Few things in life are better than beer and french fries. So it’s even better when you can combine them into a dish that’s somewhat healthy. These beer-soaked oven fries are the perfect accompaniment to your favorite burger or steak, and are easy to make too. There’s no hot oil burns to worry about either.
These fries are also vegan, if you use a vegan beer. Most beers are vegan, but it’s always good to check.
Chances are, you’ve got a spare bottle of random pale ale left over from a party at your house, or you’re a pale ale drinker yourself. Soaking the potatoes in beer and salt creates a crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside texture that can be tough to get from roasting potatoes in the oven alone.
Use a generous amount of oil when tossing the potatoes and heat up the baking sheets in the oven before putting the potatoes on them. This will help your fries become golden brown.
These fries do require a bit of thinking ahead, as they need some time to soak up all that beer. It doesn’t really change the flavour, but adds a great texture.
Jackie Dodd is a food blogger from California who specializes in adding craft beer into her recipes. While the recipe originally came from her website thebeeroness.com, this recipe is tweaked to better suit students who don’t have the luxury of a kitchen full of spices.
Beer Soaked Oven Fries
Feeds 3-4 as a side dish, generously.
6 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes
1 bottle pale ale
1 tablespoon salt
¼ cup canola oil (canola oil is good for cooking because it has a high smoke point, but you can also use olive oil)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (optional)
Method:
1.) Wash and cut the potatoes into half-inch fries. This works best by slicing the potato into rounds first, then cutting strips out of the rounds. Rinse the fries to remove any remaining dirt.
2.) In a large bowl, combine fries, beer, salt, and enough water to cover the fries completely.
3.) Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, up to 12.
4.) Once your fries have chilled and you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Put your baking sheet in the oven while it’s warming up to make your potatoes even crispier and more golden brown on the outside.
5.) Drain the potatoes and rinse them well. Place them on a stack of paper towels and pat them dry. Try to remove as much moisture as possible.
6.) Add the potatoes to a large bowl, and combine them with the oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and seasoning salt. Be generous with the oil! Toss until well coated.
7.) Put the potatoes on to your preheated baking sheet in an even layer. This is important, as the potatoes need some time on the bottom of the pan to get crispier.
8.)Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip the fries with a spatula and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
