Steak Frites Recipe is a classic French dish that combines juicy, tender steak with crispy fries. Perfect for date nights or family dinners, this recipe shines with its rich béarnaise sauce and perfectly cooked ribeye steaks.
The combination of flavors and textures makes it irresistible. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this dish is sure to delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The rich béarnaise sauce elevates the steak, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
- Perfectly Crispy Fries: Double-frying the potatoes ensures they are crispy on the outside while soft inside.
- Easy to Follow: With clear instructions, even novice cooks can master this impressive dish.
- Impressive Presentation: Serve beautifully plated steak topped with herbs for an elegant meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a main course or pair it with salads and wines for a complete dining experience.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Steak Frites Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure your cooking process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Baking sheet
- Ice water bowl
- Frying pan
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet: Ideal for searing steak at high temperatures, giving it a perfect crust.
- Baking sheet: Useful for resting the fries after frying, allowing excess oil to drain.
- Ice water bowl: Soaking potatoes helps achieve that perfect fry texture by removing excess starch.
- Frying pan: Essential for frying the potatoes evenly until golden brown.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Steak Frites:
– 4 russet potatoes
– Neutral oil (for frying the potatoes)
– salt (to taste)
– parsley (to taste)
– 2 Ribeyes
– kosher salt (or fine sea salt, for brining)
– chives (for topping)
– black pepper (for topping)
– 16 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, divided)
– 1 Shallot (brunoise)
– 1 ½ tbsp Tarragon (fresh)
– 1 tsp Tarragon (dried)
– 1 tbsp Chives (fresh, and more for topping)
– 2 ½ tsp red wine vinegar
– 2 ½ tsp white wine
– 2-3 egg yolks
– 2 squirts Tabasco
– ¼ tsp white pepper
How to Make Steak Frites Recipe
Step 1: Peel and Soak Potatoes
- Peel your potatoes and cut them to your desired thickness for fries.
- Place them in a bowl filled with ice water. Soak for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Salt Brine the Steaks
- Generously sprinkle kosher salt on both sides of your ribeye steaks.
- Lay them on a rack over a baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour.
Step 3: Fry Potatoes
- Preheat a pan with oil to 275°F.
- Pat dry your soaked potatoes and fry in batches for 5–6 minutes until super soft.
- Transfer fried potatoes to a sheet pan lined with paper towels. Freeze for 30–45 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare Béarnaise Sauce
- Melt your butter and let it cool slightly.
- In a skillet, add shallots, both fresh and dried tarragon, chives, vinegar, and white wine over medium-low heat.
- Allow the liquid to absorb fully while stirring frequently, then let cool.
Step 5: Cook Steaks
- Bring steaks out of the fridge to reach room temperature.
- In a large bowl, combine egg yolks, 2 tbsp melted butter from earlier, tarragon mixture, white pepper, and Tabasco.
- Create a double boiler by simmering water in a small saucepan; place the bowl over it while whisking vigorously until pale yellow and thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Turn off heat; slowly drizzle in remaining melted butter while emulsifying.
Step 6: Sear Steaks
- Preheat cast iron skillet on high heat for about 2 minutes.
- Pat the ribeyes dry again before searing them in the hot skillet—cook each side for about 3 minutes or until medium rare based on thickness.
- Remove from heat and let rest.
Step 7: Final Fry of Potatoes
- Increase fry oil temperature to 375°F.
- Fry potatoes in batches until golden brown; season with salt and parsley after frying.
Step 8: Assemble Your Dish
- Slice your cooked steak into portions.
- Top each slice with béarnaise sauce, sprinkle chives and black pepper on top.
- Serve alongside crispy fries.
Enjoy your homemade Steak Frites Recipe!
How to Serve Steak Frites Recipe
Serving Steak Frites is an art that combines elegance with comfort. This classic dish can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance your dining experience.
Classic Presentation
- Serve the steak sliced on a platter, drizzled with béarnaise sauce, and accompanied by crispy fries on the side. This presentation showcases the dish beautifully.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top the steak with chives and parsley for a fresh touch. This not only adds flavor but also brightens the plate visually.
Pair with a Salad
- A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the steak and fries perfectly.
Accompanying Sauces
- Offer a variety of sauces such as chimichurri or aioli alongside the béarnaise. This allows guests to customize their flavors.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with a glass of red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to balance the meal’s richness and enhance flavors.
Rustic Bread on the Side
- A slice of warm baguette or crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover béarnaise sauce, adding another layer to the meal.
How to Perfect Steak Frites Recipe
To achieve perfection in your Steak Frites, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Meat: Select high-quality ribeye steaks for better flavor and tenderness when cooked.
- Brine Steaks Properly: Allowing your steaks to brine enhances their juiciness and overall taste.
- Control Oil Temperature: Ensure frying oil reaches 375°F for crispy fries without greasiness.
- Rest Your Meat: Letting the steak rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs like tarragon and chives elevates your béarnaise sauce for added depth.
- Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the steak against the grain improves tenderness, making it easier to chew.
Best Side Dishes for Steak Frites Recipe
While Steak Frites shines on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal even further.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a rich contrast to crispy fries.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition while balancing flavors.
- Creamed Spinach: This classic side dish adds creaminess that pairs wonderfully with steak’s savory notes.
- Herbed Rice Pilaf: Light and flavorful rice pilaf brings a subtle herbaceous quality that enhances the meal.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of the steak and sauce.
- Grilled Asparagus: Charred asparagus brings smokiness and freshness, complementing both steak and fries beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing the Steak Frites Recipe, there are a few common pitfalls you should be aware of to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Overcooking the Steak: Cooking the steak too long can lead to a tough texture. Use a meat thermometer and aim for medium-rare at 130°F (54°C).
- Skipping the Brining Process: Not brining the steak can result in bland flavor. Salt brining for an hour enhances seasoning and tenderness.
- Improper Frying Temperature: If the oil is too hot or cold, fries can end up soggy or burnt. Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature at 375°F (190°C).
- Neglecting to Soak Potatoes: Failing to soak potatoes can yield fries that are not crispy. Soak them for at least 2 hours to remove excess starch.
- Not Resting the Steak: Cutting into the steak immediately after cooking releases juices. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3 days for best quality.
Freezing Steak Frites Recipe
- Place cooled steak and fries in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Best if used within 2 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Steak Frites Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, warm both steak and fries until sizzling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my Steak Frites Recipe more flavorful?
Consider marinating the steaks overnight or adding spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Can I customize my Steak Frites Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add different toppings like sautéed mushrooms, blue cheese, or even switch up the sauce from béarnaise to chimichurri.
What is the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Ribeye is excellent due to its marbling, but you can use sirloin or filet mignon for different textures and flavors.
How do I achieve crispy fries in my Steak Frites Recipe?
Soaking potatoes beforehand and ensuring they are fully dried before frying will help achieve that perfect crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Steak Frites Recipe combines juicy steak with crispy fries, making it a delightful meal perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity allows for plenty of customization options, so feel free to experiment with sauces and seasonings. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a taste of classic French cuisine at home!
Steak Frites
Steak Frites is a beloved classic French dish that perfectly combines tender ribeye steak with crispy, golden fries, making it an ideal meal for special occasions or cozy family dinners. This recipe showcases the flavorful richness of a homemade béarnaise sauce that elevates each bite of juicy steak, while the double-fried potatoes deliver delightful crunch and softness. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, Steak Frites provides a gourmet experience right in your kitchen. Impress your guests or treat yourself to this comforting yet elegant meal that highlights the best of French cuisine.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes
- 2 ribeye steaks
- 16 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, divided)
- 1 shallot (brunoise)
- Fresh tarragon and chives
- Red wine vinegar
- Egg yolks
- Neutral oil for frying
Instructions
- Peel and cut the potatoes into fries; soak them in ice water for at least 2 hours.
- Salt-brine the ribeyes by sprinkling kosher salt on both sides and refrigerating uncovered for 1 hour.
- Preheat oil to 275°F; fry soaked potatoes until soft, then freeze for 30 minutes.
- Prepare béarnaise sauce by cooking shallots with herbs, vinegar, and wine, then emulsify with egg yolks and melted butter.
- Sear the steaks in a hot cast iron skillet until medium rare, then let rest before slicing.
- Increase oil temperature to 375°F; fry potatoes until golden brown and season with salt.
- Serve sliced steak topped with béarnaise sauce alongside crispy fries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 55g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
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