If you’re dreaming of a cozy French bistro dinner at home, this Steak Frites recipe is your golden ticket. Juicy, seared steak with crispy golden fries—what’s not to love? This dish feels fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple, kid-friendly, and totally doable for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize for picky eaters or mini chefs in the kitchen.
I’ve made this for everything from date nights at home to Sunday dinners with the whole family. The fries are oven-baked (or air-fried!) for a lighter twist, and the steak gets a perfect crust every time with my foolproof pan-searing method. You’re going to love it. ❤️
What You’ll Need
For the Steak:
- 2 boneless ribeye or New York strip steaks (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
For the Frites (Fries):
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks or batons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor
Pro Tips for the Best Steak Frites Ever
🔥 Use a cast iron skillet for the steak – it gives the best sear and caramelization.
🧈 Butter baste at the end – garlic, butter, and herbs add tons of flavor.
🍟 Soak the fries – Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes removes starch and makes them extra crispy.
🥩 Let steak rest before slicing – this locks in the juices.
👶 Make a dipping sauce! – Garlic mayo or ketchup keeps the kiddos happy.
Tools You’ll Need
- Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
- Baking sheet or air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Paper towels
- Spatula or slotted spoon
Substitutions & Variations
🥔 No russets? Yukon Gold potatoes work great too
🍳 No cast iron? Use any heavy pan that retains heat well
🍽️ Add a sauce – Try garlic herb butter, béarnaise, or chimichurri
💡 Use frozen fries – For a faster version, toss in frozen shoestrings!
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soak potatoes up to a day ahead in cold water (store in fridge)
- Pre-cut steak into smaller pieces for faster cooking with kids
- Make herb butter in advance and keep it chilled for easy flavor
How to Make Steak Frites
Step 1: Soak and Prep the Fries
- Peel and cut potatoes into thin fries.
- Soak in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
- Drain, pat completely dry with paper towels, and toss with olive oil and salt.
Step 2: Bake or Air-Fry the Fries
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Step 3: Season and Sear the Steak
- Pat steak dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak and sear for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- In the last 2 minutes, add butter, garlic, and thyme. Baste steak with melted butter.
Step 4: Rest and Slice the Steak
- Remove steak from skillet and let rest for 5–10 minutes.
- Slice against the grain just before serving.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
- Arrange steak slices and crispy fries on plates.
- Optional: Add a small ramekin of garlic aioli, herb butter, or ketchup.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store steak and fries separately in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat steak gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth
- Re-crisp fries in the oven or air fryer at 400°F for 5–8 minutes
Final Thoughts
Steak Frites is one of those meals that feels a little bit special, but it’s 100% achievable at home—even with kids buzzing around the kitchen. You’ll love how the flavors come together and how easily this can become a new family favorite.
💬 I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add a sauce? Let the little ones help with the fries? Drop a comment below and share the delicious details! 🥩🍟👨🍳
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