Classic Peppercorn Ribeye Fries

Featured in: Healthy Easy Plates

This dish showcases ribeye steaks generously coated with cracked black peppercorns and pan-seared for a perfect medium-rare finish. The steaks are basted with butter, garlic, and thyme to infuse deep flavors. Served alongside are golden, crispy fries achieved through a two-step frying process involving a vinegar soak for crispiness. A rich peppercorn sauce made with cream and beef stock perfectly complements the meal, delivering a hearty and satisfying experience.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 16:53:00 GMT
Classic Peppercorn Ribeye seared to perfection, served with crispy golden fries. Pin it
Classic Peppercorn Ribeye seared to perfection, served with crispy golden fries. | smartyskitchen.com

A sumptuous steakhouse favorite: juicy ribeye steaks coated in cracked peppercorns, pan-seared to perfection, and served with golden, crispy fries for an indulgent meal.

This classic peppercorn ribeye recipe has been a family favorite for years. The combination of perfectly seared steak and crispy fries always impresses guests.

Ingredients

  • Steaks: 2 (10–12 oz / 280–340 g) ribeye steaks about 1 inch thick, 2 tbsp black peppercorns coarsely crushed, 1 tsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 garlic cloves smashed, 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Peppercorn Sauce: 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream, 1/3 cup (80 ml) beef stock, 1 tbsp brandy or cognac (optional), salt to taste
  • Crispy Fries: 3 large russet potatoes, 2 tbsp white vinegar, vegetable oil for frying, fine sea salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Fries:
Peel and cut potatoes into 1/4-inch (6 mm) sticks. Soak in cold water with vinegar for 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry thoroughly. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 325°F (165°C). Fry potatoes in batches for 4–5 minutes until tender but not browned. Drain on a paper towel. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry potatoes again in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain and season with salt.
Prepare the Steaks:
Pat steaks dry. Season both sides with kosher salt and press crushed peppercorns firmly into both sides. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add ribeyes and sear 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare adjusting time for preferred doneness. During the last minute add butter garlic and thyme baste steaks with melted butter. Remove steaks tent loosely with foil and rest 5 minutes.
Make the Peppercorn Sauce:
Discard excess fat from skillet leaving browned bits. Over medium heat deglaze with brandy (if using) scraping up any bits. Add beef stock simmer 2 minutes then stir in heavy cream. Simmer until slightly thickened (2–3 minutes). Season with salt. Strain if desired.
Serve:
Plate steaks with crispy fries. Spoon peppercorn sauce over steaks or serve alongside.
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Enjoying this meal together has always been a highlight of our family dinners, bringing everyone to the table with smiles and full plates.

Required Tools

Heavy skillet or cast-iron pan Deep fryer or large heavy pot Slotted spoon or spider Tongs Saucepan Sharp knife and cutting board Paper towels

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter cream) Fries are gluten-free if prepared in a dedicated fryer with gluten-free oil Check beef stock and brandy for potential allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 980 Total Fat 60 g Carbohydrates 55 g Protein 54 g per serving

Juicy ribeye steaks coated in crushed peppercorns and paired with crispy fries. Pin it
Juicy ribeye steaks coated in crushed peppercorns and paired with crispy fries. | smartyskitchen.com

This recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a luxurious meal anytime.

Classic Peppercorn Ribeye Fries

Juicy peppercorn-crusted ribeye paired with golden, crispy fries for an indulgent main course.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Overall Time
50 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Medium

Culinary Roots American / French

Makes 2 Portions

Diet Details No Gluten

What You'll Need

Steaks

01 2 ribeye steaks, 10–12 oz (280–340 g) each, about 1 inch thick
02 2 tbsp coarsely crushed black peppercorns
03 1 tsp kosher salt
04 2 tbsp vegetable oil
05 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 2 garlic cloves, smashed
07 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Peppercorn Sauce

01 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream
02 1/3 cup (80 ml) beef stock
03 1 tbsp brandy or cognac (optional)
04 Salt, to taste

Crispy Fries

01 3 large russet potatoes
02 2 tbsp white vinegar
03 Vegetable oil, for frying
04 Fine sea salt, to taste

Directions

Step 01

Prepare the Fries: Peel and cut potatoes into 1/4-inch (1/4 inch is about 0.25 inch) sticks. Soak in cold water with vinegar for 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry thoroughly. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 325°F (165°C). Fry potatoes in batches for 4–5 minutes until tender but not browned. Drain on paper towels. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry potatoes again in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain and season with salt.

Step 02

Sear the Steaks: Pat steaks dry. Season both sides with kosher salt and press crushed peppercorns firmly onto both sides. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add ribeyes and sear for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time for preferred doneness.

Step 03

Baste and Rest: During the last minute of cooking, add butter, smashed garlic, and thyme sprigs to the skillet. Baste the steaks continuously with the melted butter mixture. Remove steaks from heat and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Prepare the Peppercorn Sauce: Discard excess fat from the skillet, leaving browned bits. Over medium heat, deglaze the pan with brandy or cognac if using, scraping the bottom. Add beef stock and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and continue simmering until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt to taste. Strain if desired.

Step 05

Serve: Plate the rested steaks alongside crispy fries. Spoon peppercorn sauce over the steaks or serve on the side.

Tools You'll Need

  • Heavy skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Deep fryer or large heavy pot
  • Slotted spoon or spider
  • Tongs
  • Saucepan
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Paper towels

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream).
  • Check beef stock and brandy for potential allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 980
  • Fats: 60 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 54 g