I Tried Recreating Popular Fast Food

Ingredients

• 2 medium Russet Potatoes (scrubbed, skin left on for texture)
• 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil (for frying; high smoke point)
• 0.5 large Yellow Onion (thinly sliced for caramelizing)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (season fries after frying)
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 0.25 teaspoon Garlic Powder (adds subtle flavor to fries)
• 2 slices American Cheese Slices (full‑fat, melts quickly)
• 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (base of secret sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Ketchup (adds tang to secret sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Sweet Pickle Relish (provides sweet‑vinegary bite)
• 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (tiny hint of sweetness)

Instructions

1. Prepare Potatoes

   Scrub the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with paper towels, then slice each potato lengthwise into thin, skinny strips (about 1/8‑inch wide) resembling a French‑fry shape.

   Time: PT5M

2. Rinse & Dry

   Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water, swish to remove excess starch, then drain and thoroughly dry on a clean kitchen towel. Dry fries prevent oil splatter and become crispier.

   Time: PT5M

3. Heat Oil

   Add 2 Tbsp avocado oil to a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: Medium‑high

4. Fry the Fries

   Working in batches, add a single layer of dried fries to the hot oil. Fry, stirring occasionally, until golden‑brown and crispy, about 4‑5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper‑towel‑lined plate to drain.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: Medium‑high

5. Season Fries

   While still hot, sprinkle fries with 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 0.25 tsp garlic powder. Toss gently to coat evenly.

   Time: PT2M

6. Oven‑Crisp (Optional)

   Pre‑heat oven to 425 °F. Spread seasoned fries on a parchment‑lined baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to extra‑crisp the edges.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 425°F

7. Caramelize Onions

   Thinly slice ½ large yellow onion. In a clean skillet over medium heat, add a splash of avocado oil and sauté the onion, stirring frequently, until soft and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium

8. Make Secret Sauce

   In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp mayonnaise, 2 Tbsp ketchup, 1 Tbsp sweet pickle relish, and 1 tsp sugar. Stir until smooth. Adjust color by adding a little extra ketchup or mayo until you reach a pink‑ish hue.

   Time: PT3M

9. Melt Cheese

   Arrange the fries on a baking sheet, top with two slices of American cheese, and place under the oven’s broiler for 1‑2 minutes, just until the cheese melts.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Broil

10. Assemble Animal Style Fries

    Remove the cheesy fries from the oven. Drizzle generous amounts of the secret sauce over the top, then scatter the caramelized onions evenly. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

410

Protein

5 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

4 g