Perfect Steak Frites with Cowboy Butter – A Foolproof, Flavor-Packed Dinner

Juicy Steak, Crispy Fries, and a Flavor-Packed Butter Sauce

Looking to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress at a weekend gathering? This Steak Frites with Cowboy Butter recipe brings together perfectly seared steak, golden-crisp shoestring fries, and a rich, zesty butter sauce that bursts with flavor. It’s indulgent, yet approachable—restaurant-quality results without leaving your kitchen.

Why This Steak Frites Recipe Stands Out

• Crispy, golden fries with just the right crunch
  
• Tender, juicy steak with a deeply caramelized crust
  
• Cowboy butter: smoky, herby, tangy, and a touch spicy
  
• Perfect for home cooks who want steakhouse flavors at home
  

Ingredients

For the Fries

• 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin shoestrings
  
• 2 quarts ice water
  
• 1.75 quarts vegetable oil (for frying)
  
• Kosher salt
  

Cowboy Butter Sauce

• 2 sticks unsalted butter
  
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  
• 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
  
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  
• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
  
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  
• 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  
• 2 Tbsp chives, thinly sliced
  
• 1 Tbsp fresh horseradish, grated
  
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  
• Salt and black pepper to taste
  

For the Steak

• 2 ribeye or New York strip steaks (1 inch thick or more)
  
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
• 2 Tbsp avocado oil
  
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
  
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
  
• 1 small bunch fresh thyme
  
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  

Garnish

• Flaky salt
  
• Sliced chives
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Fries

Peel the potatoes, cut into planks, then slice lengthwise into thin shoestrings. Place them in a large bowl of ice water and stir gently to remove excess starch. Drain and pat completely dry on a towel-lined tray—dry potatoes fry much better.

2. First Fry: Blanch the Fries

Heat the vegetable oil to 325°F (165°C). Fry the potatoes in batches for 2–3 minutes until soft but not colored. Remove to a wire rack to drain. This step ensures fries stay crispy after the second fry.

3. Make the Cowboy Butter

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter gently. Stir in lemon zest and juice, garlic, Dijon, smoked paprika, cayenne, parsley, chives, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Keep warm on very low heat—avoid boiling or separating the sauce.

4. Prepare the Steak

Pat steaks completely dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

5. Cook the Steak

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil, then place the steaks in the pan, pressing for full contact. Sear 2–3 minutes until a deep golden crust forms, then flip. Reduce heat to medium, add butter, smashed garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Tilt the pan and spoon the butter over the steak repeatedly to infuse flavor.

Transfer steaks to a wire rack to rest for at least 8 minutes before slicing.

6. Second Fry: Crisp the Fries

Raise the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry potatoes in batches for 2 minutes or until golden and crisp. Drain on a wire rack and season immediately with kosher salt.

7. Assemble the Dish

Slice the rested steak into ½-inch thick pieces. Arrange on a plate, slightly fanned. Add fries on the side, then spoon the warm cowboy butter generously over the steak. Finish with flaky salt and a sprinkle of sliced chives.

Steak Frites Chef Tips

• Dry potatoes are key for crispy fries.
  
• Rest your steak to keep it juicy and tender.
  
• Keep cowboy butter warm, but never boil.
  
• Use a thermometer for precise steak doneness.
  

If you’re planning a full meal or entertaining guests, this steak frites pairs perfectly with easy appetizers like Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels, a creamy, savory bite that’s always a crowd favorite.

Final Thoughts

This recipe transforms a classic steak and fries dinner into a memorable, flavor-packed experience. Each bite combines rich, buttery, and herbaceous notes with the satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked fries—truly a dish worthy of any special occasion.