Why do you soak french fries in water before cooking?

Why do you soak french fries in water before cooking?

The soaking, Mr. Nasr said, is the secret to the crisp texture of the fries. It draws out the starch, making them more rigid and less likely to stick together. The cooks fry them twice, first blanching them until slightly limp in peanut oil heated to 325 degrees, and again in 375-degree oil to crisp and brown them.

What makes french fries crunchy?

Additionally, restaurant fries are so crispy because, among other things, they use old oil continuously. As oil heats up it breaks down—cooking oils with a high smoke point will break down more slowly—and that creates crispier fries.

Why my french fries are not crispy?

For crisp, firm fries, fry twice Ideally, this is when the surface starch absorbs the last remaining bit of moisture, expands more, and seals the surface for crispness. You do need to have the cooking time for high-starch potatoes just right. If you cook them too long, they’ll run out of internal moisture.

How do you cut the perfect french fries?

How to Cut Fries

  1. Slice a potato in half lengthwise with a chef’s knife (long potatoes are best for fries).
  2. Lay each half cut-side down. Slice lengthwise into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices.
  3. Stack about half of the slices and cut lengthwise into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick fries. Repeat with the rest.
  4. Perfect French Fries.

How do you blanch potatoes?

Fill a pot with room temperature water and add the potatoes. Bring the water to a simmer over high heat, then lower the heat so the water is barely simmering. Blanch the potatoes for around 12 minutes, or until they’re soft on the outside but still hard on the inside.

How do you make crispy hand cut fries?

In a cast iron skillet fitted with a thermometer, or a small fryer, heat the oil until it reaches 275 to 300 degrees F. Remove the potatoes from the water and pat dry. Working in small batches, fry the potatoes until they go from shiny to matte, 3 to 5 minutes (this is also called blanching).

How long should you blanch fries?

Working in small batches, fry the potatoes until they go from shiny to matte, 3 to 5 minutes (this is also called blanching). Drain well on paper towels.

How do I make fries taste like a restaurant?

Here are some of the best ways to make frozen fries taste better, according to professional chefs.

  1. Don’t let your fries thaw first, and be sure to preheat your oven.
  2. An acid will help bring out the flavor of your fries.
  3. Bake fries on an open rack for optimum air flow.
  4. Use an air fryer for extra crispiness.

How long can potatoes sit in water before frying?

How long can peeled and cut potatoes sit in water before cooking, before they begin taking on too much water? A: We usually recommend no more than 24 hours. You can keep the potatoes from absorbing the water by making sure the water is not salted, and is chilled (you can even add ice to the water).