Steak Frites is a classic French dish that perfectly combines a juicy, perfectly cooked steak with crispy, golden fries. The steak, usually a tender cut like ribeye or filet mignon, is seared to perfection and topped with a rich, flavorful butter or sauce, making each bite melt in your mouth. Paired with a generous serving of fries, this dish offers the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity, elevating your dinner experience with just a few ingredients.
I first made this dish when I was looking for something decadent but easy to prepare, and it quickly became a favorite. The steak is the star of the show—its tenderness and rich flavor are enhanced by a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, while the fries offer a satisfying crunch that complements the steak’s juiciness. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can top the steak with a classic béarnaise sauce, a dollop of garlic butter, or even some fresh herbs to suit your mood. It’s a meal that feels luxurious but doesn’t require a lot of fuss, making it perfect for a special night in or a cozy dinner at home.
Perfect for:
- Casual dinners
- Date nights
- Weekend meals
- Meat lovers
- Comfort food cravings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Steak Frites will become your go-to dish:
- Juicy Steak: The steak is seared to perfection, with a flavorful crust and a tender, juicy interior.
- Crispy Fries: The fries are golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—just the way they should be.
- Classic French Dish: This timeless combination is a true culinary classic that never goes out of style.
- Simple Ingredients: All you need are a few quality ingredients to create this delicious meal.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a gourmet meal in under an hour.
- Versatile Steak Cuts: You can choose your favorite cut of steak, from ribeye to filet mignon.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a special night out, Steak Frites fits the bill.
- Customizable Seasoning: You can season the steak to your liking, from classic salt and pepper to a more complex spice blend.
- Make-Ahead Option: Fries can be prepared in advance for a quicker meal.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: This dish combines two of everyone’s favorite foods—steak and fries—for a truly satisfying meal.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 800-900 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 45g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 50g
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2 steaks (ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
For the Fries:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme)
- Garlic butter (for serving)
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary or thyme adds an aromatic touch to the steak.
- Olive Oil and Butter: These help sear the steak to a perfect, flavorful crust.
- Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like russets for crispy fries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Fries:
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized fries.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the fries under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Potatoes: Working in batches, fry the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Drain and Season: Remove the fries from the oil and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt immediately.
Cook the Steak:
- Season the Steak: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Steak: Add the steaks to the hot pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on desired doneness (3 minutes per side for medium-rare).
- Add Butter and Herbs: In the last minute of cooking, add butter and fresh herbs to the pan. Spoon the melted butter over the steaks to enhance the flavor.
- Rest the Steak: Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve:
- Plate the Dish: Arrange the fries on a plate alongside the steak. Serve with optional garlic butter or extra herbs for garnish.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Steak Frites:
- As a Classic Bistro Meal: Serve with a side of salad and a glass of red wine for a French bistro-inspired dinner.
- With Garlic Butter: Add a dollop of garlic butter on top of the steak for extra richness.
- With a Side Salad: Pair the steak and fries with a simple arugula or mixed greens salad.
- For Date Night: A perfectly cooked steak and crispy fries make for a romantic, indulgent meal.
- With a Tangy Sauce: Try a peppercorn sauce, béarnaise sauce, or chimichurri for added flavor.
- As a Weekend Dinner: This is a great meal to prepare when you have more time to enjoy cooking.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal.
- As a Comfort Food Fix: Serve this dish when you’re craving something satisfying and hearty.
- With a Fried Egg: Top the steak with a fried egg for a richer, more indulgent experience.
Additional Tips
- Rest the Steak: Let the steak rest before cutting into it to ensure it stays juicy.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet holds heat well, providing the perfect sear on the steak.
- Check Steak Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for accuracy: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
- Crispy Fries: For extra crispy fries, fry the potatoes twice—once at a lower temperature to cook through and again at a higher temperature to crisp up.
Recipe Variations
- Sweet Potato Fries: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, healthier option.
- Spicy Fries: Toss the fries with paprika or chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Blue Cheese Steak: Top the steak with crumbled blue cheese for a rich, tangy twist.
- Herb Butter: Instead of garlic butter, try compound butter with fresh herbs, lemon zest, or mustard.
- Grilled Steak: Cook the steak on a grill for a smoky flavor.
- Steak with Onions: Add caramelized onions on top of the steak for extra sweetness.
- Vegan Option: For a plant-based alternative, use a hearty portobello mushroom instead of steak and serve with crispy fries.
Special Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet: For the best sear and even cooking of the steak.
- Deep Skillet or Fryer: For frying the potatoes to perfection.
- Meat Thermometer: To check the doneness of the steak.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing the steak easily.
- Tongs: To handle the steak while searing it.
FAQ Section
- Can I make the fries in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the fries at 425°F (220°C) for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. - How long does the steak stay warm after cooking?
It’s best to rest the steak for 5-10 minutes to retain its juices and warmth. - Can I use frozen fries?
Yes, frozen fries can be used for convenience, but fresh-cut fries will offer a better texture. - Can I make this dish with a vegetarian protein?
You can substitute the steak with a plant-based protein, like a veggie burger or portobello mushroom. - How can I ensure my fries are crispy?
Be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before frying to prevent sogginess, and fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. - Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply adjust the ingredients and use a larger pan for frying the fries and cooking the steaks. - How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat the steak in a skillet over low heat and the fries in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. - Can I make the fries in advance?
You can prep the fries by cutting and soaking them ahead of time, but it’s best to fry them just before serving. - What’s the best way to cut the steak?
Slice against the grain to ensure tender, juicy bites. - Can I add a sauce to the steak?
Yes, peppercorn sauce, béarnaise, or chimichurri are all great options to add flavor.
Conclusion
Steak Frites is a classic French dish that combines a perfectly cooked steak with crispy, golden fries (frites). The simplicity of the dish highlights the quality of the meat, which is often a tender cut like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon, cooked to your preferred doneness. The steak is usually seasoned with just salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor, then seared in a hot pan or grilled to create a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
The frites are thin-cut fries, typically fried twice for that perfect crispness and fluffiness inside. They’re served alongside the steak, often with a sprinkle of sea salt, and sometimes with a dollop of garlic butter or a drizzle of béarnaise or chimichurri sauce for added flavor. Steak Frites is a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. The contrast between the juicy steak and the crunchy fries creates a satisfying balance that’s hard to beat.
I can’t wait to see how your Steak Frites turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!