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 game night at home, and everyone agreed they were the star of the table. The combination of bold spice, juicy meat, and crispy fries makes this a frequent request from friends and family.
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: 1 tsp
- Paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
Instructions
- Prep Fries:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season and Bake:
- Toss potato fries with vegetable oil, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Prep Steak:
- While fries bake, pat steak cubes dry with paper towels.
- Coat 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 to 2 minutes per side until well browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Add Butter:
- Add butter to the skillet and toss steak bites until coated and glossy.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot steak bites with crispy fries.
Save Sharing these steak bites brings everyone to the table quickly. My kids love dunking both steak and fries in spicy aioli, and it's our go-to dinner for a Friday celebration.
Required Tools
Large baking sheet, parchment paper, large cast-iron skillet, mixing bowls, tongs, chef's knife and cutting board.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter). Confirm Cajun seasoning is gluten-free if sensitive. Always check labels for possible sources of gluten or dairy.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 540, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 36 g.
Save Serve immediately while the fries are hot and the steak bites are juicy. Use plenty of dipping sauces for more sharing fun.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a perfect sear on steak bites?
Pat steak cubes dry before seasoning and ensure the skillet is hot before adding them. Sear in batches without overcrowding to get a nice crust.
- → Can I use other cuts of steak for this dish?
Yes, sirloin is preferred for tenderness, but ribeye or flank steak can also work if cut into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- → What makes the fries crispy in this preparation?
Baking fries on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F with oil and seasoning, turning halfway, creates a golden, crispy texture.
- → How can I add extra heat to the steak bites?
Incorporate cayenne pepper into the Cajun seasoning mix to elevate the spiciness without overpowering the dish.
- → Are there suitable dipping sauces to serve alongside?
Ranch dressing or a spicy aioli pairs well, enhancing the smoky and savory flavors of the steak bites and fries.