Spicing up the Simple Things
When we’re grilling up some fantastic steaks – whatever the style – sometimes there’s nothing better on the side than hearty steak fries. It satisfies that meat-and-potatoes, stick-to-your-ribs craving, and when you prepare them on the grill, it’s a healthier alternative to the deep fried french fries we all love.
Grilled steak fries can be very straightforward. Season simply with salt and pepper, and it’s instantly delicious. But our spud-sy friends welcome different flavors and carry them very well. You can hit them with Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, or even curry for interesting variations.
As I was prepping my potato wedges for the grill over the weekend, I realized it would be a perfect opportunity to play with a birthday gift from my ever-thoughtful parents-in-law. They had sent me a box of assorted grill spices from Penzeys Spices. I had never heard of this company before, and typically, I do not buy spice blends simply because I create my own. But they sent over such a fun variety, and I could not wait to experiment with them!
Using the Jamaican style Jerk seasoning, I made Grilled Jerk Steak Fries. One thing is for sure, Jerk is not just for chicken anymore, at least in my book. The crispy skins of the fries had a feisty kick that gave way to steamy, pillowy potato inside, I nearly forgot all about the beautifully grilled grass-fed steak on my plate.
Grilled Jerk Steak Fries
Serves 4
- 2-3 large potatoes (Russet, Long White, or Yukon Gold work well), sliced in half length-wise then into wedges
- 3-4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- kosher salt
- Jerk seasoning
In a medium sized bowl, toss the potato wedges in the olive oil, coating them evenly. Season to taste with salt and Jerk seasoning. Place the wedges on a hot grill and grill them for about 5 minutes per side, or until fork tender. Remove from the grill, and while hot, season with a little more salt to taste.
Note: You can also blanch the potatoes prior to seasoning and grilling. I have since cut out this step (less dishes to wash!), but if you choose to do so, blanch very quickly (no more than 2 minutes), dry the potatoes very well before seasoning, and grill for about 2-3 minutes per side.
mmmm, sounds really great :)
Liren replied: — July 1st, 2010 @ 9:57 pm
It really is :)
The fries are great and I like that you grilled them instead of frying them… makes them seem that much less sinful! :)
Liren replied: — July 1st, 2010 @ 9:58 pm
Yes, you said it — aside from the carbs (which I can’t stay away from so why bother), at least I am not guilty of frying :) Much less guilt :)
I love fries! While you’re eating your POM marinated steaks, I’ll be eating THESE! Another wonderful post and stunning pics!
Liren replied: — July 1st, 2010 @ 9:59 pm
I hate to admit that I could probably just make a meal of these fries. And thank you, Brian, for your wonderful support!
MMMMM, Steak Fries…sounds good with the jerk seasoning!
Liren replied: — July 1st, 2010 @ 10:00 pm
It is! I actually think that next time I make it, I’m going to go spicier and really lay the jerk seasoning very thick!
Gotta love the homemade version of these and I bet they are great with jerk seasoning. BTW, Penzey’s spices are one of my favorites!
Liren replied: — July 1st, 2010 @ 10:07 pm
So cool to know that you like Penzey’s. I had never ever heard of them till now! Tried another one of their grill blends on some pork chops tonight, and it was wonderful!
Mmm. Sounds tasty – I luv potatoes in any way, shape or form and fries will truly be the end of me! Sounds great w/the jerk seasoning.
Liren replied: — July 1st, 2010 @ 10:07 pm
Cristina, you and I would be good eating buds. I love potatoes, too, perhaps a little too much.
OMG I LOVE LOVE this! I wrote a short article http://www.examiner.com/x-54937-Provo-Ethnic-Foods-Examiner~y2010m6d30-Ethnic-Burgers that included some Jerk burgers and this would go so well with it.So simple, but a great idea.
Thanks for sharing!
Liren replied: — July 1st, 2010 @ 10:08 pm
Ana, how very cool! This would definitely go well with your Jerk burgers!
These look really great, what a nice twist on something already so simple and good. I’ve taken to baking oven fries on a preheated cookie sheet to achieve that perfect crisp, and maybe using your seasoning ideas will kick them up another notch. I’m so hungry!! It’s so nice to see a good post on real food, because there’s no way I can survive on cookie alone.
- Lauren, Lauren’s Little Kitchen
Liren replied: — July 1st, 2010 @ 10:09 pm
Hi Lauren! You’re right, one can’t live on cookies alone (as much as I wish), and this is one of those simple things that round out a meal very nicely. Great idea on preparing it in the oven – I’ll try that come winter! What temperature do you use?
I make something similar and sprinkle with equal parts chilli powder, cumin powder and coriander powder and serve with sour cream or yoghurt
Liren replied: — July 1st, 2010 @ 10:09 pm
Our that sounds so good!
Yum! The jerk seasoning would add the perfect kick to these. What a great, and simple idea. Thanks for sharing :)
Liren replied: — July 1st, 2010 @ 10:10 pm
Glad you like it! It was so simple, I almost didn’t post it, but it was so yummy, I had to. I’m glad I did.
Very nice! I love different flavored fries and grilled jerk fries sound delicious!
Liren replied: — July 1st, 2010 @ 10:10 pm
Thanks, Judy! It’s fun to play around with these – there are so many different ways to flavor them!
I live in an apartmetn and hardly get to grill. These sound delish. I usually do mine in the oven, Have a Happy 4th.
Liren replied: — July 5th, 2010 @ 9:29 pm
Hope you had a happy 4th, Norma! These fries can be done in the oven or under a broiler as well!!
Short, sweet, simple and stupendous! Nothing comes between me and my carbs LOL I figure I’m good as long as I don’t throw it into a deep fryer too ;)
Hope you have a fabulous 4th of July :)
Liren replied: — July 5th, 2010 @ 9:31 pm
Thanks for the Happy 4th wishes! And I agree, I can’t ever give up my carbs. If it means extra exercise, so be it.
Looks great!
Liren replied: — July 5th, 2010 @ 9:34 pm
Thanks!
BRILLIANT! I totally want to try these! Will have to check out that store. Hopefully they ship to Canada. I’m finding lots of stores online that simply won’t ship to the great white north. It’s extremely frustrating.
Liren replied: — July 15th, 2010 @ 7:05 pm
I’m sure they’ll ship up to Canada! If not, just make your own jerk blend!!!
As Jamaicans, we endorse this as a truly fresh idea! Lovely! Will bookmark!