Animal Style Fries: 7 Easy Copycat Steps!
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Secret Behind Animal Style Fries
- Why These Are The Best Copycat Animal Style Fries
- Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need
- Getting Started: Essential Equipment
- How to Make Animal Style Fries: 7 Easy Copycat Steps!
- Tips for Perfect Animal Style Fries Every Time
- Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Style Fries
Craving the iconic taste of In-N-Out’s beloved side dish? This guide on Animal Style Fries copycat will walk you through recreating those perfectly crispy, saucy, and onion-topped delights right in your own kitchen! Get ready to impress your taste buds with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Introduction: The Secret Behind Animal Style Fries
The magic of Animal Style Fries lies in their irresistible combination of perfectly cooked fries, a rich and tangy secret sauce, and sweet, deeply caramelized onions, all finished with a sprinkle of melted cheese. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that has captivated fast-food lovers for decades.
Understanding these core components is key to mastering the copycat version. Our recipe breaks down each element into simple steps, ensuring a delicious result every time.
Why These Are The Best Copycat Animal Style Fries
This recipe isn’t just a close imitation; it aims to be an exact replica, capturing the essence of the original. We focus on authentic preparation methods for each component, from the golden-brown fries to the perfectly balanced sauce.
You’ll discover that making Animal Style Fries at home allows for customization and fresh ingredients, often surpassing the quality of store-bought versions. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding cooking experience!
Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need
- 2 large Russet potatoes, cut into fries (or 1 bag frozen fries)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt, to taste
- 2 slices American cheese (optional, but recommended for authenticity)
- For the Animal Style Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of paprika
Getting Started: Essential Equipment
You don’t need a professional kitchen to master these Animal Style Fries copycat. A few basic tools will do the trick.
- Large skillet or cast iron pan (for onions and sauce)
- Deep fryer or large pot (for fries)
- Slotted spoon or spider tool
- Paper towel-lined plate or cooling rack
- Whisk
- Small mixing bowl
How to Make Animal Style Fries: 7 Easy Copycat Steps!
Let’s dive into the process and create your very own batch of these delightful fries. Each step is designed for clarity and ease.
Step 1: Preparing Your Fries
If using fresh potatoes, cut them into ¼-inch thick fries. For crispier results, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat them completely dry. Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the potatoes in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. If using frozen fries, follow package instructions for best results, aiming for a deep golden crisp. Season immediately with salt.
Step 2: Crafting the Signature Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth and well combined. This is the heart of your Animal Style Fries!
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Step 3: Caramelizing the Onions
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion.
Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are deeply golden brown and sweet. Patience is key here, as true caramelization cannot be rushed.
Step 4: Assembling Your Fries
Arrange your hot, crispy fries on a platter or individual plates. If using cheese, immediately place the American cheese slices over the hot fries to melt slightly.
Next, spoon a generous amount of the caramelized onions over the cheese (or directly on the fries). Finally, drizzle liberally with your homemade Animal Style Sauce. For an extra touch of authenticity, consider a sprinkle of chopped chives, though not traditional.
Tips for Perfect Animal Style Fries Every Time
Achieving perfection with your Animal Style Fries is all about technique. Don’t crowd the fryer when cooking potatoes; this lowers the oil temperature and leads to soggy fries. Fry in small batches for optimal crispiness.
For even richer caramelized onions, a tiny pinch of baking soda can speed up the process, but be careful not to overdo it. You can also experiment with different types of relish in your sauce for subtle flavor variations. Read our in-depth guide here.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
TThese fries are a meal in themselves, but they also make an incredible side dish. They pair perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, or even a simple grilled cheese sandwich. For an authentic experience, consider serving them alongside a burger from this popular copycat recipe site.
A cold soda or milkshake would round out this classic fast-food inspired meal beautifully. Enjoy your homemade feast!
Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Style Fries
What makes Animal Style Fries unique?
Their unique flavor comes from the combination of grilled onions, a secret tangy sauce (often called “spread”), and melted American cheese atop crispy fries.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
The traditional recipe uses American cheese and mayonnaise, which are not vegan. However, you can easily substitute with vegan cheese slices and a plant-based mayo for a delicious vegan version of Animal Style Fries.
How store and reheat leftover Animal Style Fries?
Animal Style Fries are best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce can make them soggy over time. If you have leftovers, store the components separately (fries, sauce, onions) and reheat the fries in an air fryer or oven before reassembling.