Cajun Steak with Apricot Orange Glaze

Cajun Steak with Apricot Orange Glaze is a delightful combination of spicy and sweet flavors. The bold, zesty Cajun seasoning on the steak pairs beautifully with the fruity, tangy glaze, creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to follow and results in a juicy, flavorful steak that’s sure to impress your guests. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe.

Preparing the Cajun Seasoning

1. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create the Cajun seasoning.

Preparing the Steak

1. Season the Steak: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Rub each steak generously with the Cajun seasoning, ensuring an even coat on all sides. Let the steaks sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Preheat the Grill or Pan: If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If using a stovetop, heat a large cast-iron skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Cook the Steaks: Place the steaks on the hot grill or in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until your desired level of doneness is reached. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium). Remove the steaks from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Preparing the Apricot Orange Glaze

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine apricot preserves, orange juice, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger.
2. Simmer the Glaze: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly.
3. Finish the Glaze: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter until melted and the glaze is smooth.

Serving the Cajun Steak with Apricot Orange Glaze

1. Plate the Steaks: Place the rested steaks on serving plates.
2. Add the Glaze: Spoon the apricot orange glaze generously over each steak.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and a bit of orange zest for a pop of color and extra flavor.
4. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Tips for Success

• Steak Selection: Ribeye steaks are recommended for their marbling and flavor, but you can also use New York strip, sirloin, or filet mignon.
• Room Temperature Steak: Letting the steaks sit at room temperature before cooking helps them cook more evenly.
• Resting the Steak: Allowing the steak to rest after cooking ensures the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier steak.
• Glaze Consistency: If the glaze becomes too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice to reach your desired consistency.

Variations

• Spicier Cajun Seasoning: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• Citrus Twist: Add a splash of lime or lemon juice to the glaze for a different citrus flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the glaze for added depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Cajun Steak with Apricot Orange Glaze is a delightful dish that balances the heat of Cajun spices with the sweetness of apricot and orange. This recipe is simple yet impressive, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy the perfect blend of spicy and sweet with every bite of this delicious Cajun Steak with Apricot Orange Glaze!

Yield: 6

Cajun Steak with Apricot Orange Glaze

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Cajun Steak with Apricot Orange Glaze is a delightful combination of spicy and sweet flavors. The bold, zesty Cajun seasoning on the steak pairs beautifully with the fruity, tangy glaze, creating a dish that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to follow and results in a juicy, flavorful steak that's sure to impress your guests. Let's dive into this mouthwatering recipe.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs. tri-tip roast(s) (also known as triangle steak or bottom sirloin cut)*
• Marinade:
• 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup Vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Cajun Spice Mix (in directions)
• Cajun Spice Mix:
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 TBS EACH paprika, smoked paprika, brown sugar, onion pwdr, chili pwdr
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 tsp EACH cayenne pepper, salt
• 1 tsp EACH dried basil, dried thyme, pepper
• Apricot Orange Glaze:
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon reserved Cajun Spices (in directions)

Instructions

• Spice Rub/Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Cajun Spice Mix. Add 2 tablespoons to a freezer size plastic bag along with all of the Marinade ingredients. Whisk together. Pierce steak all over with a fork and add to marinade. Massage marinade into steak and seal bag. Marinate 8-24 hours, turning bag occasionally. Store remaining Reserved Cajun Spice Rub in a sealed container/bag.

• When ready to grill, remove 1 teaspoon Reserved Cajun Spice Rub and add it to a small saucepan for your Apricot Orange Glaze. Whisk all remaining Cajun Spice Rub with 3 tablespoons olive oil and rub all over steak while it comes to room temperature – 30-60 minutes. (There will seem like a lot of rub which is a good thing)

• Grill: Grease and preheat grill to 400 degrees F. Sear roast for 3-5 minutes per side, cover, and turn heat down to 350 degrees F. Grill for 15 minutes, flip, cover, and cook an additional 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of your steak cut and how well done you want your steak. Watch closely that your temperature stays around 350 degrees F.

• Check for doneness with a meat thermometer inserted right in the middle of the steak. Thermometer should read: 135 degrees F for medium rare, 145 degrees F for medium. The outside of the roast will get quite dark with a charred crust which is exactly what you want with this cut of steak.

• Remove steak from grill, loosely tent with foil and let rest 10 minutes before slicing THINLY across the grain. Serve with Apricot Orange Glaze (recipe follows).

• Apricot Orange Glaze: While the steak is grilling, whisk together all of the Apricot Orange Glaze ingredients in small sauce pan with reserved 1 teaspoon Cajun Spice Mix. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer until reduced and thickened.