Steak Fries Recipe

Introduction

Steak fries are the perfect side dish for any meal, whether you’re grilling burgers, enjoying a juicy steak, or having a casual family dinner. These thick-cut, crispy fries are the ideal balance of soft and fluffy on the inside, with a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Steak fries are versatile, satisfying, and easy to make. Their hearty texture and bold flavor make them a standout accompaniment to any main dish. Best of all, you can make them at home with just a few ingredients and minimal effort.

If you’re tired of the same old regular fries and want something more substantial, steak fries are the answer. They offer a more rustic and satisfying alternative, with the added bonus of being customizable to your taste. Whether you prefer them lightly seasoned with just salt or spiced up with a variety of herbs and seasonings, this steak fries recipe can be adapted to suit any preference. Read on for everything you need to know about making the perfect steak fries at home.

Why You’ll Love Steak Fries

• Perfect Texture: Steak fries are cut into thick wedges, giving them a hearty bite. When cooked properly, they have a crispy, golden crust with a soft and fluffy interior that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, steak fries come together easily. They’re great for beginner cooks and require minimal prep time.
• Customizable Flavor: You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Whether you like your fries with just salt or prefer to add some garlic, paprika, or fresh herbs, you have complete control over the flavor profile.
• Great for Meal Prep: Steak fries are an excellent option for meal prepping. You can bake them ahead of time and reheat them later without sacrificing texture or taste.
• Perfect Side Dish: These fries go well with a wide variety of dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian options. Steak fries are the ideal companion for everything from burgers to steaks, fried chicken, and even fish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil and seasonings used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 14-18g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 1-2g

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added flavor)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Additional salt for seasoning after baking (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing the russet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Since you’ll be leaving the skin on, it’s important to clean the potatoes well. Once clean, dry them with a kitchen towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Next, cut each potato into thick wedges. To do this, slice the potato lengthwise into halves, then cut each half into 3-4 wedges, depending on the size of the potato. The wedges should be around 1 inch thick to achieve the perfect steak fry texture. Try to make the wedges as uniform in size as possible so they cook evenly.

2. Soak the Potatoes (Optional but Recommended)

To ensure your steak fries have a crispy exterior and a soft interior, it’s helpful to soak the potato wedges in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes, which can make them soggy. If you’re short on time, a 10-minute soak will still improve the texture, but for the crispiest fries, allow the wedges to soak for up to 30 minutes.

After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any remaining moisture.

3. Season the Potatoes

Place the potato wedges in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss the potatoes to coat them evenly. Make sure all the wedges are well-covered with oil to promote even cooking and crispiness.

Next, sprinkle the potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). You can also add dried thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor. Toss the wedges again to evenly distribute the seasonings. Taste a wedge to make sure the seasoning is balanced; you can add more salt or spices if desired.

4. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A high temperature is essential for achieving crispy, golden steak fries. If you have a convection setting on your oven, using it will help promote even browning and crispiness.

If you’re using a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the fries from sticking. For best results, you can use a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet. This allows the air to circulate around the fries and promotes even cooking on all sides.

5. Arrange the Wedges on the Baking Sheet

Once the oven is preheated, arrange the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet (or wire rack, if using). Be sure not to overcrowd the fries; if they are too close together, they may become soggy. For maximum crispiness, it’s best to give them some space to cook properly.

6. Bake the Steak Fries

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the steak fries for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The fries should turn golden brown and crisp on the outside. Keep a close eye on them toward the end of the cooking time to ensure they don’t burn.

If you want extra crispiness, you can broil the fries for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Be sure to check them frequently during the broiling process to prevent overcooking.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the steak fries are perfectly golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. Taste them and sprinkle with additional salt if needed, as well as any fresh herbs such as parsley, for a pop of color and flavor.

Serve the steak fries immediately while they’re still warm and crispy. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, or aioli.

Tips for Perfect Steak Fries

• Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for making steak fries due to their starchy texture, which gives the fries a light and fluffy interior. Other types of potatoes, like Yukon Gold, may not yield the same crispy results.
• Cut Uniform Wedges: To ensure that all the fries cook evenly, make sure the potato wedges are as uniform in size as possible. This will prevent some fries from being undercooked while others become overcooked.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the potato wedges plenty of space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan can cause the fries to steam rather than crisp up, resulting in soggy fries.
• Soak the Potatoes: Soaking the potato wedges in water for at least 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, which results in a crispier exterior and fluffier interior.
• Use a Wire Rack: If you have a wire rack, use it to bake the fries. This allows heat to circulate around the fries, ensuring they cook evenly and become crisp on all sides.
• Season After Baking: If you like extra flavor, you can sprinkle the fries with a pinch of salt or fresh herbs after they come out of the oven.

Variations of Steak Fries

• Cheesy Steak Fries: After baking the fries, sprinkle them with shredded cheddar cheese and return them to the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. You can also top the fries with grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy finish.
• Loaded Steak Fries: Make a meal out of your steak fries by loading them up with your favorite toppings. Add crumbled bacon, sour cream, chopped green onions, and melted cheese for a deliciously indulgent snack.
• Spicy Steak Fries: Add some heat to your steak fries by tossing them with chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes before baking. For an extra kick, serve the fries with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo.
• Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries: After baking the fries, toss them in a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley for a flavorful finish.
• Herb-Infused Steak Fries: For a more aromatic option, season the fries with a mix of fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano. This adds a fragrant herbal note that pairs well with a variety of main dishes.

Storage and Shelf Life

Steak fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they are crispy and hot, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored for later. Allow the fries to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat the fries, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until they become crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the fries for about 1 minute, but the texture may not be as crisp.

For longer storage, steak fries can be frozen. Arrange the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for a couple of hours until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen fries can be kept for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake the fries at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Steak Fries

While steak fries are a satisfying side dish on their own, they also pair wonderfully with many main dishes:

• Grilled Steaks or Burgers: Steak fries are a classic pairing with a perfectly grilled steak or juicy burger. The fries complement the rich flavors of the meat and add a hearty, satisfying side.
• Fried Chicken: The crispy texture of steak fries makes them an ideal companion to crispy fried chicken. The combination of textures is irresistible.
• Fish and Chips: For a twist on the classic fish and chips, serve your steak fries with battered or fried fish fillets. The thick fries add a unique texture to this classic combo.
• Barbecue Ribs: Steak fries go wonderfully with smoky, tender barbecue ribs. The fries are perfect for sopping up the extra sauce and adding a crispy contrast to the tender meat.
• Salads: For a lighter meal, pair steak fries with a fresh green salad, such as a Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

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Conclusion

Steak fries are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy, golden exteriors with tender, fluffy interiors. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side dish with your favorite grilled meat or using them as the base for a loaded fry creation, steak fries are always a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and fully customizable, this recipe offers endless possibilities for creating the perfect fries every time. Try making them at home for your next meal, and you’ll quickly discover why steak fries are the perfect accompaniment to any dish.