Simple and Classic French Steak Frites Recipe

Embodying the essence of French culinary traditions, this steak frites recipe is absolutely delicious and incredibly easy to make. It’s a classic French dish with three simple components: steak, fries, and sauce. Savor this widely adored quintessential Parisian bistro dish right in your own kitchen.

What is Steak Frites?

Steak Frites is a traditional French recipe that consists of a juicy steak served alongside frites or french fries.

The tender steak is cooked to your desired doneness level — rare, medium rare, medium, or well-done. 

It is seasoned with just salt and pepper or with a classic French sauce like Béarnaise or peppercorn sauce.

The “frites” or fries are typically cut into thin, uniform strips and twice-fried until golden and crispy, and seasoned with salt. 

 “Steak Frites” is pronounced as “stehk freet” in French. The word “steak” is pronounced as it is in English, and “frites” is pronounced with a silent “s” at the end, sounding like “freet.”

History of Steak Frites Recipe

The history of the steak frites recipe dates back to the late 19th century in Paris, France.

It has since become an iconic and classic dish, found not only in Paris but throughout the country.

Parisian bistro’s popularized steak frites by offering protein-rich steak and comforting fries at an affordable price point.

Over the years, this steak & frites dish has evolved into a quintessential French comfort food enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. 

Whether it is served with a simple salad or a classic sauce like Sauce au Poivre, the steak frites recipe continues to be a timeless and beloved dish.

(Re)-Discovering Steak Frites in Paris, France

Steak Frites is in my blood. Being from France, I grew up eating steak frites practically every Saturday as a child. At least until my mum’s deep fryer broke down.

While you’ll find steak frites at almost all traditional French restaurants, my favorite plate was the one my mum made.

At home, we had steak frites with Bavette, or flank steak in French, though any high-quality cut of meat will do.

I’m excited to share one of my favorite childhood memories with this simple steak frites recipe.

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Steak Frites Ingredients – How To Make Steak Frites at Home

For the most flavorful steak, use a high-quality cut of meat and be sure not to overcook it.

One of the secrets to making the fries is to double-fry the potatoes. Twice-fried potatoes have a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior like you would eat in a French bistro.

Double-frying potatoes really doesn’t take much time. Just use the same oil and pan, and it’s only another 5 minutes. 

Here are all the ingredients you’ll need.

For The Steaks

• New York strip steaks (you can also use Ribeye or Sirloin)
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For The “Sauce au Poivre” Sauce

• Shallot
• Butter
• Fresh Green Peppercorns
• Cognac or Brandy
• Beef broth
• Crème fraîche or sour cream
• Salt to taste

For The Fries

• Vegetable oil for frying – Sufficient quantity
• Russet potatoes
• Salt to taste

Steak Frites Recipe Tips

What Cut of Steak is Used for Steak Frites?

For authentic steak and frites, you’ll want to choose a high-quality cut of beef that is naturally tender and flavorful. Some of the best options include:

• New York Strip Steak: In this recipe, we use New York Strip steak, a premium cut that is naturally tender. It has a good beef flavor and a texture that is suitable for all doneness levels. Strip steak works with most sauces but is also delicious with just salt and pepper.

• Ribeye: Ribeye is a favorite for steak frites. It’s a tender cut with lots of marbling that keeps it juicy. The rich beefy flavor pairs perfectly with crispy fries.

• Sirloin: Sirloin offers a robust, meaty flavor at a lower price. Look for top sirloin which is the most tender. Sirloin holds up well to bold sauces and seasonings.

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What Temperature To Cook The Steak

Cook the steak in a heavy cast iron skillet over high heat. Cook each side for about 3 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, flipping only once, until browned. 

Cook until the internal temperature of the meat is about 135 °F (57 °C), and check using a meat thermometer.

Before serving, let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

How To Plate and Serve Steak Frites?

Here are a few tips on how to plate and serve your steak frites as it is traditionally done in France.

Place the steak in the center of a plate and arrange the french fries in a neat pile next to it.

Serve the sauce in a small ramekin on the side, so you can use as much or as little as you like.

Have salt and pepper on the table and pair your meal with a glass of full-bodied French red wine.

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Traditional French Steak Frites Sauces

In this simple steak frites recipe, we accompany it with a traditional peppercorn sauce or “sauce au poivre.”

It has an aromatic, spicy kick that stands up well to a robust cut of meat. The peppery notes in the sauce accentuate the flavor of the steak.

Other sauces that can be used for steak frites include:

• Sauce Béarnaise: This rich sauce is an emulsion of egg yolks, butter, and herbs. It has a creamy yellow hue and a tangy, buttery flavor from the tarragon and shallots.

• Sauce Echalotte: This simple sauce is made with sautéd shallots in a wine vinegar reduction. The shallots cook until they are caramelized, adding a savory, sweet touch. The sauce’s bright acidity complements the natural flavors of high-quality steak.

• Beurre Persillé: Even simpler is a beurre persillé sauce made from chopped parsley mixed into melted butter. Its herbal notes balance the richness of the steak.

How to Reheat Steak Frites

I don’t recommend reheating steak frites; it is a “made-to-order” dish to be eaten right away. 

Reheating steak frites while maintaining the quality of both the steak and the fries is an impossible task. Though, if you happen to have any leftovers, here are some tips to reheat steak frites.

Steak: Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 250 °F (120 °C). Place the steak on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat the steak for about 10 minutes, and use a meat thermometer to make sure it is not overcooked.

Frites or Fries: Reheating fries can be tricky as they tend to lose their crispiness. Using an oven, spread the fries out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Heat them at a higher temperature, around 400 °F (200 °C), for a few minutes until they are hot and crispy.

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Steak Frites Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sauce ou Poivre

Cook chopped shallots in a deep iron cast skillet over medium heat. Once the shallots have browned, add Cognac, crushed peppercorns, and beef broth. Add the crème fraîche, salt, and pepper, and stir until the sauce thickens.

Cook Potatoes for the Frites or Fries

After peeling, slicing and preparing the potatoes, fry the frites in vegetable oil. Cook them in batches for about 5 minutes until they are limp but not browned. Let them drain on paper towels. The secret to delicious French frites is double-frying the potatoes. Increase the temperature and fry the potatoes again for another 2 minutes. Allow the potatoes to drain once again on paper towels.

Cook The Steak

Before cooking the steaks, season the meat generously on both sides with coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook the meat for a few minutes on both sides until medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches about 135 °F (57 °C).

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