Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries Recipe
If you’re craving fries with a serious kick, look no further than these Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries. This irresistible recipe transforms humble potatoes into golden fries loaded with a zesty, garlicky punch and a bold fusion of sesame and soy. Each batch has just the right amount of heat, crunch, and savory depth, making it the ultimate upgrade from traditional fries. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to an epic snack, you’ll find these Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries lies in a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a key role in taste and texture. A thoughtfully crafted blend of aromatics, spices, and oils ensures every bite is vibrant and delicious.
- Russet potatoes: Their high starch content makes them perfect for crispy, fluffy fries.
- Vegetable oil: Helps the potatoes roast to a satisfyingly crisp finish in the oven.
- Sesame oil: Adds deep, nutty aroma and authentic Asian-inspired flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers a pungent, savory backbone that permeates every bite.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Brings the fiery excitement; add more or less to match your spice preference.
- Soy sauce: Infuses the fries with umami richness and a touch of salty complexity.
- Rice vinegar: Provides a bright, tangy note that livens up the whole dish.
- Sesame seeds: Delivers a satisfying crunch and subtle toasty lift to finish.
- Chopped green onions: A burst of fresh, grassy flavor and color as garnish.
- Salt to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the best in your fries.
How to Make Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries
Step 1: Prep and Cut the Potatoes
Start by scrubbing and peeling your russet potatoes, then slice them into thin, even fries. Consistency is key for even cooking, so try to match their size as closely as possible. If you have extra time, soak the fries in cold water for about 30 minutes, which draws out excess starch and helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven. Drain and dry the fries thoroughly with a clean towel before moving on.
Step 2: Season and Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, toss the dried potato strips with vegetable oil and a big pinch of salt until every fry glistens. Arrange them in a single, non-overlapping layer on the baking sheet; this ensures they roast rather than steam. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping with a spatula halfway through, until each fry is golden-brown and irresistibly crisp.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Garlic and Sesame Sauce
While your fries crisp in the oven, it’s time to whip up the heart of this recipe. Heat sesame oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 to 60 seconds as the room fills with bold, spicy aroma. Be careful not to brown the garlic—it should be golden and fragrant, not bitter. Once ready, quickly stir in the soy sauce and rice vinegar, letting the mixture bubble for just a few seconds, then remove it from the heat.
Step 4: Toss and Finish
When the fries are at peak crispness, transfer them straight from the oven into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the hot garlic-chili-soy mixture evenly over the fries, tossing gently but thoroughly so every fry is bursting with spicy, garlicky flavor. Immediately sprinkle the fries with sesame seeds and shower them with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve these Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries right away for the best crunch and flavor.
How to Serve Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries
Garnishes
Garnishing is where your Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries become truly eye-catching. A scatter of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of bright green onions add not only vivid color but also delightful texture and aroma. For even more flair, tuck in delicate sprigs of cilantro or drizzle with a touch of extra sesame oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
These fries are a superstar solo snack, but they pair beautifully with favorites like teriyaki tofu, miso-glazed vegetables, or a crisp cucumber salad. For a game-day platter, serve alongside vegan sliders or crispy spring rolls—anything that matches their bold, zippy spirit. Your table will light up with an unforgettable spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to have some fun! Serve your Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries in parchment cones for a playful street-food vibe, or pile them high on a platter with little dipping bowls of spicy mayo or sweet chili sauce. You could even layer them over a bed of fresh greens and top with shredded carrots and radishes for a dazzling Asian-inspired fry salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage not to polish off every last fry, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The fries are best eaten fresh but will keep for up to two days. The spicy, garlicky flavors actually deepen a bit as they sit, making leftovers a tasty treat for tomorrow’s lunch.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a zip-top bag once solid. This prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain their texture. Use within a month for the best balance of flavor and crunch.
Reheating
To bring back that addictive crispiness, reheat the fries in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through. Using the oven is key—microwaving tends to make fries soggy. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw for a couple of minutes before popping them in the oven, and watch for that golden finish.
FAQs
How spicy are Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries?
The heat level is totally adaptable. The 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes gives a lively kick, but feel free to dial it down for a milder snack or boost it for extra zing. The base recipe provides just the right warmth without overshadowing the other flavors.
Can I air fry instead of bake?
Absolutely! Air frying works beautifully for Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries. Simply toss the potatoes in oil and salt, arrange them in a single layer, and cook at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Finish and toss as usual for that signature flavor.
What type Side Dish, Snack
Russet potatoes are the classic choice for fries because of their high starch and low moisture content, which promotes outstanding crispness. Yukon Golds can also work, though their texture is a bit creamier and less crunchy after baking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of standard soy sauce. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so your Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries will be enjoyed by all.
Are these fries vegan?
Yes! This recipe is entirely plant-based, relying on oils, spices, and fresh vegetables for all its big flavors. It’s a terrific vegan snack that’s big on flavor and comfort.
Final Thoughts
Ready to give your fry game a major glow-up? Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries are the way to go. With each crispy, fiery bite, you get a taste of something bold and special. Try them once and you’ll want to put this recipe on repeat—so gather your ingredients and get cooking!
Print
Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Spicy Garlic and Sesame Fries are a flavorful twist on classic fries, with a kick of garlic, sesame, and chili flakes. Baked to crispy perfection, they make a delicious side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Potato Fries:
- 2 large russet potatoes, cut into thin fries
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
Sesame Garlic Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the potatoes: Toss the cut potatoes with vegetable oil and salt. Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Make the sesame garlic sauce: Heat sesame oil in a skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Add soy sauce and rice vinegar, then remove from heat.
- Finish the fries: Transfer baked fries to a bowl, drizzle with the garlic-chili-soy mixture, toss to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve: Enjoy these spicy garlic and sesame fries immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly before baking.
- Adjust chili flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
