The Zesty Cajun Steak with Apricot Orange Glaze Recipe

Spicing up dinner with a cajun steak that dances between heat and sweet promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Tender beef meets a vibrant apricot orange glaze, creating unexpected flavor magic.

Robust spices mingle with fruity undertones, offering a tantalizing contrast that surprises and delights.

Southern-inspired techniques elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Peppers and seasonings bring bold character to each succulent bite.

Complex layers of taste unfold with each forkful, making this recipe a standout centerpiece.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this sensational meal that blends tradition with innovation.

How To Prepare Cajun Steak With Apricot Orange Glaze

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Cajun Spice Rub

Whisk together a robust Cajun spice mixture that will transform your steak into a taste sensation. Combine dried herbs and spices to build a complex, zesty seasoning that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place the steak in a plastic bag and generously coat with the marinade. Gently massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring every inch gets maximum flavor absorption. Let the steak rest in the refrigerator, allowing the spices to work their magic for 8-24 hours.

Step 3: Craft Vibrant Apricot Orange Glaze

In a saucepan, blend the glaze ingredients with a reserved portion of the Cajun spice rub. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it transforms into a luscious, thick sauce with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes.

Step 4: Prepare Steak for Cooking

Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature. Rub the remaining Cajun spice mix blended with oil all over the meat, creating a flavorful crust that will seal in the juices.

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat the grill to 400°F. Start by searing each side of the steak for 3-5 minutes to lock in those incredible flavors and create beautiful grill marks.

Step 6: Slow and Steady Cooking

Reduce the grill temperature to 350°F. Continue cooking the steak, flipping once. Aim for an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium doneness.

Step 7: Rest and Slice

Allow the steak to rest for 10 minutes, letting the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Slice thinly across the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.

Step 8: Serve with Spectacular Glaze

Plate the sliced steak and drizzle with the luxurious Apricot Orange Glaze. Watch as the vibrant sauce complements the rich, spicy meat, creating a meal that’s sure to impress.

Pro Tips For Cajun Steak With Apricot Orange Glaze

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let the steak soak in the Cajun spice marinade overnight for deeper, more intense flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
• Control Spice Heat: Adjust the Cajun spice mix by reducing cayenne pepper for a milder version or adding more for extra kick, catering to different heat preferences.
• Perfect Grill Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness, avoiding overcooking and maintaining the steak's juicy tenderness.
• Slice Like a Pro: Always cut the steak across the grain to guarantee tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites that showcase the meat's best texture.
• Glaze Game Strong: Brush the Apricot Orange Glaze generously during the last few minutes of grilling to create a beautiful caramelized exterior with a sweet-tangy finish.

Variations To Try With Cajun Steak With Apricot Orange Glaze

• Low-Sodium Spice Alternative: Replace traditional Cajun spice mix with a homemade blend using dried herbs like thyme, oregano, paprika, and minimal salt for heart-friendly seasoning.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, maintaining the same Cajun spice rub and apricot orange glaze for robust flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Ensure Cajun spice mix contains no wheat-based additives and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the glaze, making the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Tropical Fruit Glaze Option: Swap apricot preserves with mango or pineapple preserves to create a different citrus-infused Caribbean-style glaze while keeping the original recipe's core techniques.

Pairing Suggestions For Cajun Steak With Apricot Orange Glaze

• Savor Zesty Wine Pairing: Bold Syrah or Zinfandel wines match perfectly with the spicy Cajun steak, cutting through the rich meat and complementing its intense flavors.
• Craft Citrus Cocktail Companion: Mix an orange-infused Old Fashioned using fresh orange juice and bourbon, echoing the apricot orange glaze's bright, sweet undertones.
• Refresh with Crisp Side Salad: Create a tangy arugula salad with orange segments and toasted almonds, balancing the steak's heat and mirroring the glaze's citrusy profile.
• Elevate with Herbed Grain Side: Prepare a quinoa pilaf with fresh herbs like thyme and parsley, providing a light, aromatic counterpoint to the robust Cajun-spiced meat.

Storage Tips For Cajun Steak With Apricot Orange Glaze

• Store sliced steak in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag. Will keep quality for 2-3 months.
• Place steak slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of beef broth to retain juiciness.
• Preheat oven to 250F. Arrange steak slices in a baking dish, cover with foil.

FAQs About Cajun Steak With Apricot Orange Glaze

• What is Cajun spice mix made of?

Cajun spice mix typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. These spices create a bold, spicy flavor profile that gives the steak its signature Cajun kick.

• Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, you can use various cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip. Just ensure the cut is thick enough to handle grilling and can withstand the marinating process without falling apart.

• How do I know when the steak is cooked to the right temperature?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F, and for medium, target 145°F. Remember to let the steak rest for 10 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute.

Why Cajun Steak With Apricot Orange Glaze Is Bursting With Flavor

• Spice Up Your Meal: Cajun seasoning transforms an ordinary steak into a flavor explosion that will tantalize taste buds and impress dinner guests.
• Master Complex Flavors: This recipe combines bold Cajun spices with sweet-tangy apricot orange glaze, creating a sophisticated culinary experience that feels gourmet yet achievable.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or special occasions, this dish appeals to meat lovers and those who appreciate intricate flavor profiles.
• Customize with Ease: Home cooks can adjust spice levels and cooking times to match personal preferences, making it adaptable for different skill levels and palates.

Ingredients For Cajun Steak With Apricot Orange Glaze

• Cajun Spice Mix: A bold and zesty blend that provides a robust flavor profile for the steak.

• Orange Zest: Adds bright and citrusy notes to the glaze.
• Apricots: Provides a sweet and tangy base for the glaze.

• Orange Juice, Honey, Soy Sauce: Creates a balanced and complex glaze with sweet, tangy, and umami flavors.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute the spice rub and promotes even cooking of the steak.
• White Wine Vinegar: Adds a subtle acidic element to enhance the overall taste.

• Steak: The centerpiece of the dish, which will be seasoned and grilled to perfection.

• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall depth and complexity of the steak's flavor.

Cajun Steak With Apricot Orange Glaze Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sizzling Cajun steak with apricot orange glaze brings spicy Southern charm to your dinner table. Succulent beef meets zesty fruit notes, creating a bold culinary experience that elevates your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3–4 pounds tri-tip roast

Spice Mix and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Marinade and Glaze Ingredients:

• 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
• 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

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Instructions

1. Create the Cajun spice blend by thoroughly mixing all dry spice components, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
2. Combine marinade ingredients with 2 tablespoons of the Cajun spice mix in a sealable plastic bag. Use a fork to puncture the steak, allowing marinade to penetrate deeply. Massage the bag to coat steak evenly and refrigerate for 8-24 hours.
3. Prepare the Apricot Orange Glaze by whisking reserved Cajun spice rub with glaze ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and reaches a glossy consistency, approximately 10-12 minutes.
4. Remove steak from refrigerator 30-60 minutes before cooking. Combine remaining Cajun spice rub with oil and generously coat the steak, allowing it to reach room temperature.
5. Preheat grill to 400°F. Sear steak on each side for 3-5 minutes, creating a robust caramelized exterior with distinct grill marks.
6. Reduce grill temperature to 350°F. Continue grilling, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium, approximately 25-30 minutes total.
7. Transfer steak from grill and let rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
8. Slice steak thinly across the grain to ensure tenderness. Drizzle with prepared Apricot Orange Glaze before serving.

Notes

• Customize the Cajun spice mix by adjusting heat levels, adding smoked paprika for depth or reducing salt for low-sodium diets.
• Swap beef with chicken or portobello mushrooms for alternative protein options, ensuring marinade times are adjusted accordingly.
• Tenderize tougher cuts by extending marinating time or using a meat mallet to break down muscle fibers before seasoning.
• Create a gluten-free version by verifying all spice blend ingredients are certified gluten-free and using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 305 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg