Blackened Cajun Steak Bites

Featured in: Hearty Dinners

Experience tender sirloin steak cubes coated in bold Cajun spices, quickly seared in olive oil and finished with butter for a glossy finish. These blackened steak bites deliver a spicy, smoky flavor balanced by fresh parsley. Alongside, enjoy perfectly baked russet potato fries seasoned with paprika and black pepper, offering a crispy golden complement. This quick, easy dish combines vibrant Cajun seasoning with simple techniques to create an irresistible main course perfect for family meals or casual get-togethers.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:19:00 GMT
Juicy blackened Cajun steak bites served with crispy fries on the side.  Pin
Juicy blackened Cajun steak bites served with crispy fries on the side. | kitchenprairie.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.

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.
Pat Steak Dry:
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.
Cook 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.
Garnish:
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Serve:
Serve hot steak bites with crispy fries.
Savory blackened Cajun steak bites tossed with golden fries for a delicious meal.  Pin
Savory blackened Cajun steak bites tossed with golden fries for a delicious meal. | kitchenprairie.com
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker
🔥 Black Friday: 57% OFF — Rare Occasion!
I personally use this model all the time for my recipes — soups, stews, rice, slow-cooking… it does everything. If you've been thinking about getting one, this Black Friday deal is **honestly one of the best I’ve seen**.
👉 Get the Black Friday Deal

Golden, seasoned fries paired with tender blackened Cajun steak bites, ready to enjoy. Pin
Golden, seasoned fries paired with tender blackened Cajun steak bites, ready to enjoy. | kitchenprairie.com

Recipe Questions & Answers

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

Pat the steak cubes dry to remove excess moisture, then sear them in a hot cast-iron skillet with olive oil for 1–2 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.

Can I use other cuts of steak for this dish?

Yes, sirloin is ideal for tenderness and flavor, but ribeye or strip steak can also be used for a richer taste.

What is the best way to make the fries crispy?

Coat the potato fries evenly with vegetable oil and spices, then bake on parchment-lined sheet at 425°F, flipping halfway through to ensure a golden, crisp texture.

How can I add more heat to the seasoning?

Incorporate cayenne pepper into the Cajun spice blend to boost the spiciness according to your taste preference.

Are there suitable alternatives to russet potatoes for the fries?

Sweet potatoes make a tasty and colorful substitute, offering a slightly sweeter flavor while maintaining crispiness when baked properly.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, ensure the Cajun seasoning and fries are gluten-free, and use gluten-free oils and spices to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Blackened Cajun Steak Bites

Juicy Cajun-spiced steak bites seared and paired with crispy golden fries for a flavorful meal.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
40 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage American Cajun

Output 4 Portions

Diet specifications Without gluten

Components

Steak Bites

01 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 2 tbsp olive oil
03 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
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

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Serve: Plate the steak bites alongside the 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 each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (unsalted butter)
  • Potential gluten in seasoning; verify ingredients to ensure gluten-free

Nutrient content (each portion)

This data is offered as a general guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 540
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein: 36 g