Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein is 1 lb of sirloin steak.
What variety of potatoes works best for the crispy frites?
Russet potatoes are recommended, as they yield the best crispy texture.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the frites?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C).
How long do the potato sticks need to bake?
The frites should bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Should the frites be stirred during baking?
Yes, they should be stirred halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
What size should the potato sticks be cut into?
The potatoes should be cut into 1/2-inch sticks.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
A total of 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt is used, divided among the frites, steak, and sauce.
Which fresh herb is featured in both the frites and the sauce?
Fresh chopped thyme is used in both the frites and the shallot reduction sauce.
What is the cooking time for a medium-rare sirloin steak?
Cook the steak for about 3 minutes on each side over medium-high heat.
What should I do with the steak after cooking it?
Remove it from the skillet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm while preparing the sauce.
How is the shallot reduction sauce started?
After removing the steak, sauté finely chopped shallots in the same skillet for about 2 minutes until they soften.
What liquid is used to deglaze the pan?
2 tablespoons of brandy are used to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits.
What are the components of the pan reduction?
The reduction includes shallots, brandy, beef broth, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, and butter.
How much beef broth is required for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of beef broth.
What is the purpose of adding butter to the sauce at the end?
Whisking in 1 1/2 teaspoons of butter at the end enriches the sauce and ensures a smooth consistency.
How much reduction should be left after simmering?
The sauce mixture should be simmered until it reduces to about 2/3 cup.
How should the sirloin steak be sliced for serving?
The steak should be sliced across the grain before serving to ensure tenderness.
What kind of mustard is used in the shallot sauce?
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard is used to flavor the sauce.
Is oil necessary for the skillet?
The recipe suggests using cooking spray to lightly coat the heavy skillet.
How much black pepper is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper in total, divided.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A heavy skillet is recommended for searing the steak effectively.
Can this dish be served as a snack?
Yes, the description mentions it is a satisfying dish that can be served as a lunch or a gourmet snack.
Do the potatoes need to be peeled?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify peeling the russet potatoes before cutting them into sticks.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include steak, frites, shallots, herb-infused, lunch, gourmet, dinner, and pan sauce.
What is the total amount of butter used?
The recipe uses exactly 1 1/2 teaspoons of butter to finish the sauce.
How much fresh thyme is needed in total?
A total of 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme is required for the entire recipe.
When is the thyme added to the frites?
The thyme is tossed with the frites after they have been removed from the oven.
How many shallots are needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely chopped shallots.
What is the texture of the frites?
The frites are described as crispy and golden-brown.
Is the steak seasoned with anything besides salt and pepper?
The recipe focuses on 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper for the steak seasoning, with additional flavor coming from the sauce.