Fries are one of the most popular side dishes in the world. They can be served with just about anything and are always a hit. But what exactly are fries? Fries are simply potatoes cut into thin strips and then deep-fried. They can be either fresh or frozen, and they're usually served with a dipping sauce. So the next time you're looking for a delicious side dish, be sure to try some fries. They're sure to please everyone at the table!
Fries come in all shapes and sizes, but which fry is right for you? This comprehensive guide will break down the different types of fries and help you choose the perfect one for your next meal. From thin and crispy to thick and fluffy, there's a fry out there for everyone. So, grab a bag of your favorite type of potato, and let's get started!
Fry Cuts
There are a few things you need to know when it comes to French fries - there are four main cuts: shoestring, steak cut, crinkle cut, and waffle cut. Each cut has its own unique flavor and texture. No matter which cut you choose, always pair it with your favorite dipping sauce.
Batonnet
The batonnet cut is a type of cut used for vegetables. It is named after the baton, a type of French stick. The baton is cut into thin slices, then those slices are cut into thin strips, and finally, those strips are cut into small dice. This cut is often used for carrots, celery, and other vegetables that will be cooked for a long time.
Crinkle-Cut
If you're looking for a way to add some extra flair to your food, then look no further than Crinkle-Cut! This unique cutting style is perfect for adding a bit of personality to your dishes. Whether you're chopping up vegetables for a stir-fry or slicing up fruit for a salad, Crinkle-Cut will add some fun to your meal. So next time you're in the kitchen, don't be afraid to get a little creative with your cutting style. Crinkle-Cut is here to help you add some personality to your food.
Julienne
The Julienne Cut is a type of food preparation where the food is cut into thin strips. This is usually done with vegetables but can also be done with meat or fish. The Julienne Cut is named after the French chef, Jean-Louis François Pierre Gérin-Lajoie, who invented the cut in the 19th century. The Julienne Cut is sometimes called the "matchstick cut," because the thin food strips look like matchsticks.
The Julienne cut is often used in stir-fries, soups, and salads. It is also a popular way to garnish food. Julienne-cut vegetables are often used as a decoration on top of dishes, such as pasta or rice.
Round Cut
The round cut of fries is the perfect way to enjoy your french fries. They are perfectly shaped to fit in your mouth and have a delicious flavor that will leave you wanting more. With a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, these fries will be a hit with everyone.
The Waffle
The waffle cut fry is the best thing to happen to French fries. They are thick, crispy, and the perfect size for dipping in ketchup or your favorite sauce. Plus, they have those little ridges that make them even more delicious. I could eat a whole plate of them myself. If you haven't tried them yet, you're missing out. But trust me, once you do, you'll be hooked.
The Wedge
A wedge cut is a perfect way to eat your potatoes. There is no need to waste time peeling or chopping them. Just slice them into wedges, and deep fry them. You can even add some cheese or sour cream for extra deliciousness. So, instead of boring old potato chips, why not try wedge cut fries?
Fry Styles
Fries are a type of food typically made from potatoes that have been cut into small strips and fried in oil. There are many different styles of fries, including shoestring, steak, waffle, and crinkle-cut. While fries are often served as a side dish, they can also be a meal in themselves when topped with things like chili, cheese, or gravy.
Bistro or Euro Fries
Bistro or Euro fries are a type of potato fry that is usually thicker and longer than regular fries. They are popular in Europe and are often served with dipping sauces. Bistro fries are the perfect way to add some extra flavor to your meal. They are crispy and full of flavor and can be enjoyed with various dipping sauces.
Whether you're looking for a side dish to accompany your burger or simply want to snack on something delicious, bistro fries are a great option. Since they're usually served in smaller portions, they're perfect for sharing. So go ahead and order a few extras because chances are you're going to want to try them all.
Boardwalk Fries
Move over, regular fries! There's a new fry in town, and it's called Boardwalk Fries! These delicious fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and they're perfect for dipping in ketchup or your favorite sauce. The best part about boardwalk fries is that they're made with 100% real potatoes, so you know they're a healthier option than regular fries.
Plus, they're baked, not fried, so you can feel good about eating them. So next time you're at the beach or the boardwalk and in the mood for some fries, try Boardwalk Fries.
Carne Asada Fries
Carne asada fries are the perfect marriage of two of your favorite things- French fries and steak. This dish is sure to please any meat lover, and with its savory, slightly spicy flavors, it's no wonder it has become a fan favorite. The key to making this dish is getting the perfect sear on the steak.
Season the meat with salt, pepper, and a little bit of chili powder, then cook it on a hot grill or in a cast-iron skillet until it's nice and browned on the outside but still pink in the center. Then, chop it up into bite-sized pieces and add it to a plate of crispy French fries.
You can top your carne asada fries with a dollop of guacamole, some sour cream, or even some salsa for an extra bit of flavor. No matter how you eat them, they're sure to satisfy your hunger.
Chicken Fries
There's nothing quite like chicken fries when it comes to fast food. They're salty, greasy, and most importantly, delicious. However, as anyone who's ever eaten them knows, they're also incredibly messy.
Eating chicken fries is a messy affair and one that's not for the faint of heart. The grease and sauce will get everywhere - but it's all worth it for the taste of those crispy, juicy chicken fries. So next time you're in the mood for a fast food fix, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty with some chicken fries.
Chili Cheese Fries
Chili cheese fries are the perfect comfort food. They're salty, cheesy, and full of chili goodness. Plus, they're easy to eat on the go. What's not to love? Sure, some people might say they're unhealthy, but let's be honest, we all know those people are just jealous of their deliciousness.
Chips
Chips are essentially fries that have been sliced extremely thin and cooked entirely to a crisp. They are the perfect snack for those who want all the flavor of fries without all the hassle of chewing.
Chips are the perfect food for those who love the taste of fried potatoes but don't want to deal with all that pesky chewing. With chips, you can get all the flavor of fries without any of the work. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the deliciousness of crispy, thin-sliced potatoes.
Cottage Fries
Cottage fries are a type of potato dish popular in many parts of the world. The dish is made by frying potatoes in a small amount of oil and then adding a variety of seasonings to taste. Cottage fries are usually served as a side dish but can also be a meal in themselves. There's nothing like a big plate of cottage fries to hit the spot. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are sure to please. But watch out, they can be addictive! Cottage fries are the perfect comfort food.
Curly Fries
Curly fries are the perfect food—they're salty, crunchy, and hilarious to look at. Plus, they're the ideal size for sharing (or not). Whether you're dipping them in ketchup or eating them solo, curly fries are always a good idea. So next time you're feeling hungry, ditch the regular fries and go for the curly ones—your taste buds will thank you.
Disco Fries
Disco Fries are the perfect food for when you're feeling groovy and need a little pick-me-up. These deep-fried potato wedges are covered in a savory, cheesy sauce and served with a side of ranch dressing for dipping. They're perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a solo snack. So get your groove on and order some Disco Fries today!
Home Fries
Home fries are a classic American side dish, typically potatoes fried in a pan with some butter, onions, and spices. They are the perfect accompaniment to any lunch and can even be enjoyed as a snack or light meal on their own. So go ahead and give them a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Newfie Fries
Newfie fries are a type of French fry popular in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. They are typically made from russet potatoes and are double-fried, meaning that they are fried twice. This results in a crispy outer layer and a soft, fluffy inside. Newfie Fries are often served with vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Newfie fries are a popular choice for a side dish or snack and can be found at many restaurants and fast-food chains in Newfoundland and Labrador. They are also a popular choice for home cooks, as they are relatively easy to make. If you are looking for a delicious and satisfying way to change up your French fry game, give newfie fries a try!
Patatje Oorlog
Patatje Oorlog is a dish that originated in the Netherlands during the Vietnam War. The dish consists of potatoes, mayonnaise, and peanut sauce. The dish gets its name from the war, as "oorlog" means "war" in Dutch. The dish is popular street food in the Netherlands and is often served as a snack or side dish. Patatje Oorlog is a simple dish that is easy to make and very tasty.
Poutine
Poutine is a dish that originated in the Canadian province of Quebec. It is typically made with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Poutine has become a popular dish in Canada and is often served as a fast food item. Poutine is usually made with fresh, hand-cut French fries. The fries are then covered with cheese curds and gravy.
Poutine can be made with different types of gravy, but the most common type is made with beef or chicken stock. Poutine is a dish that many people across Canada enjoy.
Seasoned Fries
Seasoned fries are a type of fry that is typically covered in various seasonings. These seasonings can range from simple salt and pepper to more complex mixes, including herbs, spices, and cheeses. Seasoned fries are a popular food item at many restaurants and are often served as a side dish.
One of the reasons why seasoned fries are so popular is that they offer a lot of flavor in each bite. This is in contrast to traditional French fries, which can sometimes be bland. Seasoned fries can also be an excellent way to add extra flavor to a meal. If you're looking to try something new, seasoned fries are worth trying. They can be a great way to spice up your usual routine.
Shoestring Fries
Shoestring fries are a type of French fry that is very thin and crispy. They are usually made from potatoes that have been peeled and thinly sliced. Shoestring fries are popular in many restaurants and are often served with dipping sauces.
Shoestring fries are a popular choice for many people because they are very crispy and have a lot of flavor. They can be a great side dish or a main course, depending on how they are prepared. When shoestring fries are served with dipping sauces, they can be a great appetizer or a main dish.
Side-Winding Fries
Side-Winding fries are a type of French fry that is cut into a spiral shape. They are usually served with a dipping sauce or ketchup. Side-winding fries are a popular appetizer or side dish at many restaurants. They can also be made at home with a spiral cutter.
Side-winding fries are a fun and delicious way to enjoy French fries. Their spiral shape makes them perfect for dipping, and they are also a great conversation starter. If you're looking for a new and interesting way to enjoy French fries, try Side-Winding fries.
Steak Fries
Steak fries are a delicious and hearty option when it comes to French fries. They are cut from russet potatoes, which give them a signature fluffy texture that is perfect for dipping in ketchup or your favorite sauce. Steak fries are a great option for a side dish or a tasty snack and will please everyone at the table.
These hearty fries are a great addition to any meal, and their thick cut means they can stand up to even the most robust appetites.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet Potato Fries are a type of fried food made from sweet potatoes. They are usually cut into thin strips and then fried in oil. Sweet Potato Fries are a popular dish in many parts of the world and are often served as a side dish or snack as they are tasty and easy to make. They can be made in various ways, including baked, fried, or roasted. Sweet Potato Fries are a good source of vitamin A and are low in calories.
Tornado Fries
Tornado fries are a type of spiral cut fry. They are cut from whole potatoes into long, thin spirals. This allows more surface area to be exposed to the heat, resulting in a crispier fry. They are then deep-fried until they are crisp. Tornado fries can be served with various dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce.
Spiral cut fries have become increasingly popular in recent years. They offer more fun and exciting way to eat French fries. Tornado fries are an excellent option for those who want to try something new, and they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Tater Tots
Tater tots are small, bite-sized pieces of shredded potato that are fried and served as a side dish or snack. They are a popular food item in the United States and are often filled with dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce. Tater tots can also be added to casseroles or used as a topping for salads.
How to Make the Perfect French Fries
French fries are everyone's favorite side dish, but there's more to them than meets the eye. Most people don't know that potatoes should be peeled before they're cooked in order to get crispy French fries or that the cooking time depends on the size of the cut pieces. If you want to make perfect French fries every time, follow these steps!
Which fries do you like?
It all starts with what you like. If you love them skinny and crispy, you'll have a completely different cooking method than someone who wants something plump and soft on the inside with a crunchy exterior.
So, to begin, think about how you like your fries! Do you want curly or straight ones? If straight is your thing, you need to decide if they should be wide-cut or thin cut — there is no correct answer; it's just personal preference.
The best way to cut potatoes
It's always best to start with a cold, sharp knife. Peel each potato, and then cut it into evenly sized sticks (French fry-like). Drop them into cold water as you work. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
When the oil is hot enough that a piece of potato dropped in sizzles on contact, put several handfuls of potatoes into the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, gently shaking or stirring every couple of minutes to cook evenly.
Cutting them evenly
Don't just hold a pair of kitchen shears at an angle and go at it. Instead, measure how long your fries are before you cut them; that way, they'll all be even after they're all done.
If you don't have a handy ruler, use something else around your house—like a book or DVD case—to get an idea of how long each fry should be. And if you want to avoid cutting altogether, buy pre-cut frozen fries (or fresh ones if in season) instead!
Shake and bake
If you're impatient (like we are) or don't want your whole house to smell like fryer oil, skip the frying and bake them in a 400°F (205°C) oven for 10 minutes. If you want your fries extra crispy, add them toward the end of cooking when you pop in a few new potatoes. We think it's better not to cut your potatoes at all because it allows them to get extra crispy.
Parboiling them (optional)
Parboiling your potatoes before frying improves their texture and taste. It's a straightforward process. Start by filling a large pot with water. Seasoned cooks know that salting your water makes for better-tasting fries, so do it!
Bring to a boil, then add peeled potato chunks (just cut off both ends and drop them in). Cook until you can pierce them easily with a fork. Time will vary depending on their size, but between 5-10 minutes is right for most potatoes.
Frying Them Right
While there's nothing wrong with deep-frying your fries, doing so frequently can lead to a bad case of heart disease or obesity. It's best to grill your potato wedges over an open flame. The result is crisper potatoes that have fewer calories.
Keep in mind that you should use olive oil for frying instead of vegetable oil; it contains oleic acid, which increases HDL cholesterol and reduces LDL cholesterol levels, thus cutting down on your risk of cardiovascular disease.
That golden color, yum!
The key to an excellent French fry is simple: high heat and constant agitation. If you don't agitate them—with continuous stirring, tossing, or turning—the outer parts of your fries will get dark before all sides are cooked through.
Don't throw those darkened potatoes away (it's okay if there are some burnt spots)! Toss them into a soup or stew for added flavor and texture.
Salt? Mayo? Ketchup? Chutney? Sauces?
When dipping your French fries, what are you dipping them in? Mayo? Ketchup? Other condiments and sauces such as mayonnaise or mustard will add additional calories. If you're watching your weight, stick with a few simple spices and a sprinkle of salt.
Better yet, enjoy your French fries plain! When it comes to French fry toppings, plain always beats better. There is nothing better than naked (or not) French fries!
5 Cooking Hacks to Make Your French Fries Crispy
Fries are one of those foods that don't seem too hard to make—just cut up some potatoes, boil them, and fry them. But in reality, it takes a little finesse to get that crispy outside and fluffy inside that we all crave. Here are five hacks for getting it right every time.
Pre-soak
Before you even start cutting your potatoes, give them a good soak in cold water for at least an hour before cooking. The moisture will help loosen any starch from their surfaces, which will make your final product much crispier.
Make a lengthwise cut
It may be more convenient to slice your spuds into fries horizontally (think shoestring or steak-cut), but if you want super-crispy French fries, go with vertical cuts instead. The longer a fry sits in boiling oil, the crispier it will get—so by cutting them lengthwise, you'll have shorter fries that cook faster and come out crispier.
Shave ’em down to size
If you cut your potatoes very thinly, they'll cook through much faster than thick-cut ones, which means less time for them to absorb oil and become soggy. For best results, use a mandolin slicer set on its thinnest setting; an easy way to do so is by slicing from top to bottom rather than side to side.
Freeze ‘em first
Soaking in cold water will loosen up any excess starch that could lead to sogginess later. Still, if you want super-crispy fries that are also super light inside, there's one more step to take before cooking.
Let your cut potatoes sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes until completely dry—then put them in the freezer for about 20 minutes before frying. The freezing process will cause their cells to burst and release moisture; after thawing, they'll expand back into their original shape and form a nice crust when fried.
Fry in oil with a high smoke point
Not all oils are created equal when it comes to frying food. Some have low smoke points (meaning they start smoking and breaking down at relatively low temperatures), leaving your fries tasting burnt or even rotten. Use an oil with a high smoke point (like peanut or safflower) that doesn't leave any bad taste for the best results.
Closing Notes
French fries are a favorite with everyone, whether at home or in a restaurant. However, French fries don't have to come from fast food places. Anyone can make them at home by following some simple steps.
The most important thing when making French fries is the frying oil—it should be deep enough, and you need to maintain its temperature using an electric fryer (if you're using oil, of course, to boil, you just need water!). If you follow these instructions and tips carefully, you will have tasty homemade French fries every time.
