Craving for Crunchy Goodness? Try Boardwalk Fries!
Nothing says “summer” like the smell of fresh, hot, salty french fries drenched in malt vinegar. And when it comes to iconic boardwalk fries, there’s no place quite like the Jersey Shore. Whether you’re strolling along the ocean in Ocean City, spending a day at Seaside Heights, or enjoying the vibrant nightlife in Wildwood, you’re never far from a piping hot basket of crispy, golden potatoes.
But you don’t have to brave the crowds and noise to enjoy this classic boardwalk treat – with my New Jersey Boardwalk Fries recipe, you can recreate that delicious flavor right at home! This recipe is simple and easy to follow and will have you feeling like you’re sitting right on the Jersey Shore. So why not bring a taste of the boardwalk home tonight?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve ever been to the Jersey Shore, then you know that there’s nothing quite like a piping hot basket of boardwalk fries. These crispy and salty potatoes are a quintessential summer treat that locals and tourists alike can’t get enough of. And with this New Jersey Boardwalk Fries recipe, you can now make this classic dish from the comfort of your own kitchen.
What sets these fries apart from any other potato dish is the special malt vinegar seasoning. It takes regular french fries to a whole new level, providing the perfect balance of tangy and salty flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Plus, making this recipe at home not only saves you a trip to the beach but also allows you to customize the dish to your liking.
The process may seem daunting, but don’t worry! I’ve got tips and tricks to ensure that these fries turn out perfectly every time. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a backyard barbeque or a cozy night in, these fries are the perfect addition to any meal.
So put on your chef’s hat and get ready to indulge in one of New Jersey’s most beloved treats. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredient List
Potatoes: You will need 4 large potatoes for this recipe. Russet potatoes work best for making crispy fries, but you can also use Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Peanut Oil: Peanut oil is the best oil for deep frying potatoes as it has a high smoke point and imparts a light nutty flavor that doesn’t overpower the taste of the potatoes. You will need about 1 ½ quarts of peanut oil for a standard-size Dutch oven.
Salt: Salt is an essential ingredient for any fries recipe. You will need about 2 teaspoons of salt for seasoning your fries.
Malt Vinegar: If you want to enjoy the authentic Jersey Boardwalk Fries experience, you must serve them with malt vinegar. You can find malt vinegar in most grocery stores near the ketchup and mustard. Its unique flavor perfectly complements the salty and crispy fries.
Optional Toppings: You can personalize your boardwalk fries by using toppings such as Old Bay Seasoning, cheese sauce, gravy, roasted garlic aioli, or ketchup.
The Recipe How-To
To make the perfect New Jersey Boardwalk Fries at home, you will need to follow these detailed steps. Keep in mind that this recipe involves frying and hot oil, so be sure to take all necessary safety precautions.
Step 1: Preparation
Start by washing and slicing your potatoes into long, uniformly shaped sticks. Place them in a large bowl of cold water to remove any excess starch.
Step 2: Frying
Heat a fryer or a pot with peanut oil at approximately 325° F. Drain and dry your potato sticks using paper towels. Begin frying your french fries, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer, in batches for about five minutes until they become slightly crispy without becoming golden-brown.
Step 3: Resting & Dunking
Use a slotted spoon to remove your fries from the hot oil and let them rest on kitchen paper towels. Increase the heat of the oil to approximately 375° F. Once you have reached the desired temperature, add the french fries back into the fryer (in batches again) for an additional one to two minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once you have removed each batch of fries them out of the hot oil again, immediately sprinkle them with salt and dunk them into malt vinegar for that tangy flavor typical of boardwalk fries.
Step 4: Serving
Serve your New Jersey Boardwalk fries hot, with ketchup or any other dipping sauce you prefer.
Enjoy your very own deliciously satisfying boardwalk treat!
Substitutions and Variations
The New Jersey Boardwalk Fries Recipe is a classic and irresistible dish. However, it is always exciting to add a personal touch to the traditional recipe. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try to make this recipe even more special.
Firstly, if you prefer a healthier version of this Boardwalk fries recipe, you can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and fiber, making them a better alternative to white potatoes. You can cut sweet potatoes in the same uniformly shaped sticks as the white potatoes, and follow the recipe instructions from there.
If you want to switch up the flavor profile of this dish, try experimenting with different seasoning blends. Old Bay seasoning is a classic blend that many people enjoy on their Boardwalk fries, especially those living near Maryland. You can sprinkle some Old Bay over your freshly made fries for an extra kick of flavor.
Another variation is to use garlic aioli as a dipping sauce for these fries. Roasted garlic aioli pairs well with crispy Boardwalk fries and adds a complex depth of flavor.
For those looking for something completely different than traditional Boardwalk fries, try adding some cheese or bacon bits to your dish. Whether it’s cheddar or goat cheese, adding cheese on top of these fries gives them an added richness that compliments their salty flavors. For bacon lovers out there, adding bacon bits or chopped bacon makes these fries even more delicious.
There are also other types of fries available in Boardwalks across America such as curly’s fries, crinkle-cut or bistro-style fries that can be used instead of straight cut chips in this recipe. In addition to staples like Thrasher’s french fires made on the Ocean City boardwalk, consider using seasoned skin-on or waffle-cut style fries from companies like Cavendish Farms.
No matter what variations or substitutions you decide to make, always make sure to follow the cooking instructions for best results. With endless possibilities for customization, the New Jersey Boardwalk Fries recipe is sure to please everyone’s palate.
Serving and Pairing
Jersey Boardwalk Fries are the ultimate street food that can be enjoyed in so many ways. The best way to enjoy these fries is fresh out of the fryer, crispy and hot, and with a sprinkle of salt or malt vinegar for a tangy kick. They are perfect as a standalone snack, as well as an accompaniment to all sorts of dishes.
For a traditional boardwalk experience, serve your Jersey Boardwalk Fries in a paper cone or cup. You could also consider pairing them with a grilled hotdog, hamburger, or Philly Cheesesteak sandwich for the ultimate boardwalk feast. For something more adventurous, try topping your fries with chili sauce or melted cheese.
If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, you can serve Jersey Boardwalk Fries with a side salad or grilled vegetables. You could also pair them with some hearty protein bowls for a filling and healthy meal.
For those who love dipping sauces, you can’t go wrong with classic ketchup or mayo. Alternatively, you may want to try some spiced aioli dips like roasted garlic aioli, which pairs perfectly with these fries.
And don’t forget about the drinks! Pair your Jersey Boardwalk Fries with a cold beer, lemonade or sweet tea for the perfect finishing touch on this classic boardwalk treat.
Enjoy your delicious and indulgent Jersey Boardwalk Fries in any way you like!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Who doesn’t love a good batch of Boardwalk Fries? That classic taste of salty goodness is hard to resist. But what happens when you make a little too much or just can’t finish them all? No worries! Here are some tips and tricks on how to store or reheat Jersey Boardwalk Fries, so you can enjoy them even when you’re not at the boardwalk.
If you find yourself with leftover fries, make sure to store them in an airtight container. This will ensure that the fries won’t dry out or get soggy. Keep the container in the refrigerator for up to three days, but please note that reheating cold fries usually results in mushy fries. So it’s best to eat them cold if they were made from our New Jersey Boardwalk Fries Recipe.
For those who don’t want to waste valuable time reheating fries one by one, there’s a better way to do this. Preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C and spread the fries out onto a baking dish. Reheat for around 5-7 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. Or better yet, pop them back into the fryer at approx 375°F if it is available and fry them for around 2-3 minutes; this will give your Boardwalk Fries that signature crunch again.
Sometimes, the difference between good fries and great fries is in the details. That’s why we only use peanut oil in this recipe — it gives the fries that perfect crispness and flavor without leaving any oily residue.
So there you have it! Next time you find yourself with leftover New Jersey Boardwalk Fries, don’t hesitate to use these helpful tips to make sure they’re just as tasty as when they were first served up on the Boardwalk!
Tips for Perfect Results
1. Perfect Temperature for Frying
To achieve the perfect Jersey Boardwalk Fries, you need to make sure that the temperature of the oil you are frying in is just right. The optimal temperature for frying your fries is approximately 325°F. If the oil is too hot, your fries will burn on the outside and will be undercooked on the inside. On the contrary, if the oil is not hot enough, they will be soggy and greasy. I recommend using peanut oil as it has a higher smoke point and won’t add any unwanted flavors to your fries.
2. Use Uniformly Shaped Potatoes
The size and shape of your potatoes play a crucial role in the overall texture and taste of your fries. It’s important to cut your potatoes long and uniformly shaped, that way they cook evenly and consistently throughout. Cavendish Farms potatoes are an excellent choice for this recipe as they are known for their quality and consistent sizing.
3. Soak Your Sliced Potatoes
Soaking your potatoes in cold water before frying them helps remove excess starch, making them crispier when cooked. Soak them for at least 30 minutes before letting them dry out completely before placing them in hot oil.
4. Sprinkle Salt Malt Vinegar
Jersey Boardwalk Fries aren’t complete without salt malt vinegar! Before serving, sprinkle with a generous amount of salt malt vinegar.
5. Don’t Overcrowd Your Fryer
When it comes to frying your Jersey Boardwalk Fries, don’t overcrowd your fryer or pan — doing so will lower the temperature of the oil resulting in greasy and undercooked fries. To get those crispy exterior and fluffy interior on your fries like those served up at Thrasher’s French Fries on Ocean City NJ boardwalk, fry them in batches.
6. Ensure Desired Doneness
Cooking time varies depending on how dark/well done you prefer your fries; however, always aim for desired doneness of dark/well done because there’s nothing worse than underdone fries!
By keeping these tips in mind while frying up your New Jersey Boardwalk Fries recipe, you’ll be able to achieve perfection in every batch you create – crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside – result that would take you right back to Jersey Shore!
FAQ
Now that you have the recipe for New Jersey Boardwalk Fries, it’s time to anticipate common questions and troubleshoot problems in making this delicious snack. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you have a smooth cooking experience.
What are Jersey boardwalk fries?
Have you tried the delectable Jersey Shore® fries made with high-quality skin-on potatoes and sweet potatoes? These fries are cut thick and coated with a special garlic and cracked black pepper batter that gives them a unique savory flavor. To top it off, they are lightly sprinkled with sea salt to enhance their already superior taste. No wonder customers keep coming back for more!
What is the difference between boardwalk fries and regular fries?
When it comes to preparing French fries or boardwalk fries, the process involves slicing potatoes into uniform strips, drying them, and then deep frying them. However, what sets boardwalk fries apart from regular French fries is the type of oil used for frying. Specifically, boardwalk fries are fried solely in peanut oil, which gives them a distinct taste and texture unlike any other fry. This information was last updated on June 25th, 2022.
Does Boardwalk Fries use peanut oil?
We take pride in our signature Boardwalk Fries. Our team religiously hand-cut the fries every day and cook them in pure peanut oil to perfection. Besides, we also have a variety of menu options that include grilled chicken sandwiches, spicy chicken tenders, scrumptious hot dogs, nutritious salads, and a special menu for our younger customers.
What is a boardwalk fry?
When it comes to making boardwalk-style fries, the process is different from regular fries. Instead of slicing and frying the potatoes right away, these fries are “blanched” in a solution of cold water and vinegar first. This solution is absorbed by the potato slices before they are dried and double fried.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an all-time favorite and must-try snack recipe, New Jersey Boardwalk Fries Recipe is the perfect one to make. These fries are cooked in hot oil, making them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The vinegar is what makes these fries stand out as it adds that extra flavor that only boardwalks fries can give you.
Making fries at home can be daunting but with our step-by-step recipe guide and tips for perfect results, you will be able to enjoy Jersey Shore seasoned skin fries from the comfort of your home. Additionally, the recipe is versatile – you can choose to add different seasonings or pair it with various dipping sauces.
In conclusion, whether you’re hosting a party or just need a snack while watching a movie, this recipe will not disappoint. You can also experiment with different variations and substitutions of ingredients to suit your personal preference. Don’t miss out on one of the most beloved boardwalk treats in America.
New Jersey Boardwalk Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb potato
- oil (for frying)
- salt
- malt vinegar
Instructions
- Do not peel potatoes.
- Cut potatoes in long, uniformly shaped sticks.
- Fry in hot oil(approx 325°F)to desired doneness(dark & well done is the way they do them at the stands on the boardwalk).
- Remove fries to paper towels and generously salt right away.
- Serve in a paper cup or cone with plenty of malt vinegar.
Your own notes
Nutrition
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.