“Old Bay” Grilled Steak Fries Recipe

Aromatic bay leaves and zesty paprika elevate these grilled steak fries to a seaside favorite you’ll always want at your next backyard barbecue. It’s delicious with juicy burgers, malt vinegar dip, creamy coleslaw, a cold glass of lemonade; in fact most things.

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“Old Bay” Grilled Steak Fries Recipe Ingredients

For the Spice Rub:

• 1 tablespoon ground bay leaves
• 2 1/2 teaspoons celery salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mace
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

For the Fries:

• 6 Idaho potatoes, scrubbed
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

How To Make “Old Bay” Grilled Steak Fries Recipe

1. Whisk the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine the bay leaves, celery salt, dry mustard, black and white peppers, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, ginger, paprika, red pepper flakes, mace, and cardamom. Stir everything together until the blend is uniform; this complex mixture is the key to achieving that authentic, savory-sweet aroma.
2. Par-boil the potatoes: Place your scrubbed Idaho potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add the tablespoon of salt and bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes until they are tender but still firm to the touch; you want them partially cooked so they don’t fall apart on the grill.
3. Cool and slice: Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool until they are safe to handle. Cut each potato lengthwise into 8 thick wedges, ensuring they are even in size so they cook at the same rate.
4. Prep the grill: Preheat your grill to a high heat setting. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
5. Season and sear: Brush the potato wedges generously with the vegetable oil, then season them liberally with your prepared “Old Bay-style” spice rub. Place the wedges directly onto the hot grill grates.
6. Grill to golden: Cook the fries for 3 to 5 minutes per side, turning them once, until they are beautifully golden brown, have clear grill marks, and are cooked through. Serve them piping hot while they are at their crispiest.

Recipe Tips

• Why start with cold water: Starting potatoes in cold water ensures they cook evenly from the center out. If you drop them into boiling water, the outside can become mushy before the inside is tender.
• How to get the best crunch: Don’t skip the oil! The oil not only helps the spices stick but also creates a “fried” texture on the grill grates.
• Why the rub is complex: “Old Bay” is famous for its layered flavor. The nutmeg and cloves add a subtle warmth that balances the sharp mustard and savory celery salt.
• Best potato choice: Idaho (Russet) potatoes are best for steak fries because of their high starch content, which results in a fluffy interior and a crisp exterior.

What To Serve With “Old Bay” Grilled Steak Fries Recipe?

This “Old Bay” Grilled Steak Fries Recipe is a bold, aromatic side that needs a classic summer pairing! A Juicy Cheeseburger or a Lobster Roll is the traditional choice for a full seaside feast. For a lighter touch, a side of Creamy Malt Vinegar Dip or Garlic Aioli adds a lovely tang that pairs perfectly with the spiced potatoes! A cold Glass of Lemonade or a Crisp Lager pairs wonderfully with the savory, peppery rub.

How To Store “Old Bay” Grilled Steak Fries Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftover grilled fries in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To restore the crunch, reheat the fries in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4 to 5 minutes. The microwave will make them soft and mealy.
• Freezing: You can freeze the grilled fries for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven or air fryer until they are crispy again.

“Old Bay” Grilled Steak Fries Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 210 kcal (per serving)
• Total Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 840 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Protein: 4 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

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