If you’re craving fries that are crispy, indulgent, and bursting with umami, then let me introduce you to my Beef Tallow Fries with Furikake Recipe. This isn’t your ordinary fry game—these are fries cooked in rich beef tallow and topped with that unforgettable Japanese furikake seasoning. I promise, once you try this, you’ll find it hard to settle for anything less crispy and flavorful ever again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unmatched Crispy Texture: Beef tallow creates a perfectly crisp, golden crust that regular oils just can’t beat.
- Umami Bomb: Furikake seasoning adds layers of savory, nutty, and seaweed flavors that will surprise your taste buds.
- Versatile and Fun to Make: You’ll enjoy customizing your spicy mayo dipping sauce alongside these fries for extra dimension.
- Street Food Vibes at Home: This recipe channels the legendary Hawaiian truck fries I fell in love with on Oahu, brought right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but mighty. The potatoes are your canvas, the beef tallow is your secret sauce for frying perfection, and furikake adds that magical finishing touch. When you shop, I recommend fresh russets for their starchy, fry-friendly texture.
- Russet potatoes: Their high starch content helps achieve that crispy outside with a fluffy inside.
- Beef tallow: This is key for authentic flavor and an extra-crispy fry—don’t substitute with regular oil if you want that richness.
- Coarse sea salt: Adds crunch and balances the deep flavors.
- Furikake seasoning: A Japanese blend mainly of seaweed, sesame, and sometimes bonito flakes—trust me, it’s a game-changer.
- Sriracha sauce: For that spicy kick you can’t resist; adjust to your spice level.
- Mayo: Smoothes out the heat from sriracha for the perfect dipping sauce.
Variations
I love tweaking this recipe depending on the mood or what I have on hand. The beauty here is that you can easily personalize it without losing that delicious base flavor.
- Cheesy Furikake Fries: I once added a sprinkle of grated Parmesan right after frying—it brought a savory, melty twist my family went nuts over.
- Spicy Mayo Swap: Sometimes I mix in a bit of lime juice or garlic to my sriracha-mayo dip for a fresh zing.
- Herb Choice: While furikake is the star, a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions can brighten it up just right.
- Oil Alternatives: If you’re not able to source beef tallow, goose fat works well too—but beef tallow remains my favorite for flavor and texture.
How to Make Beef Tallow Fries with Furikake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes Like a Pro
Start by peeling your russet potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized sticks about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Even sizing is crucial—it ensures every fry cooks consistently without some being mushy while others are hard. I like to soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours. This step removes excess starch and helps you get those gloriously crisp fries.
Step 2: Heat That Beef Tallow
Transfer your beef tallow to a deep fryer or a large heavy-bottomed pot, then heat it to about 325°F (160°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you’ll know it’s ready when a fry dipped in sizzles gently. I discovered this temperature is perfect for cooking the fries through without burning the outside.
Step 3: The Double Fry Magic
Start by frying the potatoes in batches, but only for about 4-5 minutes until they’re soft but still pale. Removing the fries too late in this step means less crispiness, so keep an eye! Drain them on paper towels and let them cool for at least 10 minutes—this resting period is key.
Step 4: Fry Again for Golden Crunch
Now heat your tallow a bit hotter to about 375°F (190°C). Fry the potatoes again in small batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden, crispy, and absolutely drool-worthy. Drain once more on paper towels, then while still hot, sprinkle with coarse sea salt and a generous dusting of furikake seasoning.
Step 5: Whip Up Your Sriracha Mayo Dip
Mix sriracha and mayo together in a small bowl. I usually start with equal parts and then adjust if you want it spicier or creamier. I discovered this combo balances the salty, umami fries perfectly.
Step 6: Serve and Devour
Serve your fries hot with the sriracha mayo dip on the side. Watch your friends or family marvel over every crunchy, savory bite like I always do!
Pro Tips for Making Beef Tallow Fries with Furikake Recipe
- Soak Those Fries: I learned soaking potatoes overnight makes a huge difference for maximum crunch—don’t skip it.
- Temperature Control: Keeping your tallow at the right temps during the two fry sessions is crucial for cook-through plus crunch.
- Batch It Out: Don’t overcrowd your fryer or pot; fries need that space to cook evenly and stay crisp.
- Season Immediately: Sprinkle salt and furikake right after frying when fries are hot—this helps seasonings stick beautifully.
How to Serve Beef Tallow Fries with Furikake Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions on top for freshness and a dash of toasted sesame seeds to amp up the nutty notes already found in furikake. Sometimes, I’ll add a touch of bonito flakes for another layer of umami that just melts right on the hot fries.
Side Dishes
These fries pair perfectly with simple grilled meats or a fresh Asian-inspired slaw. I also serve them alongside poke bowls or teriyaki chicken for a full Hawaiian street food experience at home.
Creative Ways to Present
One time for a casual party, I served the beef tallow fries in paper cones lined with parchment and set out a dipping sauce bar with different mayo blends and extra furikake options. It was approachable, fun, and everyone loved being able to customize their fries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (though it’s hard), store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Keep them in the fridge and try to eat within 1-2 days for the best results.
Freezing
I generally don’t freeze fully cooked fries because the texture suffers, but you can freeze the raw cut potatoes after soaking and drying them—just freeze them spread out on a tray before bagging. When you want fries, fry them straight from frozen using the same double fry method.
Reheating
To revive leftover fries, I pop them in a hot oven or toaster oven (about 400°F) on a wire rack for 5-7 minutes. This re-crisps them nicely without sogginess. Avoid microwaving unless you want limp fries.
FAQs
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What is furikake and where can I buy it?
Furikake is a Japanese seasoning blend usually made of dried seaweed, sesame seeds, salt, and sometimes dried fish flakes or sugar. You can find it in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores or at specialty Asian markets. It adds a complex savory flavor to dishes like these fries.
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Why use beef tallow instead of vegetable oil?
Beef tallow has a higher smoke point and imparts a rich, beefy flavor that’s superior for frying fries. It produces a crispier, golden exterior with a deeper, satisfying taste you won’t get with most vegetable oils.
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Can I make the sriracha mayo ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sriracha mayo dip a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving. Making it in advance helps flavors meld nicely.
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How do I ensure my fries stay crispy?
Soaking your potatoes to remove starch, drying them well, frying twice at proper temperatures, not overcrowding your pan, and seasoning right after frying are all crucial steps to keep fries irresistibly crispy.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Beef Tallow Fries with Furikake Recipe brings a little Hawaii street food magic into my home kitchen. The contrast of the crispy fries with savory furikake and the creamy, spicy dip is just the kind of comfort food that brightens any day. If you make these fries, I guarantee you’ll find yourself craving them again and again, and they might quickly become your go-to recipe for parties or laid-back nights in. Don’t hesitate—get cooking. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Beef Tallow Fries with Furikake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Crispy and flavorful Beef Tallow Fries seasoned with Furikake and served with a spicy sriracha mayo dipping sauce. This recipe offers a delicious take on popular Oahu street food, combining rich beef tallow frying with umami-packed Japanese furikake seasoning for the ultimate indulgent fries experience.
Ingredients
Fries
- 4 russet potatoes, peeled
- ½ cup beef tallow
- Coarse sea salt, to taste
- ¼ cup Furikake seasoning
Sriracha Mayo Sauce
- ½ cup sriracha sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cut the russet potatoes into even-sized fries to ensure uniform cooking. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Heat the Beef Tallow: In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the beef tallow over medium-high heat until fully melted and reaches about 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Fry the Potatoes: Carefully add the potato fries in small batches to the hot beef tallow, frying them until golden brown and crispy, about 8–10 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature. Remove fries with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Season the Fries: While still hot, sprinkle the fries with coarse sea salt and toss with the furikake seasoning to evenly coat.
- Make the Sriracha Mayo Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the sriracha sauce and mayonnaise until smooth. Adjust quantities to taste if desired.
- Serve: Plate the fries and serve immediately with the sriracha mayo sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Every truck in Oahu has a unique spin on street fries; this recipe is inspired by the best street food from the region.
- Beef tallow provides a rich and crispy texture that traditional oils can’t replicate.
- Furikake seasoning adds a savory umami flavor, making these fries stand out.
- For extra crispiness, soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes before frying, then dry thoroughly.
- Adjust the sriracha mayo spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 251 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 609 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg