Table of Contents
- Why do you soak potatoes before frying?
- 8 Reasons why you should soak potatoes before frying
- What potatoes are best for frying?
- Are red potatoes good for frying?
- Are Yukon gold potatoes good for frying?
- Related Questions?
- Final Thoughts
Why do you soak potatoes before frying?
We all know that potatoes are a staple in any meal, but have you ever considered why we soak them before frying?
The answer is actually pretty simple. Soaking the potatoes first removes some of the starch from the outside of the potato, which prevents it from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
This also helps to give your fries a crispier texture! It’s worth noting that this step can be skipped if you’re short on time or want to use less oil for health reasons. But there’s no doubt about it- soakin’ those taters makes for better-fried food!
There are some other reasons why do we soak potatoes before frying.
Let’s get started!
8 Reasons why you should soak potatoes before frying
The above-mentioned reasons are just the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous reasons why chefs and experts prefer to soak potatoes in water before frying them. Here is a list of the most common reasons:
The key to better crisp
Soaking potatoes in water before frying is the key to that perfect crisp you want with your fries. Because there is less starch in the water, it is absorbed less into the potatoes when frying. After soaking, there are twice as many free sugars, which makes better stuffings because sugar provides crispiness in fried foods!
The key to perfect french fries
Proper frying needs the correct balance of starch and water in potatoes. If you keep both, then preparing french fries becomes much easier.
On a side note, It is also important to ensure that the right amount of frying oil provides enough heat at the same time.
More even frying
The surface becomes smooth and not as sticky when you soak your potatoes in water before frying. This allows the heat to be distributed evenly when cooking them in a fryer or pan. Soaking also helps reduce the “breaking” (when oil enters and breaks the skin of the potatoes).
Less oil absorption
Since there is less starch in the outer layer of potatoes when soaked before frying, it’s absorbed into the fry for a crispier end product. This also means that you can use less oil for cooking your food since they won’t absorb as much with this step!
Prevents sticking together
Yes, you read that right! Soaking before frying prevents sticking of your fries. Otherwise, potatoes may stick while frying. This is because some water is left on the surface that needs to be removed before frying. It means soaking them in water. You can cook more at once!
Not as gummy
If soaking before frying is new to you, first think of all the times when you’ve found yourself with some mushy potatoes. By soaking potatoes first, this cannot happen. The bonus? They won’t absorb too much fat either!
Faster frying
Soaking the peeled and cut potatoes in cold water for 15-20 minutes allows this excess water to dissipate and gives you faster and more even frying!
Removes starch
Starch is a traditional agent that prevents potatoes from breaking while frying. It gives them stiffness. Soaking helps to remove starch, which makes your fries more crispy and even in color. If your fries are frozen, make sure to defrost before frying.
What potatoes are best for frying?
Russet potatoes are the best varieties of potatoes to soak before frying. It contains a lot of starch and is great for making fries, as it is low in moisture after harvesting.
These potatoes mostly grow in North America but can also be found in several African countries. Russets have dark brown skin and white flesh with a low moisture content when harvested.
When cooked, these potatoes have a light and fluffy texture. They are used for cooking, including salads, baking, and frying!
Are red potatoes good for frying?
Yes! Red potatoes can give you a perfect fry, just like other potatoes. Just like other potatoes, they also need to be soaked before frying.
When fried, these potatoes turn very crispy and tasty. Their earthy taste makes them an excellent substitute for french fries or hash browns.
But this is not the best kind of potato for frying, and another kind of potato is preferred the most for frying french fries, e.t.c. (discussed later in this blogpost).
Are Yukon gold potatoes good for frying?
The answer is an absolute yes! Yukon golds are a potato variety that is creamy and has yellowish-tan skin. They are best used for mashing due to their dense texture. However, they are also great for frying!
Yukons have lower starch content than other potatoes, making them perfect for frying. Their yellow color disappears when cooked, but the advantage is that they have a flavorful taste.
In the United States, these potatoes are harvested during autumn. They have been used for years in the United States, frying french fries.
Frying with Yukon gold potatoes is no different than making fries out of any other type of potatoes. Soaking them in water before frying can help you achieve a crunchier texture!
Related Questions?
1. For how many hours should I soak potatoes before frying?
The answer is 30-40 minutes. If you want to extend the time, soak it for no more than one hour and a half. Although soaking them in cold water allows the excess starch to wash away, if left for more than 2 hours, you will free too much starch along with the nutrients, and the potato pieces can become soggy.
2. Should I salt potatoes before soaking them to enhance the taste?
No! Salt does not help at all in this process. In fact, as soon as you put them in the frying pan, the salting will break down the oil. So it is recommended not to do this.
Final Thoughts
In summary, you should always soak potatoes before frying because it helps to make your fries more crispy and even in color.
Soaking also helps prevent the potatoes from breaking into pieces due to trapped air bubbles while frying, thus giving you faster and more even frying!
So soak potatoes before frying your favorite fries.
Happy frying!
