Steak Frites (Juicy Steak + Crispy Fries = Perfect Dinner)

Steak frites is France’s greatest gift to hungry people. A beautifully seared steak. A mountain of crispy, salty fries. Garlic butter melting on top. That’s it. No fussy sauces. No weird techniques. Just meat and potatoes done right. Let’s cook.

Ingredients

Serves 2.

For the Steak:

• 2 steaks (ribeye, strip, or filet, about 8 oz / 225g each)
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (avocado or vegetable)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
• Flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper

For the Fries:

• 2 large russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
• Oil for frying (peanut or vegetable)
• Salt

Optional:

• Béarnaise sauce or compound herb butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make Fries (Twice-Fried = Crispy)

1. Cut potatoes into ¼-inch sticks. Soak in cold water 30 minutes (removes starch). Drain and pat completely dry.
2. Heat oil to 325°F (160°C). Fry potatoes in batches for 3–4 minutes until soft but not brown. Drain. (First fry)
3. Crank heat to 375°F (190°C). Fry again for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Salt immediately.

Step 2: Prep Steak

1. Pat steaks completely dry. Salt generously. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Sear Steak

1. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Add oil.
2. Place steaks in the pan. Don’t touch for 2–3 minutes until a deep crust forms.
3. Flip. Add butter, garlic, and thyme. Cook 2–3 more minutes for medium-rare (130°F / 54°C internal).
4. Spoon butter over the steaks constantly.

Step 4: Rest

1. Transfer steaks to a cutting board. Rest 5–10 minutes (crucial!).

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice steak against the grain. Pile fries next to it. Spoon pan butter over everything. Crack pepper on top. Eat immediately.

Summary

Prep Time: 15 min + soak | Cook Time: 20 min | Total: 35 min + soak

Yield: 2 servings | Difficulty: Medium (double-frying)

Storage Notes

Don’t. Steak frites is a live show. Fries get sad. Steak overcooks. Make only what you’ll eat. If forced: reheat steak in a hot pan (30 seconds per side), fries in air fryer at 400°F for 3 minutes.