Spicy Thai-Style Oven Fries
These Spicy Thai-Style Oven Fries are a delightful fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds! Inspired by traditional Thai ingredients, this recipe offers a unique twist on classic fries. The combination of peanut oil, lime juice, fish sauce, and spices elevates simple potatoes into a deliciously crisp and savory dish. Packed with flavor and just the right amount of heat, these fries are perfect as a snack or a side dish. Best of all, they're baked to perfection, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried potatoes. Your family will be begging for more, and even those who aren't fans of spice will find themselves reaching for a second helping!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Medium Potatoes
3 (Washed and cut into French fry shapes)
Peanut Oil
1 tablespoon (For marinating)
Fresh Lime Juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Fish Sauce
1 tablespoon (For marinating)
Peanut Butter
1 tablespoon (Smooth)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Minced Garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons (Freshly minced)
Cayenne Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (For heat)
Coriander Powder
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Ground Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Onion Powder
1/2 teaspoon (For flavor)
Vegetable Oil
as needed (For greasing the baking sheet)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up.
2
2. Cut the washed, unpeeled potatoes into evenly-sized French fry shapes, about 1/4-inch thick for optimal crispiness.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl or a ziplock bag, combine the peanut oil, lime juice, fish sauce, peanut butter, salt, pepper, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, coriander powder, ground cumin, and onion powder. Mix well until fully integrated.
4
4. Add the cut potatoes to the bowl or bag, ensuring they are all evenly coated with the marinade. Let the potatoes marinate for at least 1 hour for the flavors to penetrate.
5
5. Once marinated, transfer the potatoes onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer without them touching to ensure they cook evenly.
6
6. Drizzle a small amount of vegetable oil on the foil and wipe it around with a paper towel to prevent sticking. Shake any excess marinade off the potatoes as you place them onto the sheet.
7
7. Bake the fries for 40-45 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to achieve golden-brown crispiness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Thai-Style Oven Fries?
Spicy Thai-Style Oven Fries are a fusion dish that combines classic potato fries with Thai-inspired ingredients like fish sauce, lime juice, and peanut butter for a unique, savory flavor.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for optimal baking.
How long do the fries need to bake?
The fries should be baked for 40 to 45 minutes until they are golden-brown and crispy.
How thick should the potatoes be cut?
The potatoes should be cut into evenly-sized French fry shapes approximately 1/4-inch thick.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, the recipe calls for unpeeled potatoes that have been washed thoroughly.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of peanut oil, lime juice, fish sauce, peanut butter, salt, pepper, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, coriander powder, ground cumin, and onion powder.
How long should the potatoes marinate?
The potatoes should marinate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully penetrate.
Is fish sauce required for this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce is used to provide the authentic savory Thai flavor profile.
What type of peanut butter should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of smooth peanut butter for the marinade.
How spicy are these Thai-style fries?
These fries have a moderate heat level provided by 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Are these fries a healthier option than standard fries?
Yes, because these fries are baked in the oven rather than deep-fried, they are a healthier alternative to traditional fries.
What oil is used in the marinade?
Peanut oil is used in the marinade to complement the nutty flavors of the dish.
Why is aluminum foil used on the baking sheet?
Lining the baking sheet with aluminum foil helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up much easier.
How do I prevent the fries from sticking to the foil?
Drizzle a small amount of vegetable oil on the foil and wipe it around with a paper towel before placing the potatoes.
Can the fries touch each other on the baking sheet?
No, you should spread them in a single layer without touching to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
Should I flip the fries during cooking?
Yes, turn the fries halfway through the baking time to achieve even golden-brown crispiness on all sides.
What ground spices are included?
The spice blend includes cayenne pepper, coriander powder, ground cumin, and onion powder.
Should I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 and a half teaspoons of freshly minced garlic.
What makes these fries 'Thai-style'?
The inclusion of ingredients like peanut oil, fresh lime juice, fish sauce, and peanut butter creates a traditional Thai flavor profile.
How many potatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 3 medium-sized potatoes.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written, it contains fish sauce. To make it vegetarian, you would need to substitute the fish sauce with a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
What is the texture of these oven fries?
When prepared correctly, the fries are golden-brown and crispy on the outside.
Can I serve these as a snack?
Yes, these fries are versatile and work perfectly as either a snack or a side dish.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, or more to taste.
Is coriander used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander powder is included in the seasoning mix.
What does the lime juice do?
Fresh lime juice adds a bright, acidic balance to the savory and spicy marinade.
Is onion powder required?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder is added to enhance the overall savory flavor of the fries.
Is cumin used in this spice blend?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin for added warmth and depth.
How long is the total baking duration?
The total baking time ranges from 40 to 45 minutes.
Why should I shake off excess marinade?
Shaking off excess marinade before placing the potatoes on the sheet helps them roast and crisp up rather than steaming.