Pin Recipe 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 made these steak bites for a casual family game night, and they were gone before the next round even started. Searing the steak cubes creates a deliciously caramelized crust, and the homemade fries are always a hit 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
- 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 a baking sheet with parchment paper. 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.
- Season steak:
- While fries bake, pat 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 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 (work in batches if needed). Sear for 1 2 minutes per side until well browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Butter 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.
Pin Recipe Our kids love dipping these steak bites in ranch, and the fries always get sprinkled with a bit of extra paprika for extra crunch. This recipe quickly became a weekend favorite for the whole family.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Cajun steak bites and fries with a side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. Try serving with spicy aioli or classic ranch for dipping.
Variations
Substitute sweet potatoes for regular fries to add a different flavor profile. Sauces like honey mustard or sriracha mayo work beautifully for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Each serving has about 540 calories, 27 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 36 g protein. Values may vary with portion size and ingredients used.
Pin Recipe Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Enjoy this hearty meal with friends and family.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the perfect sear on the steak bites?
Pat the steak cubes dry before seasoning, then sear in a hot cast-iron skillet with olive oil for 1–2 minutes per side to develop a deep crust without overcooking.
- → Can I make the fries crispier without frying?
Baking fries at 425°F and turning them halfway through cooking helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping them tender inside without deep frying.
- → What can I use to add extra heat to the seasoning?
Adding cayenne pepper to the Cajun spice mix intensifies the heat and complements the smoky flavors beautifully.
- → Is it possible to substitute the steak with another protein?
Yes, chicken or pork cubes can be seasoned similarly and seared to create a comparable spicy, tender bite experience.
- → How should I store leftovers to maintain flavor and texture?
Store steak bites and fries separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the steak gently in a skillet and re-crisp fries in the oven.
- → What side sauces pair well with this dish?
Ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or a cool yogurt dip complement the spices and add balance to the flavors.