Steak Frites

Steak and Frites – a match made in culinary heaven. This classic dish may seem simple at first glance, with just a few ingredients, but getting the perfect balance of flavors and textures requires attention to detail. Stay with me, and I’ll share an easy-to-follow recipe for steak frites.

What is Steak Frites?

Steak frites is a classic French dish that pairs a juicy steak with crispy, thinly sliced fries. Its simple preparation and versatility make it a favorite for home cooking. You can customize the steak frites recipe by trying different sauces, adding your favorite seasonings, or choosing any cut of steak you like. It’s a straightforward yet delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Which Potatoes Are Best for Steak Frites in America?

For the crispiest, fluffiest steak frites, you can’t go wrong with Russet or Idaho potatoes. Their high starch and low moisture content ensures the outside gets nice and crispy while the inside stays soft and fluffy. Yukon Golds are also a good choice if that’s what you have on hand. Trust me, taking a moment to pick the right potatoes pays off.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

For the frites:

• 3-4 Potatoes (peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch or 0.6 cm fries)
• 1-2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Oil (refined peanut oil, extra virgin olive oil, vegetable or avocado oil)

For the steak:

• Steak (In this recipe, I used strip steak)
• 1 tablespoon high-smoke point oil (I recommend avocado oil)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• Steak butter (optional)

The Tools You’ll Need

• Cast-iron pan
• Pot (you can alternatively use a deep fryer)
• Thermometer
• Tongs
• Paper towels
• Bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Slotted spoon
• Peeler (optional)

How to Make Steak Frites

Preparing all your ingredients beforehand will ensure that the steak and frites are served hot at the same time. If you want to add steak butter (optionally), check out my compound butter recipe for steak. It’s best to make it ahead so you can focus solely on the steak frites recipe.

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Prepare the steak at least 45 minutes before cooking. Remove it from the refrigerator, pat dry with paper towels, and season on all sides with salt. Then, let the steak rest at room temperature for at least 45 minutes. In the meantime, begin preparing the steak frites.

Step 2: Peel and Slice the Potatoes

I recommend using large baking potatoes for this recipe. Start by peeling and washing the potatoes in cold water. Next, slice them into pieces about 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) thick. Don’t worry if some pieces are a bit thicker.

Step 3: Rinse Potatoes in Water

Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove the excess starch, which helps keep the fries from becoming sticky or too dark. After washing, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 4: Heat the Oil to 350°F (176.5°C)

Pour oil into a pot or deep fryer and heat it to 350°F (176.5°C). Check the oil temperature with a thermometer if you’re using a pot. Preheating the oil in the pot should take about 10 minutes. While the oil heats, move to the next step: preheat a skillet to cook the steak.

Note: If you don’t have a thermometer, you can still check if the oil is sufficient for cooking. Simply wait a few minutes and then partially immerse one fritter in the oil. If bubbles appear, the oil is ready for frying.

Step 5: Preheat the Pan and Cook the Steak

Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Once it’s hot, add a tablespoon of avocado oil and wait another minute for it to heat up. While waiting, season the steak with pepper. 

Once the skillet is hot, gently place the steak in the pan, pressing it down lightly to ensure even contact with the surface. Keep flipping it every 30 seconds until your instant-read thermometer reads about 20°F (11°C) below your target temperature. Then, remove the steak from the pan immediately and let it rest for 6-7 minutes.

Optionally, If you have prepared steak butter, now is the perfect time to cut one or two discs and place them on top of the hot steak.

While your steak rests, continue preparing the steak frites.

Step 6: Cook the Steak Frites

Fry the sliced potatoes until they’re a beautiful golden brown, which usually takes around 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them while they’re sizzling to ensure they’re as crispy and colorful as you like.

Note: The cooking time for the steak frites varies depending on their thickness, the oil temperature, and your preference for crispiness and color.

Step 7: Place the Cooked Steak Frites on a Paper Towel

Put the cooked fries on a plate or in a bowl with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Then, immediately move on to Step 8.

Step 8: Season Steak Frites

After you pull the steak frites out of the pot or fryer, sprinkle them with salt. It’s ideal to do this while they’re still hot and a bit oily so the salt sticks nicely.

Step 9: Serve the Frites with the Steak

Simply transfer the steak and frites to a single plate or serving board.

Steak Frites FAQs

What is the best cut of beef for steak frites?

For steak frites, you can’t go wrong with any steak cut you like. Many restaurants go for ribeye or new york strip because they’re both flavorful and tender. But if you’re making it at home, skirt steak, flank steak, filet mignon, porterhouse, or hanger steak are also fantastic choices. Each one brings something special to the table, so it’s all about what you’re in the mood for.

Which oil is best for steak frites?

For steak frites, refined peanut oil or extra virgin olive oil work best. You can also use vegetable or avocado oil if you prefer.

Why washing potatoes for steak frites?

Washing potatoes before making steak frites is important because it removes excess starch and moisture, which helps keep the steak frites from becoming too sticky or dark.

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More Steak Recipes To Try

• Blackened Steak
• Pan Seared Ribeye Steak