FOOD NEWS
It's About Time You Started Brining Your French Fries
By Molly Wilson
It can be difficult to master the texture and flavor of homemade fries since they can sometimes turn out soggy and bland, but brining your fries can take them to the next level.
Brining is a technique used to make meat extra moist and flavorful. It involves soaking food in a simple salt solution that often also includes sugar or some kind of seasoning.
Brining potatoes is similar, as the brine imparts a delicious, salty, and seasoned flavor and helps the fries crisp up and keep the right texture when cooking.
Soaking fries in a saltwater brine draws out extra moisture and removes excess starch from the potato before it's fried to promote even cooking and a crispy exterior.
The amount of soaking time is debated and ranges from 15 minutes to around 2 to 3 hours or even overnight. Remove any excess moisture with a paper towel or cloth before you fry.
Brining fries longer makes them crispier but can also make them saltier. Be sure to taste the brined fries before adding any more salt to avoid ruining the entire batch.
Pickle juice also makes for a perfect brine since its salt content can crisp the potatoes while infusing them with a tangy, vinegary, and zesty pickle flavor.