Blackened Cajun Steak Bites

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Plates

This dish features tender steak cubes coated in a robust Cajun spice blend, seared to lock in juicy flavors. Paired with oven-baked golden fries seasoned lightly with paprika and pepper, it offers a perfect balance of spice and crispiness. Butter and fresh parsley finish the steak bites for added richness and freshness. Ideal for a quick, flavorful meal with minimal prep.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 13:14:00 GMT
Juicy blackened Cajun steak bites nestled alongside crispy golden fries on a plate.  Save to Pinterest
Juicy blackened Cajun steak bites nestled alongside crispy golden fries on a plate. | velvetthyme.com

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 served this to friends and family who couldn't stop raving about the bold flavors and perfect crisp of the fries alongside tender steak bites.

Ingredients

  • Steak Bites: 1.5 lbs (680 g) sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade), 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 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, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Fries: 2 lbs (900 g) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare fries:
Toss potato fries with vegetable oil, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
Dry steak cubes:
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.
Heat skillet:
Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear steak bites:
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.
Add butter:
Add butter to the skillet and toss steak bites until coated and glossy.
Finish and garnish:
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Serve:
Serve hot steak bites with crispy fries.
Flavorful Cajun steak bites seared to perfection, served with piping hot fries.  Save to Pinterest
Flavorful Cajun steak bites seared to perfection, served with piping hot fries. | velvetthyme.com

This dish brings everyone together around the dinner table sharing laughs and enjoying these flavorful bites.

Notes

For extra heat, add cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning. Substitute sweet potatoes for regular fries for a twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy aioli. Pair with a light beer or chilled ros&é wine.

Tools Needed

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

Spicy blackened steak bites garnished with fresh parsley and crunchy fries beside them. Save to Pinterest
Spicy blackened steak bites garnished with fresh parsley and crunchy fries beside them. | velvetthyme.com

Enjoy these steak bites fresh off the pan for the best flavor and texture every time.

Recipe FAQs

How do you achieve the perfect sear on the steak bites?

Pat the steak cubes dry before seasoning and ensure the skillet is hot with olive oil before adding the meat. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding and allow browning.

Can I substitute the fries with a healthier option?

Yes, sweet potato fries or baked vegetable chips work well as alternatives, delivering different flavors while maintaining crispiness.

What type of seasoning is used on the steak?

A blend of Cajun seasoning combined with smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper gives the steak its bold, smoky flavor.

Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Using gluten-free seasoning and fries makes this dish safe for gluten-sensitive individuals. Always verify your ingredients to be sure.

What sides or drinks pair well with this meal?

Light beers, chilled rosé wines, or dipping sauces like ranch or spicy aioli complement the spicy steak bites and crispy fries perfectly.

Blackened Cajun Steak Bites

Spicy blackened steak bites paired with crispy golden fries for a flavorful main dish.

Prep time
20 min
Time for cooking
20 min
Total process time
40 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Everyday Cozy Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American, Cajun

Yield amount 4 Number of servings

Dietary details None specified

List of ingredients

Steak Bites

01 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 2 tbsp olive oil
03 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
04 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 0.5 tsp garlic powder
06 0.5 tsp onion powder
07 0.5 tsp dried thyme
08 0.5 tsp dried oregano
09 0.5 tsp black pepper
10 0.5 tsp salt
11 2 tbsp unsalted butter
12 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Fries

01 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
02 2 tbsp vegetable oil
03 1 tsp salt
04 0.5 tsp paprika
05 0.25 tsp black pepper

How to make it

Step 01

Prepare Fries: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss fries with vegetable oil, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.

Step 02

Dry Steak Cubes: Pat steak cubes dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure proper searing.

Step 03

Season Steak: Combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Add steak cubes and toss to coat evenly.

Step 04

Sear Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in batches, searing 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness.

Step 05

Finish with Butter and Parsley: Add unsalted butter to the skillet and toss steak bites until coated and glossy. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

Step 06

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

Essential tools

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

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains dairy due to butter.
  • Check Cajun seasoning for gluten; select gluten-free brands if necessary.

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 540
  • Fat content: 27 g
  • Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein amount: 36 g