Pin 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 created these Blackened Cajun Steak Bites for my family during a hectic week, and they disappeared almost as fast as I could cook them. The sizzling skillet smell always brings everyone to the kitchen in anticipation.
Ingredients
- Sirloin steak: 1.5 lbs (680 g), cut into 1-inch cubes
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for searing
- Cajun seasoning: 2 tbsp, store-bought or homemade
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp, for extra smoky depth
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp, enhances savory notes
- Onion powder: 1/2 tsp, adds subtle sweetness
- Dried thyme: 1/2 tsp, earthiness
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp, herbal aroma
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp, freshly ground
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp, for finishing the steak
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped, for garnish
- Russet potatoes: 2 lbs (900 g), peeled and cut into fries
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp, for fries
- 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.
- Season & bake fries:
- Toss potato fries with vegetable oil, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Prepare steak bites:
- Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels to help with browning.
- 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.
- Cook steak bites:
- Add steak bites in a single layer (work in batches if needed), searing for 1–2 minutes per side until well browned and cooked to preferred doneness.
- Finish steak bites:
- Add butter to skillet, toss steak bites until coated and glossy. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve:
- Serve hot steak bites with crispy fries.
Pin Cooking these steak bites always reminds me of summer cookouts with my family. The Cajun spices bring everyone together – even picky eaters grab seconds!
Serving Suggestions
Pair steak bites with a refreshing green salad or your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or spicy aioli.
Variations
Swap sweet potatoes for traditional fries for a nutrient boost or add cayenne pepper to intensify the heat.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 540, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 36 g.
Pin Steak bites are best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet, alongside fries for a perfect casual dinner or game-night treat.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do you get the steak bites tender and juicy?
Cut the steak into uniform cubes and pat dry before seasoning to ensure even searing. Cook quickly over medium-high heat to lock in juices and keep the interior tender.
- → What spices are essential for the Cajun flavor?
Key spices include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne for heat. These combine to create the classic Cajun seasoning.
- → How can I make the fries crispy without frying?
Toss potato strips in oil and seasoning, then bake at a high temperature with occasional turning to ensure they become golden and crisp.
- → Can I use a different cut of beef for the steak bites?
Sirloin is ideal for its balance of tenderness and flavor, but other cuts like ribeye or flank steak can work if cut properly and cooked carefully.
- → What are good serving suggestions for this dish?
Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy aioli and pair with a light beer or chilled rosé to complement the bold flavors.
- → How can I add extra heat to the spice mix?
Incorporate cayenne pepper or chili powder into the Cajun seasoning for an additional spicy kick tailored to your taste.