The Best Steak Frites At Home

The Best Steak Frites At Home is a medium French recipe that serves 2. 1400 calories per serving. Recipe by Nick's Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 40 min | Cook: 27 min | Total: 1 hr 22 min

Cost: $29.17 total, $14.59 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Ribeye Steak (about 1.5‑inch thick, bone‑in optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Kosher Salt (for dry brine)
  • 2 large Russet Potatoes (peeled and cut into 1/4‑inch sticks)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (helps create extra crispness)
  • 0.5 cup Mayonnaise (full‑fat for richness)
  • 0.25 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (imported from Paris)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (peeled)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Tarragon (chopped)
  • 1 whole Lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (leaves only)
  • 4 cups Vegetable Oil (Canola or Peanut) (for deep‑frying, high smoke point)

Instructions

  1. Season the Steaks

    Generously coat both sides of each ribeye with kosher salt, flipping to season all surfaces and propping the edges to reach the sides.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Dry‑Brine Overnight

    Place the salted steaks on a rack set over a tray and refrigerate uncovered overnight (or at least 8 hours) to develop flavor and dry the surface.

    Time: PT0M

  3. Slice Potatoes

    Trim a thin slice off each potato, then using a ruler cut ¼‑inch thick slices. Stack slices and cut into ¼‑inch sticks, using each cut piece as a guide for the next.

    Time: PT15M

  4. Rinse and Blanch

    Rinse the cut fries in a bowl of cold water, then transfer to a large pot with fresh water, a handful of salt, and 1 tsp baking soda. Bring to a boil, turn off the heat, and let sit for 3 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Dry and Chill Fries

    Drain the blanched fries, spread them on a paper‑towel‑lined baking sheet, and refrigerate uncovered for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to dry.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Prepare Herb‑Garlic Sauce

    In a blender combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic, parsley, chives, tarragon, lemon zest, lemon juice, cracked black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, scraping the sides as needed.

    Time: PT5M

  7. First Fry (Low‑Temp)

    Heat the oil in the pot to about 300°F (150°C). Fry the chilled fries in small batches until just cooked through but not colored, about 3‑4 minutes per batch.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 300°F

  8. Sear the Steaks

    Add a thin layer of oil to the cast‑iron skillet and heat until you see a light smoke (≈400°F). Pat steaks dry, season with fresh cracked pepper, and place them in the pan. Press down to ensure full contact, move the steak around for even oil coverage, then flip after a crust forms.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: 400°F

  9. Butter‑Baste

    Reduce heat to medium‑low, add butter, crushed garlic cloves, thyme leaves, and a squeeze of lemon. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steak repeatedly for 2‑3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium‑low

  10. Rest the Steak

    Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, loosely tented with foil.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Second Fry (High‑Temp)

    Raise the oil temperature to about 375°F (190°C). Fry the partially cooked fries again in batches until golden and crisp, about 2‑3 minutes. Immediately season with salt and toss.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 375°F

  12. Plate and Serve

    Slice the rested ribeye against the grain at a slight angle. Arrange the steak slices on a plate, pile the crispy fries beside it, and drizzle or dollop the herb‑garlic sauce over the fries or on the side.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
1400
Protein
70 g
Carbohydrates
80 g
Fat
95 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: High protein, Gluten‑free, Keto‑friendly (moderate carbs from potatoes)

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs (may be present in mayonnaise), Garlic

Last updated: March 16, 2026

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The Best Steak Frites At Home

Recipe by Nick's Kitchen

A classic French bistro dish of perfectly seasoned ribeye steak paired with ultra‑crispy double‑fried French fries, finished with a bright herb‑garlic mayo sauce. The steak is dry‑brined overnight for maximum flavor and crust, while the fries are blanched with baking soda and fried twice for ultimate crunch.

MediumFrenchServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
49m
Prep
25m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$29.17
Total cost
$14.59
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Dry‑brine the steaks overnight for flavor and crust.
  • Blanch fries with baking soda to create a crisp exterior.
  • Double‑fry technique: low‑temp first fry then high‑temp finish.
  • Butter‑basting the steak with garlic, thyme, and lemon.
  • Season fries immediately after the second fry while hot.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use a deep‑fat thermometer and keep a lid nearby.
  • Handle the cast‑iron skillet with oven mitts; the handle becomes extremely hot.
  • Do not leave the blender unattended when blending hot ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Steak Frites in French cuisine?

A

Steak Frites is a classic bistro staple in France, originating in the early 20th century as a simple, hearty meal for workers. It pairs a juicy cut of beef with crisp French fries, embodying the French love of quality ingredients served simply.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Steak Frites in French cuisine?

A

In Parisian bistros the steak is often a ribeye or entrecôte served with a simple herb‑butter or béarnaise sauce. In the southwest, you may find it accompanied by a red wine reduction, while in the north, a mustard‑cream sauce is common.

cultural
Q

How is Steak Frites traditionally served in France?

A

Traditionally the steak is sliced against the grain and arranged beside a generous mound of golden fries, with a small ramekin of sauce on the side. The dish is usually enjoyed with a glass of red wine such as Bordeaux or Burgundy.

cultural
Q

On what occasions is Steak Frites typically enjoyed in French culture?

A

Steak Frites is a go‑to dish for casual lunches, weekend family meals, and late‑night bistro dining. It’s also popular at gatherings where a hearty, shareable plate is desired.

cultural
Q

What makes Steak Frites special or unique in French bistro cuisine?

A

The combination of a perfectly seared, butter‑basted steak with double‑fried, ultra‑crisp fries creates a contrast of textures that is celebrated in French bistro culture. The bright herb‑garlic sauce adds a fresh, modern twist while respecting tradition.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Steak Frites at home?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the oil during frying, which lowers temperature and yields soggy fries, and not drying the steak before searing, which prevents a proper crust. Also, skipping the dry‑brine can result in a less flavorful steak.

technical
Q

Why does this Steak Frites recipe use a double‑fry method instead of a single fry?

A

The first low‑temperature fry cooks the interior of the potatoes without browning, while the second high‑temperature fry creates a golden, crunchy exterior. This two‑step process yields fries that are fluffy inside and crisp outside, which a single fry cannot achieve consistently.

technical
Q

Can I make the herb‑garlic sauce for Steak Frites ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving. If it thickens, whisk in a little water or lemon juice.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the fries are done in the second fry?

A

The fries should be uniformly golden‑brown, with a crisp, dry exterior that makes a audible snap when bitten. Inside they should remain fluffy and light, with no visible oil pooling on the surface.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nick's Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Nick's Kitchen focuses on elevated home‑cooking techniques, often showcasing classic comfort dishes with a modern twist. Nick emphasizes clear, step‑by‑step tutorials and practical tips for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Nick's Kitchen's approach to French cooking differ from other French cooking channels?

A

Nick's Kitchen blends scientific explanations (like using baking soda for crisp fries) with hands‑on, approachable methods, whereas many French channels stick strictly to traditional techniques. This hybrid style makes classic French dishes more accessible to everyday cooks.

channel

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