McDonald's French Fries - Copycat Recipe
User Reviews
5
McDonald's French Fries - Copycat Recipe
Description
McDonald's French Fries Copycat Recipe replicates the texture and taste of the popular fast-food fries using basic ingredients and a careful frying technique. The preparation starts by soaking peeled and cut potatoes in a sweet and salty brine, which helps to remove excess starch and imparts subtle flavor. After drying, the fries are blanched in vegetable oil at 300°F, which cooks them without coloring. Then, by adding vegetable shortening and increasing the oil temperature to 400°F, the fries are fried again to develop a golden, crispy crust while maintaining a soft inside.
The recipe produces fries with a distinctive thin, slightly crunchy exterior and a tender potato interior, which makes them suitable as a side dish or a snack. The timing and temperature controls are key to achieving the signature texture.
For best results, season the fries immediately after frying so the salt adheres properly. The recipe includes instructions for storing leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer and reheating them in an oven to regain crispness. This approach allows preparing fries ahead of time and enjoying them later with minimal loss of quality.
Ingredients
Brine
- 8 cups water cold
- ½ cup corn syrup (can sub 1/3 cup sugar)
- 3 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Fries
- 6 russet potatoes About 4.5 pounds, large
- 1 quart vegetable oil
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- salt for seasoning
Instructions
- Combine the brine ingredients and set aside.
- Peel and rinse that potatoes.
- Slice them into strings just under ½ inch. (A french fry potato cutter makes this easy.)
- Place them in the cold brine as you slice them. Ensure the potatoes are completely submerged. Add more cold water if needed.
- Cover and place the brine in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight.
- Drain and rinse them twice with cold water. Pat them completely dry.
- Preheat oil to 300 degrees. (A dutch oven and oil thermometer is very helpful.)
- Fry the potatoes in batches for about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towels. They will be very soft. (This is a good thing.)
- Add the vegetable shortening and increase the heat to 400 degrees. Fry in batches again until golden brown. (It’s hard to be patient during this part.)
- Remove and place on paper towels. Season with salt right away and serve!
Notes
- Store cooled leftover fries in a freezer bag in the refrigerator, removing excess air to maintain freshness.
- Reheat refrigerated fries by baking at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warm and crisp.
- Freeze fries by flash freezing on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- To serve frozen fries, re-fry at 400°F until golden and crispy, then season immediately with salt.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 379 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 379kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Sodium | 452mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 1332mg | 28% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 18mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 42mg | 4% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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