Crispy Crinkle Fries with Chinese Five-Spice Salt

Prep:7 min

Cook:7 min

Serves:2–4

Difficulty:Medium

Yes, fries in a Chinese cooking blog! But these aren't ordinary fries — they're tossed in a fragrant five-spice salt that transforms them into something magical. The crinkle cut isn't just for aesthetics — those ridges create extra surface area for maximum crispiness and they catch the seasoning in every groove. Think of them as a fusion of Western comfort food and Chinese flavor.

Street food vendors across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China serve seasoned fries as popular snacks, often dusted with plum powder, chili salt, or five-spice. Night markets in Taipei are especially famous for their 'XXL fried chicken and fries' stalls, where giant pieces of fried chicken come with a side of perfectly seasoned fries.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs russet potatoes
• Oil for deep frying
• For the five-spice salt:
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorn
• Pinch of sugar

Instructions

1
Peel the potatoes and cut using a crinkle cutter. If you don't have one, cut into regular ⅜-inch thick fries. Soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to remove excess starch.
2
Drain the fries and dry them thoroughly with kitchen towels. Any remaining moisture will cause dangerous splattering and prevent crispiness.
3
Mix all five-spice salt ingredients in a small bowl. Toast the mixture in a dry pan over low heat for 1 minute to bloom the spices — this intensifies the aroma dramatically.
4
Heat oil to 325°F (163°C). Par-fry the potatoes in batches for 4-5 minutes until cooked through but still pale. Remove and drain. This can be done ahead of time.
5
Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the potatoes again in batches for 2-3 minutes until deeply golden and crispy. They should sizzle loudly when they hit the oil.
6
Transfer to a large bowl lined with paper towels. While still piping hot, sprinkle generously with the five-spice salt mixture and toss to coat evenly.

Pro Tips

💡The double-fry technique is the secret to restaurant-quality fries — don't skip it.
💡A crinkle cutter costs about $5 and is worth every penny for the texture difference.
💡Make extra five-spice salt and store it — it's amazing on popcorn, roasted vegetables, and fried chicken too.
💡For a healthier version, bake at 425°F on a wire rack for 30-35 minutes, flipping once.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a snack with cold drinks, as a side dish with Chinese fried chicken, or alongside any grilled meat. They're a huge hit at parties and game days. For dipping, try them with sweet chili sauce or garlic mayo.