Crispy, golden-brown, and utterly delightful, this Shoestring Fries Recipe is destined to become a favorite snack or side dish.
During a recent trip to Belgium, I rediscovered the magic of perfectly cooked fries—crisp, golden, and so hot they should come with a warning label. The Belgians take their fries seriously, just as they do their mussels, beer, and chocolate. Yet, fries are served without fuss or fanfare. All you need is a simple paper cone and a generous dollop of zesty mayonnaise. Yes, mayonnaise. And before you scrunch your nose in confusion, let me assure you: ketchup simply can’t compete. A hot fry dipped in creamy mayo is, quite honestly, a gourmet revelation.
After that trip—and more cones of fries than I’d care to admit—I came home determined to indulge in fries a little more often. Of all the varieties I sampled, none captured my heart quite like shoestring fries. Wispy thin, impossibly crisp, and utterly addictive, they’re the pinnacle of fry perfection. While making shoestring fries at home might seem intimidating, with the right tools and a little practice, you can make the most crave-worthy shoestring fries in your own kitchen.
All it takes is a mandoline slicer, a few potatoes, some oil, and perhaps a sprinkle of seasonings. Whether as a side dish or a snack all on their own, these delicate fries are bound to disappear in the blink of an eye.
Are Shoestring Fries Healthy?
While potatoes do have nutritional benefits, such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, shoestring fries won’t make it to the list of the world’s healthiest foods. Delicious as they may be, they’re deep-fried and not really considered a nutrient-dense food. Enjoy them in moderation.
If you’re watching your sodium intake, go easy on the salt and opt for seasonings like garlic powder or unsalted lemon pepper.
Jazzing Up Your Shoestring Fries
Perhaps the best part of making shoestring fries is customizing them with spices and dipping sauces. Great ideas include classic salt and pepper, a dash of garlic powder, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat. For aromatic depth, try dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, parsley, or oregano. You could also experiment with cumin, smoked paprika, or piment d’Espelette for subtle warmth, or go bold with Madras curry powder or za’atar for an exotic touch. Looking to really fancy up those fries? Parmesan and truffle salt are a perfect gourmet upgrade.
As for dipping sauces, skip the ketchup and try something more adventurous. Tangy aioli, honey mustard, or even a spicy hummus can make your fries really special. My personal favorite? A mix of mayonnaise with black truffle paste or a swirl of sriracha. Talk about a flavor explosion!
How To Make Ahead And Store
Though they’re best fresh, shoestring fries (once cooled) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer, not the microwave, as this will affect their crispness.
Serving Suggestions
It almost goes without saying, but shoestring fries are perfect as a side dish for burgers. Try them with these Easy Homemade Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers or these healthy Salmon Burgers. They also provide a delicious contrast to this robust Crock-Pot Vegetarian Chili.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Canola oil for deep-frying
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional seasonings like garlic salt, chili powder, or cumin
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and remove any dark spots from the russet potatoes. Slice the potatoes into matchsticks using a mandoline slicer fitted with the julienne blade.
- Soak the potato matchsticks in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Dry the potatoes thoroughly using paper towels or a clean dishcloth, or spin them in a salad spinner.
- Heat the canola oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven to 350°F, ensuring there's enough oil to cover the potatoes, about 3 to 4 inches deep.
- Fry the potatoes in batches in the hot oil, stirring to separate, until they are golden-brown, about 2½ to 3½ minutes per batch.
- Transfer the fries to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, and season with salt and black pepper immediately. Add other optional seasonings if desired.
- Continue frying in batches until all potatoes are cooked and then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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