see wisps of smoke.
• Add 1 Tbsp of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
• Add about half the steak (adding less steak if the skillet isn’t very big – making sure not to overcrowd the skillet).
• Sear for 2 minutes without flipping, then flip over and sear another 2 minutes, until well browned. Set aside on a plate and repeat with remaining vegetable oil and steak bites.
• Reduce heat to MED LOW and use the same skillet (don’t wash it – you want all that flavor!), and add butter. Once melted, add garlic and cook about 30 seconds or so, using a wooden spoon to scrape browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Turn off the heat, add steak bites back to the skillet and stir well to combine with the garlic butter.
• Serve hot, sprinkled with minced fresh parsley..