Spice-Rubbed Steak with Quick Garlic Fries

Ingredients

• 1 lb fries frozen french
• 2 large garlic clove thinly sliced lengthwise
• 3.1 teaspoons big daddy's taco rub for beef
• 3 cups vegetable oil 

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• paper towels
• oven
• pot
• kitchen thermometer
• slotted spoon
• tongs
• cutting board

Directions

1. Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Heat 1 inch oil in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot over high heat until it registers 375°F on thermometer.
3. While oil heats, pat steaks dry, then rub all over with spice rub (and salt if necessary).
4. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch ovenproof heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sear steaks, turning over once with tongs, until well browned, about 5 minutes total.
5. Transfer skillet to oven and roast 10 minutes for medium-rare.
6. Check oil while searing steaks, and when it registers 375°F, begin frying french fries in 2 batches (add fries carefully; they may have ice crystals, which could cause spattering), stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes per batch.
7. Transfer fries with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and season with salt and pepper while hot. Return oil to 375°F between batches.
8. Turn off heat under pot, then add garlic and fry until pale golden, 30 seconds to 1 minute, and transfer with slotted spoon to paper towels. Toss fries with garlic in a large bowl.
9. Transfer steak to a cutting board and let stand 5 minutes. Slice steak and serve with fries.