Steak Frites is the epitome of elegant simplicity—crispy, golden fries paired with a juicy, perfectly cooked steak. This French bistro classic gets a high-protein upgrade with lean cuts of beef, oven-baked chips, and a herbaceous butter sauce to bring it all together. Whether you’re refuelling after a workout or enjoying a luxurious weeknight dinner, this meal strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment.
Need to Know
- Preparation Time: 40 minutes
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Ingredients in Your Cupboards: ~65%
- Macronutrient Breakdown (per serving):
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbs: 38g
- Calories: 540
Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the Steak
- 2 sirloin steaks (200g each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Frites
- 500g potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edward recommended)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
For the Herb Butter Sauce
- 50g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of half a lemon
Method
- Prep the Frites:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C).
- Peel and slice the potatoes into thin chips, aiming for uniform size.
- Soak the chips in cold water for 10 minutes, then pat dry with a kitchen towel.
- Toss the chips with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.
- Spread on a baking tray in a single layer and bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Cook the Steak:
- Let the steaks come to room temperature. Rub them with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast-iron pan over high heat until smoking hot.
- Sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust time for your preferred doneness).
- Rest the steaks for 5 minutes under foil to retain juices.
- Make the Herb Butter Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine butter, parsley, thyme, garlic, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
- While the steaks are resting, melt the herb butter in the pan over low heat to pick up the steak drippings.
- Assemble the Plate:
- Plate the frites and steak side by side. Drizzle the herb butter sauce generously over the steak.
- Serve immediately with a crisp green salad, if desired.
Final Thoughts
Steak Frites is a testament to the power of great ingredients cooked simply. From the crunch of the paprika-dusted chips to the juicy bite of steak with its zesty herb butter, every mouthful is indulgent without feeling heavy. This is a dish that not only fuels your body but also elevates your dinner game with minimal fuss.
