Homemade French Fries
4 servings Forget those pale, limp fries you get at the drive-thru. It's time to elevate your fry game and experience the crispy, golden perfection of homemade French fries! This recipe will guide you through a simple, two-step frying process that guarantees incredible results. With just a little bit of time and the right technique, you'll be serving up fries that are worthy of a Michelin-starred burger (or, you know, just a really delicious Tuesday night dinner). Read more This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize your fries to your exact preference. Choose your ideal thickness, from shoestring-thin crisps to thick-cut steak fries with fluffy interiors. We'll even give you insider tips on how to achieve that perfect golden color and satisfying crunch.So grab some Russet potatoes (or your favorite variety), put on your chef's hat, and get ready to unlock the secrets to French fry nirvana! This is the only French fry recipe you'll ever need. Read less x saved Tom the Chef Founder October 31, 2024 30 min.3 h 30m2/5 30 min. 3 h 30m 2/5 Directions: 1. Preparation of Homemade French Fries: Start preparing Homemade French Fries by preparing the potatoes. 1.1. Briefly rinse potatoes under cold water. 1.2. Cut off the ends of the potatoes (about ¾ inch) and peel (or leave the skin on if you are looking for a more rustic look). 1.3. Cut potatoes into fries and try to reach an even thickness (for a more even fry). A. Thin fries with a thickness of about ¼” will be crispy all the way through. B. Regular fries with a thickness of about 3/8″ will be crispy and have a little bit of a creamy part in the middle. C. Steak fries with a thickness of ½” or more will have a crispy outside and a decent amount of creaminess inside. 1.4. Place cut fries into a medium bowl with cold water, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest in the refrigerator at least 3 hours, preferably overnight (to reduce the starch and reach perfect results). Important Step for Preparation of Homemade French Fries: The key to crispy fries is a two-step frying process. For each step, make it in batches to prevent an unwanted decrease in the oil’s temperature. The number of batches depends on the size of your deep fryer or pot. Splitting into 2 batches should be adequate for a large or medium fryer, 3 – 4 for a small fryer. The key to crispy fries is a two-step frying process. For each step, make it in batches to prevent an unwanted decrease in the oil’s temperature. The number of batches depends on the size of your deep fryer or pot. Splitting into 2 batches should be adequate for a large or medium fryer, 3 – 4 for a small fryer. 2. 1st Deep Frying: 2.1. Drain the water from your fries and dry them on a kitchen towel. Then let them dry on another dry kitchen towel while proceeding with the next step. 2.2. Preheat oil to 300°F. 2.3. Then fry the fries until they are close to being cooked (they look almost edible but still a little pale): about 2 minutes for thin fries 2 – 3 minutes for regular fries 4 or more minutes for steak fries about 2 minutes for thin fries 2 – 3 minutes for regular fries 4 or more minutes for steak fries Tip: To ensure this step is complete, remove one fry and cut it with a knife. If the knife goes through easily – like through cooked potatoes, you can remove the fries from the cooling rack to rest (for at least 10 minutes at room temperature). 3. 2nd Deep Frying: 3.1. Increase the oil temperature to 370°F. 3.2. When the temperature is reached, carefully place fries into the frier (be extra careful now as they are more fragile than before the first step). 3.3. Fry until a golden color is reached: 1 – 3 minutes for thin 2 – 4 minutes for regular fries 3 or more minutes for steak fries 1 – 3 minutes for thin 2 – 4 minutes for regular fries 3 or more minutes for steak fries 3.4. Place fries on a cooling rack or paper towel for one minute to reduce excessive fat. 4. Serving Homemade French Fries: 4.1. Then place them into a large bowl, generously salt and pepper, and thoroughly (but gently) mix together (preferably by shaking the bowl). 4.2. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. History of French Fries The Humble Spud’s Rise to Fame: Unraveling the History of the French Fry The French fry. That golden, crispy delight that accompanies countless meals around the world. But have you ever stopped to think about where this beloved food came from? The truth is, its history is a bit of a delicious mystery, full of twists, turns, and competing claims. French Fries: A Tale of Two Countries While its name might suggest a Parisian bistro, the origins of the French fry are actually a bit murky. Both Belgium and France lay claim to inventing this culinary treasure, each with their own compelling story. Belgium’s Claim to Fame One legend takes us to the Meuse Valley in Belgium centuries ago. Villagers there were known for frying up the small fish they caught in the Meuse River. But when the river froze over in winter, they needed a new source of fried goodness. Resourceful as they were, they turned to potatoes, slicing them into thin, fish-like shapes and frying them to a golden crisp. While this tale is quite charming, there’s not much hard evidence to back it up. France Enters the Fray Meanwhile, across the border in France, street vendors were already selling fried potatoes in the bustling streets of Paris around the same time. And if you look back even further, you’ll find that Thomas Jefferson, during his time in France, developed a fondness for “potatoes served in the French manner.” He even brought the recipe back to America with him! The Mystery of the Name So, why are they called “French fries” if their origins are so uncertain? Well, that’s another piece of the puzzle. One theory suggests that American soldiers stationed in Belgium during World War I encountered these fried potatoes. Hearing the locals speaking French, they naturally assumed the dish was French and the name stuck. Another possibility is that the term “Frenching” referred to a specific way of cutting vegetables into long strips, so “French fried potatoes” simply described how they were prepared. From Street Food to Global Phenomenon No matter where they truly originated, one thing is certain: French fries took the world by storm in the 20th century. The rise of fast food chains played a major role in their popularity. Suddenly, these crispy treats were readily available everywhere, becoming the ultimate side dish for burgers, sandwiches, and more. But it’s not just convenience that made French fries so popular. They’re incredibly versatile, pairing well with almost any cuisine. And let’s be honest, that combination of a fluffy inside and a crispy outside is simply irresistible! French Fries: A World of Flavor and Variety Today, the humble French fry has evolved into a culinary playground. Thick-cut, shoestring, curly, waffle, sweet potato – the variations are endless. And don’t forget the dipping sauces! From classic ketchup to fancy aioli, there’s a perfect pairing for every fry fan. French Fries: A Culinary Icon The French fry has truly become a global icon. It represents comfort, indulgence, and shared enjoyment. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, a side dish, or even a gourmet creation, the French fry continues to delight people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most satisfying, and its intriguing history reminds us that even the most familiar foods can have a surprising past. About the Author: Tom the ChefFounder # 1 120 Followers Published Recipes: 268Av. Recipe Evaluation: Location: Iowa, USAMember since: 2023-02-02 Published Recipes: 268 Av. Recipe Evaluation: Location: Iowa, USA Member since: 2023-02-02 Disclaimer All content and information (including recipes, articles, and other materials) on CookingHub.com are the opinions of the authors and are not intended to provide dietary, medical, legal, or political advice. Consult with a professional before deciding to follow these opinions. Authors and www.CookingHub.com (operated by CookingHub Foundation) are not responsible for any part of any possible outcome or its consequences, which include (but are not limited to): Any health risk related to the handling of food, food quality, and/or not following USDA recommendations (including minimum safe serving temperatures and other guidelines). Safety during preparation, including the handling of equipment and the equipment’s suitability for food preparation. Improper performance of cooking techniques. Sourcing of ingredients, providing tools, equipment, and anything else related to the preparation and consumption of the products of this recipe. Nutritional data and information and diet-related information (and their accuracy). It is important to consult with your medical provider to ensure that the diet you are considering is suitable for you and to verify the information provided before proceeding. The overall outcome of following recipes, including the look and taste of the final product. Possible errors in articles and recipes (including incorrectly or unclearly explained steps and directions). Typos. Any health risk related to the handling of food, food quality, and/or not following USDA recommendations (including minimum safe serving temperatures and other guidelines). Safety during preparation, including the handling of equipment and the equipment’s suitability for food preparation. Improper performance of cooking techniques. Sourcing of ingredients, providing tools, equipment, and anything else related to the preparation and consumption of the products of this recipe. Nutritional data and information and diet-related information (and their accuracy). It is important to consult with your medical provider to ensure that the diet you are considering is suitable for you and to verify the information provided before proceeding. The overall outcome of following recipes, including the look and taste of the final product. Possible errors in articles and recipes (including incorrectly or unclearly explained steps and directions). Typos. All readers (users and visitors of www.CookingHub.com) are responsible for evaluating the recipes and articles and making their own decisions about whether to follow the steps and recommendations. They must ensure that the ingredients and steps fit with their dietary restrictions and avoid preparation methods that could pose a health risk due to an unsuitable diet.