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.
I first made these blackened Cajun steak bites for a casual family dinner, and everyone instantly fell in love with the bold flavors and crispy fries. The sizzle of the steak in the skillet and the aroma of the spices always brings everyone to the kitchen eager to dig in.
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
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp (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
- Prepare 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 the baking sheet.
- Bake fries:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Prep steak:
- While fries bake, pat steak cubes dry with paper towels.
- Season steak:
- 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.
- Finish steak bites:
- 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 Nothing beats sharing a basket of homemade fries and steak bites with family on a busy weeknight—even picky eaters go back for seconds!
Serving Suggestions
Serve with classic ranch dressing or a spicy aioli for dipping, and pair with a crisp salad or steamed veggies for extra color on your plate.
Make It Ahead
The fries can be prepped and stored in cold water up to a day ahead and the steak bite seasoning mix can be mixed in advance for a super quick dinner.
Allergen & Nutrition Tips
This recipe contains dairy due to the butter. Swap in a dairy-free butter alternative if needed. Nutrition per serving: 540 calories, 27 g fat, 38 g carbs, 36 g protein.
Save Try this recipe when you crave something bold and fun for dinner—it's guaranteed to impress. Enjoy every flavorful, tender bite!
Recipe Guide
- → What cut of beef works best for steak bites?
Sirloin steak is ideal due to its tenderness and flavor, but other tender cuts like ribeye can also work well.
- → How can I achieve a crispy texture on the fries?
Toss potato fries with oil and spices, then bake at a high temperature (425°F) while turning halfway for even crispiness.
- → Can I make the dish spicier?
Yes, adding cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning mix will increase the heat to your preference.
- → Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free Cajun seasoning and ensure the fries and any oil used are free from gluten contamination.
- → What sides or drinks pair well with this dish?
Light beers or chilled rosé wines complement the spicy flavors, and dipping sauces like spicy aioli or ranch add extra layers.