Make Perfect McDonald’s french fries at home

Ever wondered about the secret behind the shoestring fries at McDonald’s? With a bit of time and effort, you can craft your own rendition of these irresistibly crispy potato sticks right in your own kitchen, with a little guidance from Shotgun Red of Tennessee fame. Let’s dive into the process.

To start, gather 4 or 5 long potatoes. Trim off the ends and sides to form square yet elongated potatoes. Slice the potatoes into thin, uniform pieces, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Then, lay these slices flat and cut them into strips of the same thickness to achieve fries reminiscent of McDonald’s.

Next, soak the cut potato strips in cold water for about 5 minutes before draining them on a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

In a pot, prepare a solution by combining enough water to submerge the fries when spread out in a large dish, along with corn syrup and sugar. For instance, for 12 cups of water, I used 1/2 cup each of corn syrup and white sugar, though you can adjust these proportions as needed. Bring the water to a boil until the sugar dissolves completely, then turn off the heat and immerse the fries in the solution. Allow them to soak for 10 minutes before draining them again on paper towels.

Now, transfer the soaked fries to the freezer for approximately 20 minutes to firm them up.

Meanwhile, heat your preferred frying oil, such as canola oil, to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully drop the fries into the hot oil and deep-fry them for just 2 minutes. Remove them from the oil and let them cool on a tray for 10 minutes. Afterward, return them to the oil and fry for an additional 7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Once out of the fryer, arrange the fries and generously sprinkle them with salt. Give them a gentle toss to distribute the seasoning evenly, then savor the deliciousness of your homemade shoestring fries. Enjoy every crispy bite!