How to Make a Perfect Steak Frites Dinner at Home
If you’re craving a classic bistro meal without leaving the comfort of your home, a steak frites dinner is the way to go. This timeless dish combines the richness of a perfectly cooked steak with the undeniable appeal of crispy fries. Sounds mouth-watering, right? The good news is, whipping up this fancy dinner is not as intimidating as it might seem. Here’s how you can make a perfect steak frites dinner at home, step by step, in simple English.
Ingredients Needed:
- For the Steak:
- 2 good-quality steaks (rib-eye, sirloin, or your favorite cut)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
-
2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter
-
For the Frites (Fries):
- 4 large potatoes
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt, to taste
Equipment:
- Frying pan (preferably cast iron)
- Large pot or deep fryer for fries
- Paper towels
- Tongs
Let’s Get Cooking!
1. Prep Your Potatoes
Start with the frites because they’ll take a bit of time. Peel your potatoes and cut them into long, thin strips. The key here is to try and make them roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Once cut, put them in a bowl of cold water. This step removes excess starch and helps in making crispier fries.
2. Dry and Pre-cook the Frites
Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels; moisture is the enemy of crispy fries. Then, heat your vegetable oil in a large pot or a deep fryer to about 300°F (150°C). We’re going to cook the fries twice for perfection. For the first round, cook them for about 4-5 minutes until they’re soft but not browned. Remove the fries and let them drain on a paper towel. Increase the heat of your oil to 400°F (200°C) for the second frying later.
3. Prepare the Steak
While your fries are cooling down, let’s move on to the steak. Season your steaks generously with salt and pepper. Heat a frying pan on medium-high heat and add your olive oil or butter. When it’s hot, place your steaks in the pan. Here’s a simple guide on cooking times for medium-rare steak: cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. If you like your steak more or less cooked, adjust the time accordingly. Use tongs to flip your steaks and make sure to cook the edges by holding them sideways in the pan.
4. Rest Your Steak
After your steaks are cooked to your liking, it’s crucial to let them rest. Remove them from the pan and put them on a cutting board. Let them sit for about 5-10 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making your steak moist and delicious when you eat it.
5. Finish the Frites
Now back to the fries. Your oil should be hot and ready for the second frying. Put the fries in the hot oil and cook until they’re golden and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfect to burnt pretty quickly. Once done, remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt while they’re still hot.
6. Serving
Slice your rested steak against the grain into thick strips. This makes it more tender. Serve on a plate with a generous helping of your crispy frites. For a truly authentic touch, you might also whip up a quick sauce like a Bearnaise or simply serve with some Dijon mustard on the side.
And there you have it, a perfect steak frites dinner that’s sure to impress anyone, including yourself. Cooking this classic dish at home allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and tailor the seasoning to your taste. Plus, it’s a fun way to bring a little bit of bistro elegance into your dining room. Bon Appétit!