Pin it Juicy, spicy steak bites coated in Cajun seasoning and quickly seared to perfection, served with crispy golden fries for an irresistible, crowd-pleasing meal.
This cozy chicken stew I first served was an instant hit with my family and friends.
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.
- Prepare 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.
- Heat Skillet:
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear Steak:
- 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:
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve:
- Serve hot steak bites with crispy fries.
Pin it This dish brings my family together every time, making mealtime both fun and flavorful.
Notes
For extra heat, add cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning. Substitute sweet potatoes for regular fries for a twist. Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy aioli. Pair with a light beer or chilled rosé wine.
Required Tools
Large baking sheet, parchment paper, large cast-iron skillet, mixing bowls, tongs, chefs knife and cutting board.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 540, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 36 g
Pin it This recipe is perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that's sure to impress.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of meat works best for steak bites?
Sirloin steak is ideal for steak bites due to its tenderness and flavor. Cutting it into 1-inch cubes helps it cook evenly and retain juiciness.
- → How can I make the fries extra crispy?
Coating fries lightly in vegetable oil and seasoning before baking at a high temperature (425°F) ensures they crisp up nicely. Turning halfway through baking promotes even crispiness.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, adding cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning mix will increase heat. Alternatively, omit or reduce spices to suit milder preferences.
- → What sides or drinks complement this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy aioli and goes well with light beer or a chilled rosé wine to balance the spices.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, when using gluten-free Cajun seasoning and fries, this meal fits a gluten-free diet. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.