Steak frites is a classic French bistro meal that’s great for fancy dinners or martini lunches. While the combination of fries and beef isn’t new, this dish elevates the fusion and gives it a dignified feel. It’s succulent, flavorful, and savory, with hints of peppery herbs and sharp Parmesan cheese. Put simply, it’s a meal that will make your taste buds sing and show off your cooking skills to your loved ones. The restaurant-quality is baked into this dish, and while it has a sophisticated look, recreating it is easier than you may think.

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Two-Stage Fry Method

The traditional technique for perfect frites involves frying potatoes at a lower temperature (300°F) initially, then finishing at a higher temperature (350°F) for optimal crispness[1].

Herb Butter Elevates Flavor

A compound butter made with fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic creates a luxurious finishing touch that melts over the hot steak, enhancing its rich flavors[1][5].

Proper Steak Technique

Achieving restaurant-quality results requires searing the steak in a very hot pan, adding aromatics like thyme and garlic during cooking, and allowing the meat to rest before serving[1][4].

Classic Sauce Pairings

While herb butter is traditional, Béarnaise sauce made with tarragon, shallots, white wine vinegar, and egg yolks offers an elegant French alternative that complements the dish perfectly[5].

Quality Ingredients Matter

The simplicity of steak frites demands high-quality components - from room-temperature steaks and fresh herbs to proper seasoning with flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper[5].

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The key lies in the ingredients. Good steak frites rely on the freshest ingredients and a few simple cooking techniques. Homemade fries, a choice cut of steak, crisp herbs, and quality pantry staples, such as extra virgin olive oil and flaked salt, are all that’s really needed to make this delicious dish. Cooking is also a breeze, even for novice home cooks. However, some details will take your steak frites to the next level. Blanching the fries before cooking, for example, will ensure they cook up crisp, while allotting time for the steaks to rest during seasoning and after cooking keeps them juicy and the flavors intact.

The only thing that makes this classic combination more flavorful is a spoonful of fresh chimichurri, which can easily be whipped up while the steaks are resting. Ready to impress your guests with a delicious bistro meal? Keep reading to learn how to make steak and frites and save it in your Rolodex of recipes.

Steak Frites Recipe: