French Fries

Tags: vegetarian - side - GF - GF vegetarian - GF side
Active Time: 40 minutes
Passive Time: 75 minutes + optional overnight freeze
Serves: 2-4

Fries without the ultrasonic bath

Serious Eats

• Russet potatoes: 2 lbs (900 g or about 4 large potatoes), peeled and cut into 1/4 inch by 1/4 inch fries (keep raw potato sticks submerged in a bowl of water after cutting)
• Distilled white vinegar: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
• Kosher salt: 2 tbsp
  
  
• Peanut oil: 2 quarts (1.9 L)

• Overnight freeze is highly recommended. Freezing breaks open the cell walls in the fry, which makes the inside fluffier
• Serve fries with garlic aioli

1. Place potatoes and vinegar in a saucepan and add 2 quarts (1.9L) water and 2 tablespoons (24g) salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 10 minutes. Potatoes should be fully tender, but not falling apart. Drain and spread on a paper towel–lined rimmed baking sheet. Allow to dry for 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven or large wok over high heat to 400°F (204°C). Add one-third of fries to oil; oil temperature should drop to around 360°F (182°C). Cook for 50 seconds, agitating occasionally with a wire mesh spider, then remove to a second paper towel–lined rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining potatoes (working in 2 more batches), allowing oil to return to 400°F after each addition. Allow potatoes to cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Continue with step 3, or, for best results, freeze potatoes at least overnight or up to 2 months.
3. Return oil to 400°F over high heat. Fry half of potatoes until crisp and light golden brown, about 3 1/2 minutes, adjusting heat to maintain a temperature of around 360°F. Drain in a bowl lined with paper towels and season immediately with kosher salt. Cooked fries can be kept hot and crisp on a wire rack set in a sheet tray in a 200°F (90°C) oven while second batch is cooked. Serve immediately.