Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries: The Ultimate Crispy Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries: Prepare to meet your new favorite side dish! Forget everything you thought you knew about ordinary fries because these aren’t just any fries; they’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Imagine perfectly crisp, thick-cut steak fries, generously coated in a savory blend of garlic and parmesan, then baked to golden perfection. Are you drooling yet? I know I am!

While the exact origins of combining garlic and parmesan with fries are a bit hazy, the love affair with garlic and parmesan is anything but new. Parmesan cheese, with its rich, nutty flavor, has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. Garlic, revered for its pungent aroma and health benefits, has been used globally for millennia. Combining these two powerhouses with the humble fry is a stroke of genius, elevating a simple side to something truly special.

People adore Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries for so many reasons. The crispy exterior gives way to a fluffy interior, creating a delightful textural contrast. The garlic and parmesan provide a savory, umami-rich flavor that’s incredibly addictive. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home, making them perfect for a weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you’re serving them alongside a juicy steak, a hearty burger, or simply enjoying them on their own, these fries are guaranteed to be a hit. So, let’s get cooking and create some unforgettable Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and cut into ½ inch thick fries
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• ½ tsp Paprika
• ½ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Butter, melted
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
• 1 lb Steak (Sirloin, Ribeye, or New York Strip), about 1 inch thick
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for steak)
• Salt and Pepper to taste (for steak)

Preparing the Steak Fries:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: First, we need to get our fries ready. After peeling the potatoes, cut them into ½ inch thick fries. Try to keep them relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.
2. Soak the Fries (Optional but Recommended): Place the cut fries in a large bowl filled with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 2 hours. This step helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. Change the water a couple of times during the soaking process.
3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for getting the fries nice and crispy without burning them.
4. Dry the Fries Thoroughly: After soaking, drain the fries well and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step! Excess moisture will steam the fries instead of allowing them to crisp up. I usually use several layers of paper towels and press firmly to remove as much water as possible.
5. Season the Fries: In a large bowl, toss the dried fries with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure the fries are evenly coated with the oil and spices. I like to use my hands to really get in there and make sure everything is well distributed.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. If you overcrowd the pan, the fries will steam instead of bake, so use two baking sheets if necessary.
7. Bake the Fries: Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the fries and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the thickness of the fries.

Making the Garlic Parmesan Coating:

1. Melt the Butter: While the fries are baking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan or in the microwave.
2. Add Garlic: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter and cook over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3. Combine with Parmesan: Remove the garlic butter from the heat and stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt slightly from the heat of the butter.
4. Add Parsley: Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley. This adds a nice fresh flavor and a pop of color.

Preparing the Steak:

1. Prepare the Steak: Take your steak out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows it to come to room temperature, which helps it cook more evenly. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This is important for getting a good sear.
2. Season the Steak: Drizzle the steak with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! It’s what gives the steak its flavor.
3. Choose Your Cooking Method: You can cook the steak in a skillet, on the grill, or under the broiler. I prefer using a cast iron skillet for a nice crust.
   • Skillet Method: Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add the steak and sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for more well-done. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
   • Grill Method: Preheat your grill to high heat. Grill the steak for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for more well-done.
   • Broiler Method: Preheat your broiler to high. Place the steak on a broiler pan and broil for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for more well-done.
4. Rest the Steak: Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
5. Slice the Steak: After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. This makes it easier to eat and more tender.

Assembling the Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries:

1. Toss Fries with Garlic Parmesan: Once the fries are out of the oven and still hot, immediately transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic Parmesan mixture over the fries and toss well to coat evenly. Make sure every fry gets a good coating of that delicious garlic Parmesan goodness!
2. Plate and Top with Steak: Arrange the garlic Parmesan fries on a serving platter or individual plates. Top with the sliced steak.
3. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added visual appeal and flavor.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the garlic Parmesan steak fries immediately while they are hot and crispy. They are best enjoyed fresh!

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries:

• Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best choice for making fries because they are high in starch and low in moisture, which results in crispy fries.
• Don’t Skip the Soaking Step: Soaking the fries in cold water helps remove excess starch, which is essential for achieving crispy fries.
• Dry the Fries Thoroughly: Make sure the fries are completely dry before tossing them with oil and spices. Excess moisture will steam the fries instead of allowing them to crisp up.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Spread the fries in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they bake evenly and crisp up properly. If you overcrowd the pan, the fries will steam instead of bake.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give the garlic Parmesan coating the best flavor.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic when making the garlic butter, as it will become bitter. Cook it over low heat until fragrant.
• Use Good Quality Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Rest the Steak: Resting the steak before slicing is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
• Serve Immediately: Garlic Parmesan steak fries are best enjoyed fresh while they are hot and crispy.

Variations:

• Spicy Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic Parmesan mixture for a spicy kick.
• Truffle Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries: Add a drizzle of truffle oil to the garlic Parmesan mixture for a luxurious flavor.
• Loaded Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries: Top the fries with crumbled bacon, sour cream, and chives for a loaded version.
• Different Steak Cuts: Feel free to experiment with different cuts of steak, such as flank steak or skirt steak.
• Air Fryer Version: You can also make these fries in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the fries for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket occasionally.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Baked Green Bean Fries are more than just a side dish; they’re a fun, healthy, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy your veggies. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their meals, especially if you’re trying to sneak in some extra greens for picky eaters (or even yourself!).

Why are they a must-try? Well, first and foremost, they’re baked, not fried, which means you get all the satisfying crunch without the guilt. Plus, the simple breading and seasoning blend creates a flavor explosion that’s both savory and subtly sweet. They’re also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the seasonings to your liking – add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick, or some garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor.

But the real magic lies in the texture. The green beans retain a slight snap, while the breading crisps up beautifully in the oven. It’s a delightful contrast that will keep you coming back for more. And let’s be honest, who can resist a good fry, especially when it’s this good for you?

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions. These Baked Green Bean Fries are fantastic as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or even a juicy burger. But they’re also amazing as a snack on their own, especially when paired with a dipping sauce. My personal favorite is a simple aioli, but ranch dressing, ketchup, or even a spicy sriracha mayo would work perfectly.

Looking for variations? Get creative! Try using different types of breadcrumbs, like panko for an extra crispy coating. You could also experiment with different seasonings, such as Italian herbs, smoked paprika, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. For a vegan option, simply substitute the egg wash with a mixture of plant-based milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch.

Another fun variation is to add a little bit of grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy twist. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try dipping the fries in a honey-mustard sauce for a sweet and savory combination. The possibilities are endless!

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. It’s the perfect way to transform a humble green bean into a culinary masterpiece.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and give these Baked Green Bean Fries a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What dipping sauce did you use? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Let me know if you have any questions, and happy baking!