How to Make Steak Frites – A Classic French Bistro Recipe

Steak frites is the ultimate French bistro classic – a simple yet elegant dish featuring juicy, pan-seared steak paired with crispy, golden fries. The name literally translates to “steak and fries,” and it’s a staple across Parisian cafés and brasseries. While it may seem like a restaurant-only meal, steak frites is surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few quality ingredients. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to choose the best cut of beef, how to cook it perfectly, and how to make fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a special dinner, or just craving a hearty homemade dish, this step-by-step guide will help you recreate the magic of French cuisine in your own kitchen.

What is Steak Frites?

Steak Frites is a classic French dish consisting of a succulent steak paired with crispy fries. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

The French Classic Explained

Steak Frites, translating simply to “steak and fries,” is one of the most beloved dishes in French cuisine, often considered the ultimate bistro meal. This seemingly straightforward pairing of grilled or pan-seared steak with golden, crispy French fries is elevated by quality ingredients, classic technique, and a reverence for balance and flavor.

Served throughout France and in French-style restaurants around the world, Steak Frites is both rustic and refined – comfort food with an unmistakably European flair.

Choosing the Right Cut of Steak

The choice of steak can vary depending on the region or establishment, but traditionally cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or entrecôte are used. These cuts are prized for their tenderness and marbling, which, when seared in butter or grilled over high heat, develop a deeply flavorful crust.

The steak is often served with a pan sauce – peppercorn, Béarnaise, or red wine reduction – that enhances its richness and adds another layer of depth to the dish.

The Art of Perfect Fries

Fries, or “frites,” are equally important. Thinly cut, double-fried potatoes yield the perfect balance of crispness and fluffiness. The best frites are made fresh and seasoned with sea salt right before serving, making them a decadent but essential counterpart to the hearty steak.

While the preparation of Steak Frites is relatively simple, its appeal lies in the quality of the ingredients and the precision in execution. It’s a dish that doesn’t rely on heavy seasoning or extravagant components. Instead, it honors the natural flavor of the meat and the crisp perfection of well-fried potatoes.

Whether enjoyed at a neighborhood bistro in Paris or recreated at home with care, Steak Frites is a celebration of French culinary tradition — one plate at a time.

Tips for the Perfect Steak Frites at Home

• 1. Choose the right cut of steak
  Opt for well-marbled cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or entrecôte. These cuts are flavorful, juicy, and ideal for high-heat searing.
• 2. Let your steak reach room temperature
  Take the steak out of the fridge 30–60 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly and develop a better crust.
  
• 3. Use a cast iron skillet or grill pan
  Cast iron retains high, consistent heat – perfect for that golden, restaurant-style sear.
  
• 4. Don’t skip the resting
  After cooking, rest your steak for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
  
• 5. Double-fry your potatoes
  For the crispiest fries, fry them twice: once at a lower temperature to cook through, then again hotter to crisp them up.
  
• 6. Season fries immediately after frying
  Use sea salt or even truffle salt for extra flavor — and season while they’re still hot!
  
• 7. Pair with the right sauce
  Béarnaise, peppercorn, or garlic butter all elevate the dish. A well-matched sauce can take steak frites from good to unforgettable.
  

Best Sauce Pairings for Steak Frites

While steak frites is delicious on its own, the right sauce can elevate it to a restaurant-quality experience. Here are some of the best sauces to pair with steak frites:

• 1. Béarnaise Sauce
  A rich and creamy French classic made with butter, egg yolks, white wine vinegar, and tarragon. Perfectly balances the steak’s richness.
• 2. Peppercorn Sauce
  Bold and slightly spicy, made with green or black peppercorns, heavy cream, and a splash of brandy. Great for those who love deep, savory flavors.
• 3. Red Wine Reduction
  Elegant and slightly sweet, this sauce is made by reducing red wine with shallots and beef stock. Ideal for special dinners.
• 4. Garlic Herb Butter
  Simple and flavorful — melted butter with fresh herbs and minced garlic adds a luxurious finish to the steak.
• 5. Blue Cheese Sauce
  Creamy and tangy, this sauce brings a bold contrast to the richness of the meat. Best for adventurous eaters.
• 6. Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce
  A sharp and creamy option made with Dijon, cream, and white wine. Brightens up the dish and cuts through the fat.

Steak Frites

3.72 from 90 votes

Steak Frites is a classic French dish consisting of a succulent steak paired with crispy fries. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Servings 2 people

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 pieces sirloin steak about 6 oz each
• 4 cups russet potatoes cut into matchsticks
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
• to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter for the steak
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Peel the potatoes and cut them into matchsticks. Soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potatoes in batches for about 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
• Season the steaks with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the garlic and cook the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
• Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve alongside the fries.

Notes

• For the best results, use a well-marbled steak like ribeye or entrecôte. Let it rest at room temperature before cooking.
• You can prepare the fries in advance and re-crisp them in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for a few minutes before serving.
• Don’t skip the resting time after cooking the steak – it makes a big difference in juiciness.
• Béarnaise, peppercorn sauce, or garlic herb butter all pair beautifully with this dish.
• For a low-carb version, serve the steak with grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad instead of fries.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 700kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 40gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 1200mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 4mg

Calories: 700kcal

Meal Type: Lunch

Cuisine: French

Keyword: comfort food, French cuisine, steak

Cooking Method: Baked

Diet: Meatlovers

Time: 30-45 Min

Level: Easy

Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!

Tried This Recipe? We’d Love to Hear From You!

Have you made steak frites using this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below! Whether you tried a different sauce, used a unique steak cut, or simply want to tell us how it turned out – your feedback helps others and makes our community stronger.

More Steak Recipes You’ll Love

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

A classic comfort food, Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy features tender beef patties flavored with simple seasonings, served with a rich and savory onion gravy.

Check out this recipe

Wedge Salad with Steak

A delicious and satisfying wedge salad topped with perfectly cooked steak, blue cheese dressing, and crunchy bacon.

Check out this recipe

Rib-eye Steak With Red Wine Sauce

This Rib-eye Steak with Red Wine Sauce is a luxurious and flavorful dish perfect for a special occasion or a delightful dinner treat. The rich sauce complements the juicy, savory steak beautifully.

Check out this recipe

Quick-Simmered Skillet Swiss Steak

A delicious and easy-to-make Swiss steak recipe that is cooked in a skillet.

Check out this recipe

Grilled Steak and Bell Pepper Breakfast Hash

Start your day off right with this delicious and satisfying breakfast hash made with grilled steak and bell peppers.

Check out this recipe

Grilled Steak and Veggie Breakfast Burrito

Start your day off right with this delicious grilled steak and veggie breakfast burrito!

Check out this recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Wrap

A delicious and easy-to-make grilled wrap filled with all the flavors of a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich.

Check out this recipe

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

A classic dish featuring ground beef patties served with a rich and savory mushroom gravy.

Check out this recipe

Steak with Red Wine Sauce

A delicious steak dish with a rich red wine sauce.

Check out this recipe

Perfect Tuna Steak

This recipe will guide you on how to prepare the perfect tuna steak, seared to perfection with a delicious crust, and tender on the inside.

Check out this recipe