Perfect Steak Fries Recipe
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Perfect Steak Fries Recipe
These Steak Fries are the ultimate homemade side dish, crafted from scratch with simple, wholesome ingredients. They achieve a perfect crisp-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture thanks to a straightforward soaking and roasting method. Ready in under an hour, they’re the ideal companion for a classic burger night or as a satisfying snack any day of the week.
I’ve been perfecting my method for homemade potato wedges for years, and this version is a true family favorite. There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of potatoes roasting with garlic and paprika that fills the kitchen. I love serving these crispy fries alongside a perfectly cooked hibachi steak or a simple piece of baked cod for a well-rounded meal. They also make a fantastic addition to any picnic spread, right next to a classic potato salad.
Why You’ll Love These Steak Fries
- Perfectly Crispy Texture: Soaking the potatoes removes starch, ensuring a golden, crispy exterior every time.
- Simple Seasoning: A blend of garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper creates a classic, irresistible flavor.
- Family-Friendly Side: These baked potato wedges are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything roasts on a single baking sheet for quick preparation and easy cleanup.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Steak Fries
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- Russet potatoes: Their high starch content is key for achieving a fluffy interior and crispy crust.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere and promotes even browning in the oven.
- Kosher salt: Its coarse texture provides better seasoning control and a more satisfying crunch.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper offers a brighter, more aromatic spice.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a consistent, mellow garlic flavor without the risk of burning.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a beautiful reddish-gold color to the fries.
Steak Fries
Make perfect homemade Steak Fries with this easy recipe. Crispy oven-baked potato wedges seasoned with garlic and paprika. Ready in under 45 minutes!
Equipment
- oven
- baking sheet
- mixing bowl
- knife
- cutting board
- colander
- measuring spoons
- spatula
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Russet potatoes, unpeeled or peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large, sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Thoroughly wash the Russet potatoes under cold running water. If desired, you may peel the potatoes for a smoother texture. Cut each potato lengthwise into thick wedges, aiming for a consistent size of approximately 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick.
- Place the cut potato wedges into a large mixing bowl. Fill the bowl with cold water until the potatoes are completely submerged. Allow them to soak for at least 20 minutes, or up to several hours, to draw out excess starch, which is key for achieving a crisp exterior.
- Drain the potatoes well in a colander. Spread the drained wedges out in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Pat them completely dry; this step is crucial to prevent steaming and encourage browning.
- Return the thoroughly dried potato wedges to the large, empty mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. Toss the potatoes vigorously until every wedge is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Arrange the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure the fries are not overcrowded; they need space to roast and brown properly. If necessary, use a second baking sheet to give them adequate room.
- Roast the steak fries for 25 to 35 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, use a spatula to flip the fries to ensure even browning on all sides. Continue roasting until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and fork-tender on the inside.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and serve your Steak Fries immediately while hot. They are excellent with ketchup, aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Soaking the potatoes is key for a crisp exterior. Pat them completely dry before seasoning to prevent steaming.
My Favorite Steak Fries Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Fries: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley during the last five minutes of baking.
- Spicy Cajun Fries: Replace the paprika with a Cajun seasoning blend for a bit of heat.
- Herb-Infused Fries: Add dried rosemary or thyme to the seasoning mix for an aromatic twist.
Pro Tips for Crispy Steak Fries
- Dry Thoroughly: Patting the soaked wedges completely dry is the most crucial step for preventing steam and achieving crispiness.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Arrange fries in a single layer with space between them to allow hot air to circulate.
- Use a Hot Oven: A high temperature of 425°F is essential for roasting the potatoes instead of steaming them.
- Flip Halfway: Turning the fries ensures even browning on both sides for a perfect golden color. For another side dish that uses a similar roasting technique, check out these honey roasted carrots.
How to Store and Reheat Steak Fries
- Store: Place cooled fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Spread cooled fries on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat on a baking sheet at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until hot and crisp.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can cut and soak the potatoes a day in advance; just keep them submerged in water in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to crispy steak fries?
The secret is a two-part process. First, soaking the cut potatoes in cold water draws out excess starch. Second, thoroughly drying them before tossing with oil ensures they roast instead of steam, giving you that perfect crispy texture.
Why won’t my homemade fries get crispy?
The most common reason is not drying the potatoes well enough after soaking. Any residual moisture will create steam. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated and you are not overcrowding the baking sheet.
Do you have to soak potatoes before making steak fries?
Soaking is highly recommended. It removes surface starch, which prevents the fries from sticking together and helps them achieve a crispier exterior and a fluffier interior. A 20-minute soak makes a significant difference.
What’s the difference between steak fries and regular fries?
Steak fries are typically thicker and wedge-shaped, offering a higher ratio of soft, fluffy interior to crispy exterior. Regular fries are cut thinner for an overall crispier bite.
More Potato Recipes to Try
Make These Steak Fries Tonight
With their satisfying crunch and classic seasoning, these homemade steak fries are sure to become a regular on your dinner table. They transform a simple meal into something special with minimal effort. I hope this recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.
