If you have ever dreamed of recreating that classic French bistro experience right at home, this Steak Frites Recipe is the perfect ticket. Combining tender, juicy steak with perfectly crispy golden fries, this dish delivers incredible flavors and textures with straightforward techniques. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll impress everyone at the table as you bring a little slice of Paris into your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Steak Frites Recipe plays a vital role in making it truly special. From the rich marbling of ribeye to the crispy russet potatoes, everything is chosen for maximum flavor and texture impact.
- 2 boneless ribeye or sirloin steaks (10–12 oz each): Choose well-marbled steaks for the perfect juicy bite and deep flavor.
- 1½ pounds russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes crisp up beautifully when baked into fries.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for coating fries to get that irresistible crunch.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Gives the steak a rich sear and adds a subtle fruity aroma.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used for basting the steak to enhance juiciness and richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed: Infuses the butter with a gentle garlicky warmth.
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary: Fresh herbs bring aromatic earthiness to the steak.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: The simplest seasoning that brings all the flavors together beautifully.
- Coarse sea salt (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and bursts of salty brightness when finishing the fries.
How to Make Steak Frites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fries
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Soaking the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes removes excess starch, helping them bake up crispier. After soaking, drain and pat them completely dry—this step is crucial to avoid soggy fries. Toss them in vegetable oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries turn a gorgeous golden brown and boast a satisfying crunch.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steaks
While the fries are baking, pat your steaks dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Season generously with salt and fresh cracked black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a heavy cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steaks and sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting based on thickness and your preferred doneness. This high-heat sear creates a beautiful crust packed with flavor.
Step 3: Baste for Juiciness and Flavor
In the final minute of cooking, add unsalted butter, smashed garlic, and fresh thyme or rosemary to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted, herb-infused butter repeatedly over the steaks. This basting technique helps the meat finish cooking moistly while soaking it in that luscious buttery- herbal goodness. Remove steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
How to Serve Steak Frites Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of coarse sea salt over the hot fries just before serving is a simple touch that adds texture and pops of flavor. Fresh herbs from the basting butter can also be scattered over the steak for an elegant look and extra aroma.
Side Dishes
While the fries are the classic partner here, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a small dish of garlic aioli for dipping the fries makes the meal even more memorable. Roasted or sautéed seasonal vegetables complement the richness of the steak beautifully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of bistro charm, serve your Steak Frites Recipe on warm white plates with the fries piled high beside the steak, accompanied by ramekins of aioli or mustard. Wrapping the fries in parchment paper cones is a charming presentation ideal for casual dinner parties or outdoor dining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover steak tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep your fries in an airtight container, although they’re best eaten fresh for maximum crispness.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze cooked fries by flash-freezing them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. The steak freezes less well due to texture changes but can be frozen wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat steak gently in a low oven or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Fries regain some crispness when reheated on a baking sheet in a hot oven or air fryer rather than in the microwave.
FAQs
What cut of steak is best for this Steak Frites Recipe?
Ribeye and sirloin are excellent choices due to their balance of tenderness and flavor. Ribeye is rich and marbled, while sirloin is leaner but still juicy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Steak Frites Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses simple whole ingredients with no added breading or sauces containing gluten.
How do I get extra crispy fries?
Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water is key to removing starch. For extra crispiness, you can also bake them on a wire rack or try double-frying if you prefer that method.
What should I serve with Steak Frites?
Classic sides include a fresh green salad, garlic aioli, or seasonal vegetables. A glass of bold red wine pairs wonderfully with the meal.
How do I know when my steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer for precision—medium-rare is around 130–135°F. Alternatively, develop a feel for the steak’s firmness or cut into the edge to check the color.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making the Steak Frites Recipe at home that transports you right to a cozy Parisian bistro without the airfare. It’s a celebration of simple, quality ingredients coming together to create a meal that feels both comforting and elegant. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy every succulent bite alongside those satisfyingly crispy fries. Bon appétit!
Print
Steak Frites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes soaking time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared, Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Steak Frites is a classic French bistro dish featuring juicy pan-seared ribeye or sirloin steaks paired with crispy oven-baked russet potato fries. The steak is perfectly seared with garlic, thyme, and butter for rich flavor, while the fries are seasoned and baked until golden and crunchy, making a simple yet indulgent meal.
Ingredients
For the Fries
- 1½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Steak
- 2 (10–12 oz) boneless ribeye or sirloin steaks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: coarse sea salt for finishing
Instructions
- Prepare the fries: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Soak the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat them completely dry to ensure crispiness.
- Season and bake fries: Toss the dried fries with vegetable oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through to promote even browning, until golden and crispy.
- Season the steaks: While the fries bake, pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the steaks: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steaks and cook for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time for your preferred doneness.
- Baste the steaks: In the final minute of cooking, add butter, smashed garlic, and thyme to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter mixture over the steaks repeatedly for added flavor and moisture.
- Rest the steaks: Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 5–10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Plate the rested steaks alongside the crispy fries, finishing with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt if desired. Enjoy this hearty French classic hot and fresh.
Notes
- For extra-crispy fries, try baking them on a wire rack to allow air circulation or double-fry them in hot oil instead of baking.
- Add a side of garlic aioli or herb butter for dipping or topping the fries and steak.
