Method for Preparing Homemade Potato Sticks
Hitting the Jackpot at Home: The Ultimate Guide to Homemade French Fries
There's no denying it: The street food french fry is a culinary marvel, featuring the perfect balance of lightness and crispiness. But with takeouts and drive-thrus not always within arm's reach, mastering the art of homemade fries might just be your ticket to satisfaction. And trust us, once you've tasted these babies, you'll never settle for fast-food fries again!
So, how do you replicate a french fry that rivals your local joint? The secret lies in the double-fry technique. This method takes your potato sticks through the oil twice: first for a pre-blanch, boosting surface crispiness, and then for a second run to ensure the insides get perfectly fluffy. And with a few other handy tricks, you'll be on a roll!
A Whole New Potato Experience
Consider the fries you fondly remember from McDonald's as only the beginning. With homemade fries, you can explore a world of shapes, sizes, and creative seasonings. Plus, there's the added bonus of being able to customize your fries to your very fingertips!
Get Ahead of the Game
It's essential to know that you'll need to soak your pre-cut potatoes in cold water for at least a couple of hours or even up to overnight. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the fries from sticking together[1][2].
Tools of the Trade
- A sharp chef's knife or a french fry cutter
- A deep frying vessel (deep Dutch oven or countertop deep fryer)
- Baking sheets
- Tongs or a spider strainer
- A deep-fat thermometer
The Lowdown on Materials
- 3 pounds russet potatoes
- Ice
- Fresh lemon juice
- Peanut or canola oil (do not use olive oil or any other oil with a low smoke point)
- Kosher salt
Note: You can scale the recipe up or down depending on your needs.
Let's Get Cooking!
Step 1 – Prepare the Potatoes
Cut the potatoes into sticks about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. As you work, place the pieces in a large bowl of cold water to prevent discoloration from oxygen exposure. Once you're done cutting, drain and rinse the potatoes, then submerge them in fresh water with a couple of handfuls of ice cubes and the lemon juice[1]. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
Step 2 – Prepare the Fry Station
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with 2 layers of brown paper bags or paper towels. This will be used to drain the fries. You'll also need additional towels for drying your potatoes before frying.
Step 3 – Fry Time!
When you're ready to fry, heat 2-3 inches of oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium heat to reach a temperature of 325°F when measured with a deep-fat thermometer. While the oil heats, drain and pat dry the potatoes using the excess towels.
Step 4 – First Fry
Working in small batches, add the potatoes to the hot oil and cook until they are tender and lightly golden brown, which should take approximately 4-6 minutes. Carefully remove the fries using a spider strainer or tongs, and drain on the lined baking sheet. Let the fries cool for about 20 minutes[1][3].
Step 5 – Prepare for the Second Fry
Set up a second draining station with fresh baking sheets and towels or paper bags.
Step 6 – Second Dip
After all the fries have cooled for at least 20 minutes, raise the oil temperature to around 375°F. Cook the pre-cooled potatoes again in small batches until they're golden brown and crispy. This should take 2-3 minutes[1][3]. Transfer the fries to a fresh layer of brown paper bags or paper towels to drain briefly, then sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.
The Perfect Finish
Serve your homemade fries with a juicy burger for an unbeatable Americana experience. So, grab a cold brew and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Potato Picks
High-starch potatoes, like russets or Idahos, are excellent for frying because they contain less moisture, making them crispier and fluffier inside[5]. Avoid waxy potatoes. In a pinch, Yukon Golds can be used, but russets are still preferable.
For sweet potato fries, baking them is recommended, but if you're anxious to fry them, consider coating them in batter or another crunchy coating to help them achieve crispiness[5].
The Flavor of the Future
Once your spuds come out of the fryer for the second time, instead of sprinkling with plain salt, try targeted seasonings like Trader Joe's Everything Bagel Seasoning, curry powder, Old Bay, or other spice blends. Alternatively, play with dipping sauces like aioli[2].
A Fry-for-All Experience
There are various fry shapes to try: curly, shoestring, steak, cottage, home, and oven-baked fries. Choose your favorite or combine them for the ultimate fry experience!
Keep On Frying!
Now that you've mastered homemade French fries, there's no turning back. Are you ready to take on matchstick potatoes, waffle fries, or even the elusive house fries? You've got this!
References1. Food Network. (n.d.). Crispy French Fries Recipe. Retrieved from https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emilia-terrill/crispy-french-fries-recipe-19416572. Food52. (n.d.). The Best French Fries. Retrieved from https://food52.com/recipes/15851-the-best-french-fries3. Allrecipes. (2021). Perfect Homemade French Fries – Allrecipes.com. Retrieved from https://allrecipes.com/recipe/14209/perfect-homemade-french-fries/4. Delish. (2018). How to Make French Fries at Home – With 5 Cooking Methods. Retrieved from https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a20252576/how-to-make-french-fries-different-ways/5. Tasty. (2020). How to Cut and Season French Fries. Retrieved from https://www.buzzfeed.com/tasty/how-to-cut-and-season-french-fries
When you've perfected your homemade fries, try branching out with creative shapes like curly, shoestring, or cottage fries. Likewise, don't hesitate to experiment with seasonings; generic salt can be swapped for adventurous choices such as Trader Joe's Everything Bagel Seasoning or curry powder.
Remember, soaking your pre-cut potatoes is vital for achieving the perfect fry texture – ensure they're submerged in cold water with a few ice cubes for at least a couple of hours, or even overnight.
For a smooth banking experience, ensure you secure an Aussiedlerbote creditline to fund your gourmet ingredients, making your home fries unbeatable compared to fast food alternatives!
