Blackened Cajun Steak Bites

Featured in: Quick Weeknight Dinners

Experience a flavorful main dish featuring juicy sirloin steak cubes seasoned with Cajun spices and smoked paprika. These steak bites are seared quickly in olive oil and finished with butter, resulting in a glossy, richly spiced crust. Paired with perfectly baked russet potato fries, seasoned with paprika and black pepper, this meal offers a balance of tender meat and crispy sides. Garnished with fresh parsley, it's a vibrant, easy-to-make dish ideal for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Updated on Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:17:00 GMT
Sizzling Blackened Cajun Steak Bites with crisp fries, offering a flavorful, juicy bite ready to be enjoyed. Save
Sizzling Blackened Cajun Steak Bites with crisp fries, offering a flavorful, juicy bite ready to be enjoyed. | whisknjoy.com

Juicy, spicy steak bites coated in Cajun seasoning are quickly seared to perfection and served with crispy golden fries for an irresistible crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love.

I first made these steak bites for my friends during a game night and they disappeared in minutes. The fries are always a hit, especially with a variety of dipping sauces on the side.

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 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 fries 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:
Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until well browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.
Add butter & herbs:
Add butter to 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.
Golden, perfectly fried potatoes accompany the spicy, seared Blackened Cajun Steak Bites, a delicious combo. Save
Golden, perfectly fried potatoes accompany the spicy, seared Blackened Cajun Steak Bites, a delicious combo. | whisknjoy.com

My kids ask for these steak bites on special occasions & they like to sprinkle even more parsley before serving for extra color.

Required Tools

Large baking sheet, parchment paper, large cast-iron skillet, mixing bowls, tongs, chefs knife and cutting board.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy. Use gluten-free Cajun seasoning and fries as needed. Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving: Calories 540, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 36 g.

Imagine tender Blackened Cajun Steak Bites, richly seasoned, next to a generous pile of hot, golden fries. Save
Imagine tender Blackened Cajun Steak Bites, richly seasoned, next to a generous pile of hot, golden fries. | whisknjoy.com

Serve immediately for best crispiness. Pair with chilled rosé wine or light beer for a perfect finish.

Recipe FAQ

How can I make the steak bites more tender?

Choose a tender cut like sirloin and pat dry before seasoning. Searing quickly over high heat helps retain juices for a tender bite.

What can I use instead of russet potatoes for fries?

Sweet potatoes make a delicious alternative, offering a slightly sweeter flavor and crisp texture when baked properly.

Can I adjust the spice level of the Cajun seasoning?

Yes, increase cayenne pepper for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor to suit your taste.

What type of oil is best for searing the steak bites?

Olive oil works well due to its flavor and smoke point. For higher heat, vegetable oil or avocado oil can be used.

How do I ensure fries turn out crispy in the oven?

Spread fries evenly on parchment-lined baking sheets and turn them halfway through baking at 425°F for optimal crispness.

Blackened Cajun Steak Bites

Tender steak cubes coated in Cajun spices, seared and served with crispy oven-baked fries.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Sophia Turner

Classification Quick Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background American, Cajun

Output 4 Portion Count

Dietary considerations No Gluten

Components

Steak Bites

01 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
04 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
08 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Fries

01 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
02 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
03 1 teaspoon salt
04 1/2 teaspoon paprika
05 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation Steps

Stage 01

Prepare fries: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss the potato fries with vegetable oil, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Arrange evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until fries are golden and crisp.

Stage 02

Season steak bites: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Add the steak cubes and toss until coated thoroughly.

Stage 03

Sear steak bites: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Sear each side for 1 to 2 minutes until well browned and cooked to desired doneness.

Stage 04

Finish steak bites: Add unsalted butter to the skillet and toss steak bites to coat them evenly and develop a glossy finish. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Stage 05

Serve: Plate the hot steak bites alongside crispy fries and serve immediately.

Necessary tools

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large cast-iron skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Chef's knife and cutting board

Allergy details

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're unsure about any item.
  • Contains dairy from butter
  • Verify Cajun seasoning is gluten-free if sensitive; check ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Nutritional content (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 540
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 36 g