Best Places To Buy Beer-Battered Fries

Beer-battered fries are a delicious treat, and there are a few options for where to buy them. You can make them at home by following a recipe, which typically involves double-frying the fries and using a beer batter. This can be a fun and rewarding process, but it can also be time-consuming. If you'd rather buy them ready-made, you can try Simplot Bent Arm Ale Beer Battered Fries, which are available in the entrée cut with skin on. These can be found at various retailers and offer a rich amber colour and a flavour that combines light caramel and molasses.

Where to buy beer-battered fries

Beer-battered fries recipe

Ingredients

• Potatoes
• All-purpose flour
• Spices (e.g. sea salt, black peppercorns, onion powder)
• Beer
• Oil (e.g. peanut oil, sunflower oil, canola oil)

Optional Ingredients

• Egg
• Old Bay seasoning

Instructions

Start by cutting the potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices, then cut the slices into 1/4-inch sticks. You can leave the potatoes unpeeled. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of salted cold water to prevent browning and make them crispier, or soak them in an ice water bath for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, to remove excess starch.

Next, make the beer batter. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine the flour, spices, and beer to create a thick, pancake-like batter. You can also add an egg and mix it with a fork before adding the beer. If the batter is too thick, add more beer.

Divide the batter between two large mixing bowls—one for the first fry and one for the second. Cut potatoes into 1/4"-1/2" wedges. Heat oil in a large cast iron or enamel pot to 325°F over medium-high to high heat. Make sure to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil.

Add the potatoes to the batter and toss to coat. Fry the potatoes in batches for 4-6 minutes, until they are lightly golden and cooked through. Remove the potatoes from the oil and set them aside. Increase the oil temperature to 375°F. Dredge the fried potatoes in the second bowl of batter and toss to coat. Fry the potatoes again in batches for about 1-2 minutes, until they are crisp and deep golden brown.

Remove the potatoes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined sheet pan. Taste a fry and season with additional spices or salt as needed. Serve immediately.

Tips

Double-frying the fries ensures they are cooked through without burning the batter. You can do the first fry in advance and hold the par-cooked fries for several hours before battering and frying them a second time right before serving.

Variations

You can also make beer-battered Cajun fries or steak fries. For Cajun fries, season with Cajun seasoning. For steak fries, use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, which have a high starch content, and top with flaky sea salt and basil.

Buying frozen

If you're looking to buy frozen beer-battered fries, there are a few options available. For example, Simplot offers a product called Bent Arm Ale® Beer Battered Fries. These fries are crafted with premium Apollo hops and two-row malt, resulting in a rich amber colour and flavour notes of light caramel and molasses. This variety is cut in the style of a steak fry, promising a shorter cooking time and more servings per pound. You can find these fries on the Simplot Foods website, where they are sold in bulk packs of four 4.5-pound bags.

Another option for purchasing frozen beer-battered fries is to make them yourself and then freeze them. This method provides the flexibility to customise the recipe to your liking and control the ingredients used. A basic recipe for beer-battered fries involves coating frozen potato fries with flour, dipping them in a batter made with beer, and then frying them. You can experiment with different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or crinkle-cut fries, to find your preferred variety.

When preparing the batter, you can add spices and seasonings to enhance the flavour. Some recipes suggest a double-battering technique, where the fries are battered and fried twice to achieve a crispier texture. If you choose to make a large batch, you can store the extras in the freezer for future enjoyment.

Lastly, while searching for pre-made frozen beer-battered fries, I came across a product from Simplot called Farmhouse Originals™ Seasoned Mashed Potatoes. Although this isn't a fry product, it is designed to be paired with their Beer-battered Entrée Cut Fries. So, if you're looking for a complete frozen meal solution, you might consider this combination to elevate your beer-battered fry experience.

Double-frying

To begin the double-frying process, cut potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices, and then cut the slices into 1/4-inch sticks. Leaving the potatoes unpeeled is an option. Soak the cut potatoes in an ice water bath for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours. This process helps remove the starch from the potatoes, resulting in a better fry with a crispier texture.

Next, create the beer batter by mixing flour, spices, and beer in a large bowl. The consistency of the batter should be similar to that of thick pancake batter. If needed, add more beer a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. Divide the batter evenly between two large mixing bowls, as the fries will be battered twice.

For the first fry, heat a large cast iron or enamel pot filled with peanut oil to 325°F over medium-high to high heat. Working in batches, carefully add the potatoes to the hot oil, ensuring they are well-coated in the batter beforehand. Fry the potatoes for about 4 to 6 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and limp yet cooked through. Maintain the oil temperature at 325°F, and use tongs to separate the fries as they tend to stick together during frying. Once done, place the fries on a paper towel-lined plate to cool while you fry the remaining batches.

For the second fry, raise the oil temperature to 375°F. Dredge the par-cooked fries in the second bowl of batter, ensuring they are completely coated. Fry the battered fries in small batches for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are crisp and deep golden brown. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the oil temperature. Remove the fries from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined sheet pan. Taste-test a fry, and season with additional Cajun seasoning or salt as needed. Serve immediately.

Non-alcoholic beer alternatives

Beer-battered fries are a delicious treat, but what if you're looking for a non-alcoholic alternative to the traditional beer batter? Here are some ideas to explore:

Non-alcoholic beer: If you're avoiding alcohol but still want to use beer in your batter, opt for non-alcoholic beer. It offers the same carbonation benefits as regular beer, making the batter light and airy, and any remaining alcohol will evaporate during frying. However, some non-alcoholic beers may have a distinct flavour that you might not enjoy in your fries.

Club soda: Also known as carbonated water or sparkling water, club soda is an excellent alternative to beer in batter. Its carbonation provides the desired lightness, and its neutral taste won't overpower the flavour of the potatoes. Combine cold club soda with flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and seasoning to create a batter that will give your fries a crispy texture.

Ginger ale: While it has a distinct flavour, ginger ale can also be used as a non-alcoholic substitute for beer in batter. It provides carbonation and a unique taste that may complement your fries. However, be mindful that ginger ale is sweeter than other alternatives, so it might not be the best choice if you prefer unsweetened batters.

Seltzer water: Similar to club soda, seltzer water is carbonated and can be used to create a light batter. The carbonation will give your fries a crispy texture, and the lack of flavour in seltzer water ensures that your batter won't be overwhelmed.

When making beer-battered fries, whether with or without alcohol, it's essential to double-fry the potatoes. The first fry cooks the potatoes through without burning the batter, and the second fry just before serving ensures that your fries are hot and crispy.

So, if you're looking for a non-alcoholic twist on beer-battered fries, give one of these alternatives a try! You can still enjoy the deliciousness of crispy, golden fries without the alcohol.

Serving suggestions

Beer-battered fries are a delicious treat, and there are several ways to serve them. You can make them at home, or you can buy them frozen to cook yourself. Some supermarkets and online retailers also offer beer-battered fries, and you can even find them at some restaurants.

If you want to make your own, you can follow a simple recipe that involves cutting potatoes, soaking them in an ice bath, creating a batter with flour, spices, and beer, and then frying the potatoes twice. The double frying technique ensures the potatoes are cooked through without burning the batter. You can also add your own spices and seasonings, such as Cajun seasoning, to create your perfect fry.

When serving, it is best to serve them immediately to ensure they are hot and crispy. You can serve them with a variety of dips and sauces, such as tartar sauce, hot sauce, or a creamy sauce. They are a great side dish, especially for a game day or when inviting friends over to watch the game.

If you are looking to buy frozen, pre-made beer-battered fries, there are a few options available. For example, Simplot Bent Arm Ale® Beer Battered Fries are available online and offer a rich, amber colour and a light caramel and molasses flavour. These can be cooked in the oven or fried and served with your favourite toppings and dips.

Frequently asked questions