Candlelit Dinner Steak Frites

Name: Candlelit Dinner Steak Frites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 ribeye steaks (1 inch thick); 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 large russet potatoes; Vegetable oil for frying; Salt to taste; Optional: garlic powder or herbs for seasoning; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Highlighted under: Family Favorite Comfort Food

I absolutely love preparing Candlelit Dinner Steak Frites for those special evenings when I want to impress my loved ones. The combination of a perfectly seared steak paired with crispy, golden fries creates an indulgent experience that's hard to resist. I find that a drizzle of garlic herb butter elevates the flavor profile even further, transforming a simple meal into a gourmet delight. It’s not just about the taste; the ambiance of a candlelit setting makes this dish even more delightful to enjoy.

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-01-07T21:53:28.027Z

When I first attempted making Steak Frites at home, I was pleasantly surprised at how restaurant-quality it turned out! I chose to enhance the dish by marinating the steak with a mix of balsamic vinegar and rosemary. This technique not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with flavor. Paying attention to the cooking time is crucial; I learned that a quick sear on high heat followed by a brief rest makes all the difference in achieving that perfect doneness.

For the frites, I experimented with double frying—first at a lower temperature to cook them through, then a hot second fry to achieve that crispy exterior. This method guarantees that your fries are light yet satisfying. It was such a hit at my last dinner gathering that I’ve made it a staple for any romantic evening in.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A perfectly cooked steak that melts in your mouth
Golden, crispy fries that complement the dish
The cozy, romantic setting enhances the dining experience

      

Perfecting Your Steak

To achieve that perfect sear on your ribeye steak, ensure your grill or skillet is preheated to high heat before adding the meat. This high temperature creates a beautifully browned crust that's packed with flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness; aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Resting the steaks for 5 minutes after cooking is crucial, as this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy bite.

The marinade with balsamic vinegar and fresh rosemary not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the steak. If you're short on time, a minimum of 15 minutes can still impart some essence, but for the best experience, allow the steaks to marinate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the fridge. When marinating, make sure to coat the steaks evenly for well-rounded flavor.

Frying the Perfect Frites

One key to achieving restaurant-quality frites is cutting the russet potatoes uniformly. This ensures even cooking and prevents some fries from being undercooked while others are overdone. Try to keep the fries around 1/4 inch thick for the ideal crispy texture. Once cut, soaking them in cold water for 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, resulting in a less gummy fry and a crispy exterior once fried.

When frying, the double-fry method is essential. The first fry at 325°F (165°C) cooks the potatoes through, while the second fry at 375°F (190°C) creates that lovely golden-brown color and crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pot; frying in small batches helps maintain the oil temperature, ensuring an even cook. If you notice any browning on the fries during the second fry, that’s your cue to remove them before they burn.

Elevating with Garlic Herb Butter

Garlic herb butter is an easy way to elevate your steak and add a gourmet touch. To make the butter, ensure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth blend; this helps to incorporate the minced garlic and herbs easily. Fresh parsley and chives bring a vibrant flavor profile, but you can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano to customize it to your taste.

When serving, topping the sliced steak with a dollop of garlic herb butter not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a rich, creamy element that complements the savory flavors of the steak. It’s best to prepare this compound butter ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or even overnight. Just take it out about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften again.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a romantic dinner you'll remember:

For the Steak

2 ribeye steaks (1 inch thick)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Frites

2 large russet potatoes
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt to taste
Optional: garlic powder or herbs for seasoning

For the Garlic Herb Butter

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Make sure to prepare these ingredients in advance for ease of cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a memorable dish:

Prepare the Steaks

In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Marinate the steaks for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your grill or skillet over high heat.

Cook the Steaks

Sear the steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Remove them from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

Prepare the Frites

Cut russet potatoes into fries. Rinse and soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Heat oil in a pot for frying.

Fry the Frites

Fry the potatoes in batches at 325°F (165°C) for about 5 minutes. Remove and let them drain on paper towels. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry a second time until golden and crispy.

Make Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, parsley, and chives. Mix well and set aside.

Serve

Slice the rested steaks and top with garlic herb butter for added flavor. Serve alongside crispy frites sprinkled with salt.

Enjoy your romantic Candlelit Dinner Steak Frites!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to your sauce while deglazing the skillet after cooking the steak. This will enhance the depth of your dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If ribeye isn’t available, you can substitute with a New York strip or filet mignon, which also delivers great flavor and tenderness. Each cut has its own unique characteristics; for example, filet mignon is leaner but very tender, while New York strip has a nice balance of fat for flavor. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as leaner cuts cook faster and require a watchful eye to avoid overcooking.

For those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional fries, consider using sweet potatoes. They can be sliced into fries and prepared similarly. However, since sweet potatoes have more sugar, keep a close watch during the second fry to prevent them from caramelizing too much too quickly. For seasoning, you might want to reduce any added sugars in your seasonings.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftover steak, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain its juiciness when reheating, do so gently either in a skillet over medium-low heat or wrapped in foil in the oven set around 250°F (121°C). Avoid microwaving directly, as this can lead to tough, rubbery meat.

Leftover frites can be crispy again if you reheat them in an air fryer for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or in a regular oven on a baking sheet, flipping halfway through. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as they can quickly go from perfect to overdone. Adding a sprinkle of salt after reheating enhances their flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For an aesthetically pleasing presentation, serve the steak slices on a wooden board accompanied by a small dish of garlic herb butter and a side of crispy frites. You can add a simple salad of arugula drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast, balancing out the richness of the steak and fries.

Pair this meal with a robust red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, to enhance the flavors of the steak. The wine’s tannins will complement the meaty richness while cutting through the fat. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a homemade non-alcoholic red grape juice for a refreshing touch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, feel free to substitute ribeye with sirloin or filet mignon, but adjust cooking times accordingly based on thickness.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Ensure your seasoning for fries is gluten-free, and use a gluten-free alternative for any added sauces.

→ Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

While the steak is best cooked fresh, you can prep the frites and herb butter in advance. Fry the frites just before serving.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.