Classic Peppercorn Ribeye Fries

Featured in: Savory Quick Bites

This dish features thick, juicy ribeye steaks encrusted with cracked black peppercorns and seared in a hot skillet. The steaks are basted with butter, garlic, and thyme for rich flavor and then rested to preserve tenderness. Accompanying the ribeye are crispy fries, double-fried to golden perfection after soaking in vinegar water for extra crunch. A creamy peppercorn sauce made with beef stock and a touch of brandy ties the components together, offering a luxurious finish to this hearty American-French inspired meal.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 11:44:00 GMT
Juicy Classic Peppercorn Ribeye, topped with creamy sauce and served with crispy fries. Save
Juicy Classic Peppercorn Ribeye, topped with creamy sauce and served with crispy fries. | collationspot.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.

I first tried this dish on a special anniversary dinner, and it instantly became a favorite for celebrations and cozy nights in. The aroma of the searing steak and sizzling fries truly brings the steakhouse to your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Ribeye steaks: 2 (10–12 oz / 280–340 g), about 1 inch thick
  • Black peppercorns: 2 tbsp, coarsely crushed
  • Kosher salt: 1 tsp
  • Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp, plus more for frying fries
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, smashed
  • Fresh thyme: 2 sprigs
  • Heavy cream: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
  • Beef stock: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
  • Brandy or cognac (optional): 1 tbsp
  • Salt: to taste
  • Russet potatoes: 3 large
  • White vinegar: 2 tbsp
  • 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 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 and 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). 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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Gathering the family around the table for steak and fries always sparks wonderful conversation and laughter, reminiscent of classic bistro nights out together.

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 (per serving)

Calories: 980. Total Fat: 60 g. Carbohydrates: 55 g. Protein: 54 g.

Sizzling peppercorn ribeye steak, golden fries, and rich sauce on a rustic plate. Save
Sizzling peppercorn ribeye steak, golden fries, and rich sauce on a rustic plate. | collationspot.com

Enjoy your homemade steakhouse feast with your favorite sauce and plenty of napkins. Every bite is pure comfort and indulgence!

Classic Peppercorn Ribeye Fries

Juicy ribeye steaks crusted with peppercorns, pan-seared to perfection, served with golden crispy fries.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Overall Time
50 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American / French

Makes 2 Portions

Special Diets No Gluten

What You’ll Need

Steaks

01 2 ribeye steaks, 10–12 oz each, approximately 1 inch thick
02 2 tablespoons coarsely crushed black peppercorns
03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
05 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 2 garlic cloves, smashed
07 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Peppercorn Sauce

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

Crispy Fries

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

How-To

Step 01

Prepare Crispy Fries: Peel and cut potatoes into 1/4-inch sticks. Soak in cold water with vinegar for 30 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 325°F and fry potatoes in batches for 4–5 minutes until tender without browning. Drain on paper towels. Increase oil temperature to 375°F and fry potatoes again for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain and season with sea salt.

Step 02

Season and Sear Ribeye Steaks: Pat steaks dry and season both sides with kosher salt. Press crushed peppercorns firmly into both sides. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steaks for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time as needed for preferred doneness.

Step 03

Baste Steaks and Rest: During the last minute of cooking, add unsalted butter, smashed garlic, and fresh thyme to the pan. Continuously baste the steaks with melted butter. Remove steaks and tent loosely with foil to rest for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Prepare Peppercorn Sauce: Discard excess fat from skillet, leaving browned bits. Over medium heat, deglaze pan with brandy if using, scraping the bits from 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 and strain if desired.

Step 05

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

Gear Needed

  • 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 Details

Review every item for allergens and connect with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy from butter and heavy cream.
  • Fries are gluten-free if cooked in dedicated fryer with gluten-free oil.
  • Verify beef stock and brandy for any allergenic ingredients.

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Info for reference only—don’t take this as expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 980
  • Lipids: 60 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 54 g