Perfect Crispy French Fries with Vinegar Soak
For perfectly crispy French fries, the vinegar soak helps remove excess starch, which gives them that golden, crunchy texture. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes (ideal for fries)
- 4 cups cold water (for soaking)
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (for soaking)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt (for seasoning)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes if desired (you can also leave the skin on for rustic fries).
- Cut the potatoes into even strips, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
2. Vinegar Soak:
- In a large bowl, combine the cold water and white vinegar.
- Add the cut potato strips to the bowl, making sure they are fully submerged. Let the potatoes soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. The vinegar helps remove excess starch, which results in crispier fries.
3. Drain and Dry:
- After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is key—moisture is the enemy of crispy fries!
4. Heat the Oil:
- In a large, deep pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to fully submerge the fries (about 3-4 inches of oil).
5. Double Frying Process:
- First fry: Working in small batches, fry the potatoes for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened but not browned. Remove them from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Rest: Let the fries rest for 5-10 minutes. This step allows them to firm up, which results in crispier fries when you fry them a second time.
- Second fry: Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry the potatoes in small batches again for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Season:
- Once fried to golden perfection, remove the fries and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Immediately sprinkle with salt while they’re still hot to give them that savory touch.
7. Serve:
- Serve the fries hot with your favorite dipping sauces (ketchup, aioli, or even more vinegar if you’re a fan)!
This method ensures your French fries are perfectly crispy on the outside while staying fluffy on the inside. The vinegar soak really makes a difference in achieving that ideal crunch!
