Name: Steak Frites Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 ribeye or strip steaks, about 1 inch thick; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 garlic cloves, smashed; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries; 4 cups vegetable oil for frying; Additional salt for seasoning fries

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If you’ve ever wandered into a charming French bistro and longed for that iconic plate of perfectly seared steak paired with golden, irresistible fries, this Steak Frites Recipe will bring that magic right into your own kitchen. With juicy, tender steak and crispy fries made completely from scratch, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance. Trust me—it’s equal parts impressive and approachable, making it a win for dinner parties or an indulgent weeknight treat. Stick with me, and you’ll have a Steak Frites Recipe that rivals your favorite restaurant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every bite of this Steak Frites Recipe shines because of a few top-quality, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays a starring role for taste, texture, and visual appeal, making this classic French dish so addictive yet beautifully simple.

Ribeye or Strip Steaks: About 1 inch thick, these cuts offer a juicy, flavorful bite with just the right marbling for tenderness.
Olive Oil: Adds a hint of richness and ensures a gorgeous crust forms on your steak.
Kosher Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the steak and fries.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Delivers an aromatic kick and depth that pre-ground just can’t match.
Unsalted Butter: Gives your steak a rich, glossy finish when basted just before serving.
Garlic Cloves: Smashed and added to the pan, they infuse the butter with aromatic warmth.
Fresh Thyme Sprigs: Lends a subtle herbal note that takes your steak over the top.
Russet Potatoes: Peeled and cut into thin fries, these are the key to achieving that crisp, fluffy interior.
Vegetable Oil: Perfect for deep-frying your fries to a golden, crunchy finish.
Salt for Seasoning Fries: Sprinkle while hot so the fries soak in every bit of flavor.

How to Make Steak Frites Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Steak

Start by patting your steaks completely dry with paper towels—this is the secret to that crave-worthy, caramelized crust. Drizzle both sides with olive oil and season very generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Don’t hold back! Let the steaks rest at room temperature while you gather your other ingredients, which also helps them cook more evenly.

Step 2: Searing the Steak

Set your heaviest skillet (a cast iron is perfect) over medium-high heat and let it get blazing hot. Place the steaks in the pan and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move them for a deep, flavorful crust. When both sides look beautifully browned, drop the heat to medium and add the butter, smashed garlic, and thyme sprigs. As the butter foams, tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the steaks in garlicky, herby butter for another 1 to 2 minutes. Then, remove the steaks to a warm plate and let them rest for at least 5 minutes—this makes a world of difference in juiciness.

Step 3: Preparing the Fries

While your steak is resting, turn your attention to the fries. After peeling and cutting the russet potatoes into thin sticks, give them a cold-water soak for about 30 minutes if you want extra crunchiness. Dry them completely with a clean towel—moisture is the enemy of crisp fries! Heat your vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep pot. Working in batches, fry the potatoes for 3 to 4 minutes per batch until they’re just turning golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and shower with a little salt right away, so it sticks perfectly to every fry.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

Slice your steak against the grain or leave it whole for dramatic effect. Arrange it on a plate beside a generous mound of fries, letting some overlap for that irresistible bistro look. Spoon a touch of the garlicky pan butter over the steak if you like—this is your Steak Frites Recipe, after all! Serve immediately so everything stays hot and luscious.

How to Serve Steak Frites Recipe

Garnishes

To finish your Steak Frites Recipe, sprinkle a little flake salt over the steak just before serving, and maybe a twist of fresh black pepper. A sprig of thyme on top echoes the flavors in the butter, and chopped fresh parsley gives a burst of color and freshness. If you have homemade or store-bought garlic aioli, serve it alongside as a luxurious fry dip!

Side Dishes

Classic Steak Frites really shines when paired simply. A lightly dressed green salad with a shallot vinaigrette adds just the right brightness to balance the richness of the steak and fries. If you want some variety, a roasted veggie or ratatouille also fits beautifully on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your Steak Frites Recipe steal the show by serving it on a wooden board for a rustic, bistro-inspired vibe, or try piling the fries in a paper cone for a playful, street-food feel. For special occasions, you can slice the steak and fan the pieces artfully across the fries. Small ramekins of sauces—like peppercorn or bearnaise—let everyone mix and match to their heart’s content.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Steak Frites Recipe (lucky you!), keep the steak and fries in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The steak will stay juicy for up to three days, while fries are best eaten within a day for crispness.

Freezing

While steak can be frozen for up to two months (wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil), fries tend to lose their perfect texture after freezing. If you must freeze fries, lay them flat on a sheet tray to freeze individually before storing in a bag. They’ll reheat better this way, but nothing beats them fresh!

Reheating

To reheat the steak without drying it out, place slices in a low oven (around 250°F) covered with foil until just warmed through. For fries, pop them in a hot oven or toaster oven at 400°F for 7–10 minutes to revive their crispiness. Avoid the microwave, or you’ll end up with soggy, sad fries, which no Steak Frites Recipe deserves.

FAQs

What kind of steak is best for Steak Frites Recipe?

Ribeye and strip steaks are the most popular choices for Steak Frites Recipe because they’re juicy, marbled, and cook up beautifully in a skillet. You can also try sirloin or hanger steak if you want to experiment, but aim for a cut about one inch thick for perfect doneness and tenderness.

Can I make the fries in advance?

You can prep the potatoes in advance by cutting and soaking them in water up to a day ahead (just store them in the fridge). Fry them fresh for best results, but a double-fry method—blanching the cut potatoes, letting them cool, then frying again before serving—can also give you super crispy fries if making ahead for a party.

Can I use an air fryer for the fries?

Absolutely! You’ll still get deliciously crisp fries with much less oil. Toss the cut potatoes with a little oil, then air-fry at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes, shaking occasionally. Just remember to season them while hot, and your Steak Frites Recipe will have that crispy edge you crave.

What sauces go well with Steak Frites Recipe?

Bearnaise or peppercorn sauce are French classics, but you might also enjoy herb butter, Dijon mustard, or a garlicky aioli for the fries. Each adds a layer of flavor and makes the eating experience even more special!

Do I need a cast-iron skillet for the steak?

While cast iron is ideal for an even, smoky sear, any heavy-bottomed skillet will work. The key is getting the pan hot enough to create a crust without overcooking the steak. A stainless steel pan comes close, but try to avoid nonstick since it doesn’t transfer heat as efficiently.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you treat yourself—and maybe a loved one—to a night in with this Steak Frites Recipe. There’s just something magical about the combination of juicy steak and shatteringly crisp fries that makes any meal feel like a celebration. Give it a try, and let it become your new favorite at-home bistro experience!

Steak Frites Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a classic French bistro favorite with this Steak Frites recipe. Juicy pan-seared steaks paired with crispy, golden fries make for a satisfying and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steaks:

2 ribeye or strip steaks, about 1 inch thick
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, smashed
2 sprigs fresh thyme

For the Fries:

2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries
4 cups vegetable oil for frying
Additional salt for seasoning fries

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Instructions

Prepare the Steaks: Pat dry the steaks, rub with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet, baste with butter, garlic, and thyme, then let rest.
Make the Fries: Fry potato sticks in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels, season with salt.
Serve the steaks hot with a generous portion of fries.

Notes

For extra crisp fries, soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before frying.
A cast-iron skillet is recommended for searing steaks.
Pair with a simple salad or garlic aioli for dipping.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Seared, Deep-Fried
Cuisine: French