Save Juicy, spicy steak bites coated in Cajun seasoning and quickly seared to perfection, served with crispy golden fries for an irresistible, crowd-pleasing meal.
This dish became an instant favorite when I served it to my family on a busy Friday night: the aroma of searing steak filled the kitchen and everyone rushed to the table before I even finished plating the fries.
Ingredients
- Sirloin steak: 1.5 lbs (680 g), cut into 1-inch cubes
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Cajun seasoning: 2 tbsp (store-bought or homemade)
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
- Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
- Dried thyme: 1/2 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish
- Russet potatoes: 2 lbs (900 g), peeled and cut into fries
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt (for fries): 1 tsp
- Paprika (for fries): 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper (for fries): 1/4 tsp
Instructions
- Prep the Fries:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss potato fries with vegetable oil, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Spread evenly on baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Prep the Steak:
- Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels.
- Season:
- In a large bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Add steak cubes and toss to coat evenly.
- Sear Steak Bites:
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until well browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Butter & Garnish:
- Add butter to the skillet and toss steak bites until coated and glossy. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve:
- Serve hot steak bites with crispy fries.
Save This recipe brings everyone together—even picky eaters ended up reaching for second helpings: I love seeing empty plates and big smiles when these steak bites hit the table.
Required Tools
Large baking sheet, parchment paper, cast-iron skillet, mixing bowls, tongs, chef's knife, and cutting board are all you need to get started.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter): always check Cajun seasoning ingredients and fries for gluten if sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 540 calories, 27 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 36 g protein.
Save Blackened Cajun steak bites with fries are a sure-fire hit—enjoy with a selection of dipping sauces for extra flavor.
Kitchen Questions
- → What cut of meat works best for steak bites?
Sirloin steak is ideal for steak bites as it is tender and cooks quickly, retaining juiciness when seared.
- → How do you achieve the blackened effect on steak bites?
The blackened effect comes from coating steak cubes in a spicy Cajun seasoning and searing them quickly over high heat to create a flavorful crust.
- → Can the fries be baked instead of fried?
Yes, oven-baking the fries with a light coating of oil and seasoning produces crispy, golden fries without deep frying.
- → What spices are typically in Cajun seasoning for this dish?
A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, salt, and sometimes cayenne pepper forms the classic Cajun seasoning.
- → How to add extra heat to the steak bites?
For more spice, add cayenne pepper or extra black pepper into the seasoning mix before coating the steak.
- → What garnishes complement the steak bites?
Fresh chopped parsley adds brightness and a fresh herbaceous note to finish the dish beautifully.