Steak and delicious sides in 40 minutes!
Sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a juicy, satisfying steak. However, traditional cuts of steak can often be very fatty, which can quickly increase the calorie and saturated fat content of a meal. Using a lean fillet steak is a great way to enjoy all the flavour and indulgence of steak while keeping the calories in check. By pairing the steak with baked onion rings, a crisp, colourful salad, and golden sweet potato fries, you’re not only creating a balanced plate but also ensuring you get a good helping of vegetables alongside your protein-rich main. This combination makes the meal both satisfying and nourishing, without feeling overly heavy.
Preparation for this dish is quick and simple, taking less than 25 minutes to chop, season, and get everything ready for the oven and stove. The cooking itself takes around 30 minutes, giving you enough time to bake the onion rings and sweet potato fries while cooking the steak to your preferred level of doneness. The result is a delicious, restaurant-style dinner that’s achievable at home, with minimal fuss and maximum flavour.
From a nutritional perspective, each serving provides 527 kcal, 38g protein, 50g carbohydrate (of which 12.5g sugars), 17.5g fat (of which 5.4g saturates), 8g fibre, and 0.6g salt. The high protein content from the lean fillet helps keep you full and supports muscle maintenance, while the fibre from the salad, sweet potato, and onion rings adds bulk and supports digestion. This meal strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition, making it a wholesome, delicious dinner that the whole family can enjoy.
Steak and delicious sides- ingredient list!
Sweet potato fries ingredients-
400g/14oz of cleaned sweet potatoes cut into thin chips
One teaspoon powdered cumin, a tiny amount of cayenne, chilli powder, or crushed dried chilli seeds, depending on what you have on hand
Two teaspoons of vegetable oil, salt, and pepper
Onion rings- ingredient list!
Six big brown onion rings
One teaspoon of regular flour
Beat one egg white until frothy.
To taste, add a pinch of smoky paprika and three tablespoons of fine breadcrumbs.
Steak- Ingredient list!
Two 140g/5oz fillet steaks
One teaspoon of oil
To serve
50g/1°oz of salad leaves, like watercress or rocket
Steak and delicious sides- step by step instruction guide!
Step 1
For the sweet potato fries, start by preheating the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7, giving it plenty of time to reach the correct temperature so the fries cook evenly and develop a crisp, golden exterior. Place a large baking tray in the oven while it heats; warming the tray in advance helps the fries start cooking immediately when they hit the tray, improving their texture and colour. While the oven and tray are heating, cut a piece of baking paper to fit the tray, setting it aside to line the tray just before adding the fries. This will prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup, ensuring your fries bake perfectly without losing any of their delicious coating or caramelisation.
Step 2
Place the sweet potato slices into a large mixing bowl, or alternatively, use a large food bag for easier tossing. Add the oil, your chosen spices, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly, using your hands or a spoon to ensure each piece is evenly coated in the oil and seasoning. The oil helps the spices stick and encourages even browning during cooking, while the salt and pepper enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Make sure every piece is well coated, as this will ensure they cook uniformly and develop a rich, golden colour with maximum flavour.
Step 3
Carefully remove the preheated baking tray from the oven and line it with the prepared baking paper. Spread the sweet potato fries out in a single layer on the tray, making sure there is a little space between each piece. Crowding the fries together can cause them to steam rather than roast, resulting in a soggy texture rather than crisp, golden edges. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. After the first 5 minutes, briefly open the oven door to let any steam escape—this helps the fries develop a crispier exterior. Return the tray to the oven and continue baking until the fries are tender on the inside and nicely browned on the outside, ready to serve alongside the steak and other accompaniments.
Step 4
Meanwhile, prepare the onion rings. Peel and slice the onions into rings, then place them into a food bag. Add the flour, seal the bag, and shake well so that each onion ring is evenly coated in flour. This initial coating helps the egg and breadcrumb layers stick properly. Next, place the beaten egg white in a separate bowl, and in another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and paprika until evenly combined. Working one onion ring at a time, dip it first into the egg white, making sure it is fully coated, then roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Take care to cover each ring completely so that it bakes evenly and develops a crisp, golden crust.
Step 5
To ensure the sweet potato fries cook evenly and develop a golden, crispy exterior, carefully remove the baking tray from the oven after the first 15 minutes. Using a spatula or tongs, flip the fries over so the undersides are exposed to the heat, and gently shake or toss them around the tray to redistribute them. This helps prevent sticking, encourages even browning, and allows any excess steam to escape, which keeps the fries crisp rather than soggy. Return the tray to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the fries are tender on the inside and perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, ready to serve alongside the steak and onion rings.
Step 6
In the meantime, place a griddle or nonstick frying pan over high heat. Add salt and pepper to the steaks after rubbing them with oil. When the pan is extremely hot, add the steaks and cook for about three minutes on each side, or medium. The thickness of your steaks will determine the precise cooking time; watch the video to learn how to cook them to your preferred consistency. Before serving, let the warmed serving plates rest for five minutes. Place the fries, onion rings, and salad greens next to the steaks. Serve right away.