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…

Spicing up the Simple Things

Grilled Jamaican Jerk Steak FriesWhen 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.

Comments

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  1. Jenn [Defunkt Gourmet]

    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.

    Reply
    • Liren

      I’m sure they’ll ship up to Canada! If not, just make your own jerk blend!!!

      Reply
    • Liren

      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.

      Reply
  2. norma

    I live in an apartmetn and hardly get to grill. These sound delish. I usually do mine in the oven, Have a Happy 4th.

    Reply
    • Liren

      Hope you had a happy 4th, Norma! These fries can be done in the oven or under a broiler as well!!

      Reply
    • Liren

      Thanks, Judy! It’s fun to play around with these – there are so many different ways to flavor them!

      Reply
    • Liren

      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.

      Reply
  3. A Little Yumminess

    I make something similar and sprinkle with equal parts chilli powder, cumin powder and coriander powder and serve with sour cream or yoghurt

    Reply
  4. Lauren

    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

    Reply
    • Liren

      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?

      Reply
    • Liren

      Ana, how very cool! This would definitely go well with your Jerk burgers!

      Reply
  5. Cristina

    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.

    Reply
    • Liren

      Cristina, you and I would be good eating buds. I love potatoes, too, perhaps a little too much.

      Reply
  6. bunkycooks

    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!

    Reply
    • Liren

      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!

      Reply
    • Liren

      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!

      Reply
    • Liren

      I hate to admit that I could probably just make a meal of these fries. And thank you, Brian, for your wonderful support!

      Reply
  7. The Housewife

    The fries are great and I like that you grilled them instead of frying them… makes them seem that much less sinful! :)

    Reply
    • Liren

      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 :)

      Reply
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