Blackened Cajun Steak Bites

Featured in: Everyday Flavors

Experience tender sirloin cubes coated in bold Cajun seasoning, seared to a perfect crust. Accompanied by golden, crispy oven-baked fries seasoned with paprika and black pepper, this dish balances smoky, spicy flavors with satisfying textures. Butter and fresh parsley add richness and freshness, crafting a crowd-pleasing plate that’s easy to prepare in under 40 minutes. Ideal for gatherings or quick dinners, the combination highlights classic Cajun spices enhanced by a seared finish and crispy sides.

Updated on Thu, 13 Nov 2025 09:14:00 GMT
Sizzling Blackened Cajun Steak Bites with crispy fries, perfectly browned and ready to be enjoyed as a meal. Save
Sizzling Blackened Cajun Steak Bites with crispy fries, perfectly browned and ready to be enjoyed as a meal. | oventhyme.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.

The first time I made these Cajun steak bites, they disappeared before I had a chance to grab seconds. The combination of tender steak and crispy fries is always a winner in our house.

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
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (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 the fries:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss potato fries with vegetable oil, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
Bake:
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:
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:
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 1–2 minutes per side until well browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.
Finish:
Add butter to the 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.
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| oventhyme.com

This recipe always reminds me of game nights with my family, gathered around the table with a big platter of steak bites and fries, sharing stories and laughter.

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). Check Cajun seasoning for gluten and opt for gluten-free brands if needed. Always verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Golden, seasoned fries alongside savory Blackened Cajun Steak Bites, garnished with parsley for a flavorful dinner view. Save
Golden, seasoned fries alongside savory Blackened Cajun Steak Bites, garnished with parsley for a flavorful dinner view. | oventhyme.com

Enjoy these blackened Cajun steak bites and fries hot and fresh. They pair perfectly with chilled drinks and good company.

Kitchen Guide

What cut of meat works best for these steak bites?

Sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes works best due to its tenderness and flavor retention when seared quickly.

How can I make the fries extra crispy?

Toss fries in oil with paprika and salt, then bake at a high temperature turning halfway to ensure even crispness.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, add cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend for extra heat or omit for a milder bite.

What’s the best way to cook steak bites evenly?

Cook in batches over medium-high heat, searing each side 1–2 minutes to develop a caramelized crust without overcrowding.

Are there good pairing options for this dish?

This dish pairs well with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy aioli, and drinks such as light beer or chilled rosé.

Can the fries be substituted with other vegetables?

Sweet potatoes make a great alternative, seasoned similarly and baked to maintain crisp texture.

Blackened Cajun Steak Bites

Juicy blackened steak bites seasoned with Cajun spices paired with crispy golden fries for a flavorful meal.

Prep duration
20 min
Kitchen time
20 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill level Easy

Heritage American Cajun

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements No gluten

What you'll need

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

Method

Phase 01

Preheat oven and prepare fries: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Season and bake fries: Toss the cut fries with vegetable oil, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Phase 03

Prepare steak cubes: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Heat oil and sear steak: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Phase 06

Cook steak bites: Add steak bites in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness.

Phase 07

Finish steak with butter: Add unsalted butter to the skillet and toss the steak bites until coated and glossy.

Phase 08

Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot alongside the crispy fries.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy notes

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice when uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (butter).
  • Verify gluten content in Cajun seasoning if sensitive; use certified gluten-free alternatives as needed.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 540
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 36 g