How to make the best homemade steak fries, seasoned and grilled to crispy perfection in a cast iron skillet over the campfire. Easy comfort food recipe.
There's just nothing quite as delicious as a burger and fries, especially when the French fries have the smoky flavor of a campfire. Yum!
While I've never been a fan of big, thick fries or really thick potato wedges, I do love a skinnier fry. And while these steak cut fries aren't exactly skinny, they're still crispy, and that makes all the difference.
Lightly seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and a few more seasonings, these seasoned steak fries have a really delicious flavor.
And they require only a minimal amount of work. Even cooking them over the fire isn't much work at all. They're so easy peasy and make the perfect side to a juicy bacon cheeseburger.
Can't have a campfire? No problem! You can still make these on the grill or on the camp stove.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?
If you’d rather skip all of my campfire cooking/grilling tips, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the steak fries recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.
WHAT ARE THE BEST POTATOES FOR STEAK CUT FRIES?
While you can use red potatoes or Yukon Gold (my preferred potato for mashed potatoes), I recommend using plain ole Russet potatoes to make homemade steak fries.
Russets will give you a crispier texture than the other two potatoes.
As will a good, firm potato. Make sure the potatoes you use are fresh and not too old or soft.
HOW TO CUT STEAK FRIES
Cutting up the fries is actually really easy, and there's no peeling required. The skin will give your fries a crispier texture, so you'll want to leave it on the potatoes.
Be sure you give your potatoes a good washing before you start to slice. Also, be sure to cut out any bad spots.
To cut your potatoes into steak fries…
- Lay the potato on its side, and cut the potato, lengthwise, into 4 sections.
- Then cut potatoes into thinner wedges, or steak fries.
And that's all there is to it. Easy peasy!
WHAT TO USE FOR STEAK FRY SEASONING
Now the seasoning is something you can totally switch up. But I will say, these fries have incredible flavor with the seasonings we chose to use.
I'll also say, I'm not a huge fan of paprika. But the smoked paprika on these fries really can't be beat. It adds to the smoky flavor the campfire gives, and it's just so delicious.
Here's a rundown of the seasonings we use (exact amounts in the recipe card below)…
BEFORE YOU GET STARTED COOKING…
Your fire should be down to coals, with a little bit of flame here and there.
While we usually use our tripod grill, we decided instead to use our homemade campfire grill this time.
You’ll want to watch it closely, though, as you may need to adjust the placement of the grill over the fire, so the pan or griddle you’re using doesn’t get so hot that it cooks everything too quickly.
HOW TO MAKE STEAK FRIES
Before you cook the fries, you'll need to season them. Place the cut fries into a large bowl, and toss and coat potatoes with canola oil or olive oil and seasonings.
Cooking up steak fries on the grill is actually a really simple process.
- Place about 1/4 inch of canola oil or olive oil in a large cast iron skillet, and heat over the fire (or on the grill/camp stove).
- Once the oil is hot and bubbly, place the fries carefully in the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to splatter hot oil on your hands. Use grilling tongs or a flipper spatula, along with grilling gloves, to avoid burns.
- Cook the fries for about 15 to 30 minutes, flipping and turning as needed to make sure both sides are cooked evenly. Fries should be tender, crispy, and golden brown when done.
Drain the oil responsibly and serve the fries with ketchup or fry sauce.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH STEAK CUT FRIES
You definitely need some ideas for what to make with your fries. Here are a few…
- Steak
- A good burger – like our favorite bacon burger
- Sandwiches – like our taco tuna melt sandwich and Philly cheesesteaks or CrockPot Philly cheesesteak
- Sloppy Joes – especially delicious with grilled cheese sloppy joes
- Chicago dogs
SHOP KITCHEN TOOLS AND CAMPING KITCHEN GEAR FOR THIS RECIPE:
Cutting Board and Outdoor Knife Set
Tripod Grill or Campfire Grill – While we rigged up our own campfire grill, you can also buy them. They come with shorter legs and smaller grates, but definitely still usable over the fire.
Portable Charcoal Grill or Camp Stove
Welding Gloves – These work so much better for cooking over a campfire than regular grilling gloves/mitts.
We’ve put together a list of camping cooking equipment you may need for your next adventure. Be sure to check it out for all the essentials!
GET THE PRINTABLE RECIPE
If you love this recipe as much as we do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!
CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!
Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter
Sign up to receive my newsletter, filled with delicious recipes and outdoor travel adventures, in your inbox:
Crispy Seasoned Steak Fries over the Campfire
Equipment
- Collapse-it Silicone Mixing Bowls
- Welding Gloves HEAT RESISTANT BBQ/Camping/Cooking
- Cutting Board
- GSI Outdoors - Santoku Knife Set
- Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Bundle
- Folding Campfire Grill
Ingredients
- 3 Russet potatoes
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons canola oil*
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes really well.
- Lay each potato on its side on a cutting board.
- Cut the potato, lengthwise, into 4 sections.
- Then cut each section into thinner wedges, or steak fries.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the seasonings together.
- Place the cut fries into the bowl, and toss and coat with the seasonings and olive oil.
- Place about 1/4 inch of canola oil or olive oil in a large cast iron skillet, and heat over the fire (or on the grill/camp stove).
- Once the oil is hot and bubbly, place the fries carefully in the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to splatter hot oil on your hands.**
- Cook the fries for about 15 to 25 minutes, flipping and turning as needed to make sure both sides are cooked evenly. Fries should be tender, crispy, and golden brown when done.
Really looks good, I’d like to try one.
Thank you, Everett!