Prepare to indulge in the classic allure of Steak Frites, where juicy, perfectly seared steak meets the irresistible crunch of golden fries. This timeless pairing captures the heart of French bistro dining right in your own kitchen, whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned chef. With a tantalizing blend of garlic, rosemary, and a hint of butter, each bite promises a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Imagine the sizzle of steak as it hits the hot pan, releasing an aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and anticipation. The crispy fries, seasoned to perfection, complement the tender, flavorful meat, creating a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Rest assured, this recipe is your guide to achieving steakhouse quality at home, making you feel like a pro with every delicious bite.
About This steak frites Recipe
- Classic French Bistro Experience: This Steak Frites recipe brings the authentic taste of a French bistro to your home, making it perfect for a special dinner occasion.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a gourmet meal on your table in under an hour.
- Rich and Savory Flavor: The steak is seasoned to perfection, then seared for a juicy, tender bite that pairs beautifully with crispy, golden fries.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you prefer your steak rare or well-done, this recipe provides tips to achieve the perfect doneness for your preference.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein from the steak and fiber from the potatoes, this meal is not only delicious but also nourishing and filling.
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Impress your family and friends with a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a top-notch restaurant, without the hefty price tag.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic French Delight: This Steak Frites recipe brings the authentic taste of French bistro fare right to your kitchen, offering a taste of France without the need for travel.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tender, juicy steak pairs wonderfully with crispy, golden fries, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is truly satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: No need for complicated ingredients – this recipe uses everyday items you likely already have, making it an easy choice for a delicious meal.
- Quick to Prepare: Enjoy this gourmet dish in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a fancy dinner on a busy weeknight.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the seasoning to your liking or add a side salad for a well-rounded meal that suits your personal taste.
- Impressive Presentation: Serve this dish to impress guests with its elegant yet approachable presentation that looks like it came from a restaurant kitchen.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick fries
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- 2 ribeye steaks, about 1 inch thick
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
- 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt, for finishing the steaks
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, for finishing the steaks
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chives, finely chopped (for garnish, optional)
Note: You can substitute ribeye steaks with any other cut of steak you prefer, such as sirloin or New York strip.
For a healthier twist, you can use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes.
If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried thyme and rosemary, but reduce the quantity by half.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Chef’s Knife: Essential for trimming and slicing the steak, as well as cutting potatoes for frites. A sharp knife will make the process easier and more efficient.
- Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for all the chopping and slicing tasks. Opt for a large board to accommodate both steak and fries preparation.
- Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for searing the steak to achieve a perfect crust. A heavy-bottomed skillet can be an alternative if a cast iron skillet is unavailable.
- Baking Sheet: Used for baking the frites to crispy perfection. Ensure it’s large enough to spread the fries in a single layer for even cooking.
- Oven Mitts: Important for safely handling the hot skillet and baking sheet when transferring to and from the oven.
- Tongs: Helpful for flipping the steak and turning the frites during cooking for even browning on all sides.
- Colander or Salad Spinner: Useful for rinsing and drying the potatoes before cutting them into fries. A clean kitchen towel can be an alternative to a salad spinner.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: Recommended for checking the steak’s internal temperature to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides, allowing them to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Slice potatoes into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick, and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Ensure the steak has a deep brown crust before flipping.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the steaks alongside the crispy frites, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Herb Butter: Top the steak with a pat of herb butter just before serving. The rich, creamy butter melts over the hot steak, adding a burst of flavor that complements the crispy fries.
- Fresh Green Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The crisp, refreshing greens balance the richness of the steak and fries, making it a well-rounded meal.
- Red Wine: Pair with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s bold flavors and tannins cleanse the palate and enhance the savory notes of the steak.
- Garlic Aioli: Offer garlic aioli as a dipping sauce for the fries. The aioli adds a creamy, garlicky touch that elevates the classic fries to a gourmet level.
- Grilled Asparagus: Include a side of grilled asparagus. The smoky, earthy flavor complements the steak and adds a healthy, vibrant green element to the plate.
- Lemon Wedges: Garnish with lemon wedges. A squeeze of lemon over the steak brightens the flavors and adds a zesty contrast that enhances the overall dish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Pre-Season Your Steak: Season your steak with salt and pepper at least 40 minutes before cooking. This allows the salt to penetrate the meat, enhancing flavor and ensuring a juicy steak.
- Double-Fry the Frites: For extra crispy frites, fry them in two stages. First, fry at a lower temperature (around 325°F/160°C) until tender, then remove and increase the heat to 375°F/190°C for a second fry until golden and crispy.
- Use a Cast Iron Pan: For a perfect steak sear, use a cast iron pan. It retains heat exceptionally well, ensuring a deep, caramelized crust on the steak.
- Make-Ahead Frites: Prepare the frites up to the first frying stage and freeze them. When ready to serve, fry directly from frozen for the second stage to save time and achieve perfect crispiness.
- Baste with Butter: During the last minute of cooking the steak, add a knob of butter and aromatics like garlic and thyme to the pan. Baste the steak with the melted butter for added richness and flavor.
- Chef’s Secret Resting Technique: After cooking, let the steak rest on a wire rack rather than a plate. This allows air to circulate around the steak, preventing it from steaming and losing its crust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not letting the steak rest before cooking: When you cook a steak straight from the fridge, it doesn’t cook evenly. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking and juicier results.
- Skipping the preheat on your pan or grill: Placing steak on a cold pan or grill can cause it to cook unevenly and miss out on a good sear, which locks in flavor. Always preheat your pan or grill to high heat before adding your steak.
- Overcrowding the pan when cooking fries: Adding too many fries at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy fries. Cook your fries in batches, allowing enough room for each fry to cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Underseasoning the steak: Many home cooks are hesitant to use enough salt, which can result in bland steak. Season your steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides before cooking to enhance its natural flavors.
- Not letting the steak rest after cooking: Cutting into a steak right away lets the juices run out, leaving it dry. Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite every time.
- Using the wrong type of potato for fries: Some potatoes, like waxy varieties, don’t crisp up well. Use starchy potatoes like Russets for best results, as they yield crispy, golden fries.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Allow the steak and fries to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the fries soggy.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Separate the steak and fries into different containers to prevent the fries from becoming mushy.
- Refrigerate the steak and fries within two hours of cooking to ensure food safety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- If you wish to freeze the steak, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to three months.
- Do not freeze the fries, as their texture will significantly degrade upon thawing and reheating.
- For reheating steak:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow even heating.
- Warm the steak in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 110°F (43°C).
- Finish by searing the steak in a hot pan for about 1 minute on each side to restore its crust.
- For reheating fries:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 5-10 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving as it will make the fries soggy.
- Always check the internal temperature of reheated steak to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I ensure my steak is cooked to the right doneness?
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 155°F for medium-well.
Q: What is the best type of potato to use for frites?
- Russet potatoes are ideal for making frites due to their high starch content and ability to crisp up nicely when fried.
Q: Can I use a different oil for frying the frites?
- Yes, you can use oils with a high smoke point such as canola, peanut, or vegetable oil for frying the frites.
Q: What should I do if my frites turn out soggy?
- Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) and try double frying: fry once at a lower temperature, then again at a higher temperature.
Q: Can I make this recipe with a different cut of steak?
- Yes, you can substitute with cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon, adjusting cook time based on thickness and preference.
Q: How can I add more flavor to the steak?
- Consider adding a herb butter or marinating the steak in herbs and spices before cooking for enhanced flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Steak Frites recipe is a classic that combines the rich, juicy flavors of perfectly cooked steak with the crispy, golden delight of frites. It’s a dish that effortlessly brings a touch of French bistro flair to your dining table. The simplicity and elegance of this recipe make it a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a truly satisfying meal.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own; add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs or a side of homemade sauce to personalize it. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, this dish is designed to impress without the stress. Embrace your culinary creativity and make it a meal to remember.
We warmly invite you to try the Steak Frites recipe and experience the joy of creating something delicious. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to enjoy the art of cooking in its most delightful form. Happy cooking!
