Ah, the elusive art of crafting the perfect steak fry—crispy, golden morsels that dance on the palate like a symphony of crunch. Remember that road trip last summer? Those fries at the diner were something else, right? Well, this recipe aims to capture that magic; it’s a taste of nostalgia, a hug from your plate.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Clean the russet potatoes thoroughly, as they naturally grow in soil. Cut each potato into 12 wedges by first quartering them lengthwise and then slicing each quarter into three.
- In a bowl, combine the potato wedges with cooking oil, paprika, and steak seasoning. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure each wedge is well coated with the oil and spices.
- Arrange the wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are in a single layer to bake evenly.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes. Flip the wedges once after about 20 minutes to ensure they brown and crisp up on all sides.
- Once well browned and crispy, remove the fries from the oven and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. russet potatoes
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil (such as olive oil or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 Tbsp paprika
- 1/2 Tbsp steak seasoning (a blend of salt, pepper, garlic, red pepper, and other spices)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 239.4 kcal | Carbohydrates: 40.95 g | Protein: 4.9 g | Fat: 7.3 g | Sodium: 1631.65 mg | Fiber: 3.15 g
FAQ
- What are steak fries, and how are they different from regular fries?
- Steak fries are thick wedges of potatoes, similar in shape to traditional French fries but usually larger and thicker. Unlike typical fries that are often deep-fried, these are baked in the oven, making them easier to prepare and less greasy.
- What is the best type of potato to use for oven-baked steak fries?
- Russet potatoes are the preferred choice for this recipe because they have a good balance of starch and water, which helps them become crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. While other potatoes can be used, they might not achieve the same texture.
- Where can I find steak seasoning, and what does it contain?
- Steak seasoning is available at most major grocery stores in the spice aisle. Brands like McCormick offer this seasoning, which typically includes a chunky blend of salt, pepper, red pepper, garlic, and other spices, adding flavor and a bit of crunch to the fries.
- How should I store leftovers, and will they remain crispy?
- Like many fries, steak fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. They tend to lose their crispiness over time, and if stored in the refrigerator, their texture will resemble that of a baked potato. However, they are still tasty and can be reheated if desired.
- What are some good dipping sauces to serve with steak fries?
- Popular dipping options include comeback sauce, ketchup, and ranch dressing. These sauces add extra flavor and make the fries even more enjoyable.
Tips
- Use Russet Potatoes for Best Texture: Russet potatoes are ideal for achieving a crispy exterior and fluffy interior in steak fries due to their perfect balance of starch and water. While other potato varieties can be used, they may not yield the same texture.
- Ensure Even Coating of Seasonings: Toss the potato wedges thoroughly with cooking oil, paprika, and steak seasoning to ensure each wedge is evenly coated. This enhances both the flavor and the crispiness of the fries.
- Flip Fries for Even Browning: Halfway through baking, flip the potato wedges to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
- Serve Immediately for Best Crispiness: Steak fries are at their crispiest right out of the oven. If left to sit, they may lose their crispiness, so it’s best to serve them immediately after baking for optimal texture.
Equipment
- Enamelware Sheet Pan
- Parchment Paper
