This duck fat cooked fries recipe results in fries that aren’t crisp but soft with a deep, rich duck flavor. Best fries in the world.
This is a recipe for big, fat wedges of potato cooked in duck fat. Unlike potatoes Sarladaises, these potatoes are soft, not crisp, but they’re equally satisfyingly given that they’re imbued with the flavor of the duck fat. I love that the source of this recipe is Michel Guerard, the author of Cuisine Minceur (Diet Food). It’s reassuring to know that the chef who gave us French lean cuisine also appreciates the power of duck fat. This is a good dish to make when you want to use up the fat from making confit. Serve these potatoes with confit or grilled meats.–Jennifer McLagan
LC THE PROPER POTATO NOTE
Author Jennifer McLagan notes that while Yukon Gold potatoes are a good all-purpose potato, these fries are also quite lovely when made with a standard, run-of-the-mill, inexpensive baking potato such as a russet. She also notes that, natch, long, oval potatoes make the best-shaped fries. There you have it.
☞ Contents
Duck Fat Cooked Fries
Ingredients
- 4 (about 1 3/4 pounds) Yukon Gold potatoes (or substitute russets)
- 1/4 cup (1 3/4 ounces) duck fat
- 1 garlic clove unpeeled
- 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
- Fleur de sel
Directions
- Peel the potatoes and cut lengthwise into quarters. Rinse them under cold water and place in a bowl. Cover with cold water and soak for 30 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and dry them well. In a heavy flameproof casserole or heavy-bottomed pot large enough to hold the potatoes in a single layer, heat the duck fat over medium-high heat. When it begins to smoke, add the potatoes and the garlic clove. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the potatoes, turning so they color evenly, until golden on all sides, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the garlic and discard. Transfer the potatoes to a large plate and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat. Return the potatoes to the pan, cover, and cook over low heat until they’re cooked through and soft in the center, about 15 minutes. Check the potatoes regularly, turning if necessary. If you hear the fat spitting, lift the lid and wipe off the excess moisture on the inside of it.
- Transfer the fries to a warmed dish and sprinkle with the chopped parsley and fleur de sel, turning so they’re well coated. Serve immediately.
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Recipe Testers’ Reviews
I knew I’d love these before I made them! Like most people, I do love a crispy fried potato. Sometimes though, the crispy potato, usually thinly cut, is just a differently shaped chip. This recipe was claiming a fried potato wedge filled with a creamy satisfying interior and tasty ducky exterior. This recipe delivered exactly that!
After soaking my potato wedges in water for 30 minutes, I dried them, wrapped them in a kitchen towel, and spun them in my salad spinner. When they hit the hot duck fat, they immediately starting creating another layer of skin, and by 12 minutes, they were golden and almost fork-tender. I did remove my garlic, and as soon as it cooled a bit, I peeled it and discarded it (in my mouth). It made for a cook treat while draining out the duck fat.
I ended up with 1 tablespoon for the pan and another tablespoon (after straining) for another application. I didn’t find that there was a lot of spitting fat, so I left the lid off for the last 3 minutes of cooking for a total of 10 minutes in this second cooking stage. My wedges always fit in one layer from the beginning to the end. However, my pan surface area seemed to have expanded by the end… (wink, oink, quack)…The parsley was also a terrific finish! Called them duck frites and served them with grilled steak. My family is so lucky that I’m a giver ‘cause I could have taken them all!
How can so few ingredients taste this amazing? Are these fries actually legal? They made me feel pretty sneaky. They were THAT good. This is an excellent way to showcase duck fat in all its glory. The garlic roasting with the potatoes added just a hint of subtle garlicky-ness. If there was ever a perfect way to use fleur de sel, this is it. The chopped parsley from my garden added freshness and a punch of color. The method of browning all sides, first on medium heat and then draining most of the fat and cooking until the potatoes are done on low heat, worked really well. The outsides had a golden crust and the interiors were buttery soft and looked even BETTER than the photo. When you’re indulging in these sinful gems, you may find yourself furtively looking over your shoulder. They just may make you feel a wee bit guilty.
Originally published August 9, 2008
HUNGRY FOR MORE?
If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #LeitesCulinaria. We'd love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Mmmm give me a plate o’ them! I have duck fat in the refrigerator ready 2 Go!
My mouth is watering. I think everything should be cooked in duck/goose fat. As soon as it hits the pan an starts to heat up….the smell….aaahhhh. I might have to try these though I am partial to the pommes sarladaise from the Dordogne. 😉
Duck!…duck meat, foie gras, duck fat…it is all so good. These fries are creative and look delicious.
I can assure you, Georgia, that the melding of duck fat and potato never ever results in anything terrible. Quite the contrary…