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French Steak Frites, served on a plate.

French Steak Frites Recipe


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  • Author: Laura
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 serving 1x

Description

This Steak Frites with Béarnaise Sauce Recipe is a must try! Juicy seared steak, golden crispy fries, and rich Béarnaise sauce—this classic French bistro-style meal is full of flavor and perfect for special dinners at home.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Steak and Fries

  • 2 ribeye or strip steaks (about 1-inch thick)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil (for frying)
  • 1 tbsp butter (for basting, optional)

For the Béarnaise Sauce

  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and hot
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried tarragon (or 2 tsp fresh, chopped)
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley or chervil to finish

Instructions

  1. Soak and Blanch Fries: Peel and cut potatoes into thin sticks. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Fry at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes. Let cool on a rack.
  2. Sear the Steak: Pat steaks dry, season well with salt and pepper. Sear in hot skillet with a little oil for 3–4 minutes per side. Add butter and spoon over the steak for flavor. Let rest 10 minutes.
  3. Final Fry: Raise oil to 190°C (375°F). Fry potatoes again until golden and crispy. Season with salt.
  4. Make the Sauce Base: In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, shallots, tarragon, and pepper. Simmer until reduced by half. Strain and keep warm.
  5. Whisk Egg Yolks: In a heatproof bowl, whisk egg yolks with warm vinegar reduction. Place over simmering water and whisk constantly until thickened slightly.
  6. Add Butter Slowly: While whisking, slowly pour in the hot melted butter to create a smooth, thick sauce.
  7. Finish the Sauce: Stir in a pinch of salt and a little extra chopped herbs.
  8. Serve: Slice steak, spoon Béarnaise over top, and serve with hot fries on the side.

Notes

You can double the sauce if you want extra for dipping fries.

Use fresh tarragon if possible—it gives the best flavor.

Keep sauce warm over a bowl of hot water, but don’t reheat directly or it might split.

Cold-start frying is helpful if you want to skip blanching—start fries in cold oil and heat slowly.

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main dish
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Calories: 720 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Fat: 48g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Protein: 35g