Easier French Fries Cold Oil Method Cook's Illustrated
Discover the game-changing technique for perfectly crispy, golden fries with this "Easier French Fries Cold Oil Method" recipe from Cook's Illustrated. This innovative method skips the hassle of double frying by starting with cold vegetable or peanut oil, making it a time-saving and beginner-friendly way to achieve restaurant-quality results. The magic lies in gently cooking russet potatoes in cold oil, which gradually heats up to crisp the fries to perfection while locking in a creamy center. With just three simple ingredients—potatoes, oil, and salt—this recipe eliminates fuss without sacrificing flavor. Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish, these fries are ideal for serving as a snack, side dish, or party favorite. Perfect your fry game with minimal effort and maximum crunch!
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes
- 6 cups Vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
- 1 tablespoon (or to taste) Salt
Directions
Step 1
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized sticks, about 1/4 inch wide and 3 to 3.5 inches long. Rinse the cut potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Step 2
Place the cut potatoes in a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or deep pot. Pour the vegetable oil over the potatoes, ensuring they are completely submerged. Do not preheat the oil; start with cold oil.
Step 3
Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Cook the potatoes without stirring for about 15 minutes, or until they begin to look golden and crisp around the edges.
Step 4
After 15 minutes, gently stir the potatoes with a heatproof spoon or spatula to ensure even cooking, being careful not to break them. Continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fries are golden brown and crisp to your liking.
Step 5
Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, carefully transfer the fries to a paper towel-lined baking sheet or plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6
Season the fries immediately with salt while they’re still hot. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2345.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 13054.0 |
| Total Fat 1420.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 202.9g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 7205.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 199.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 10.5g | |
| Protein 26.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 136.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 10.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 5081.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories