Sweet potato fries have become a staple in many restaurants and households, and for good reason. They’re a delicious, healthier alternative to regular fries, and their sweet, nutty flavor pairs well with a variety of dishes. But what to cook with sweet potato fries? In this article, we’ll explore some tasty and creative ideas to get you started.
Classic Combinations
When it comes to pairing sweet potato fries with other foods, there are some classic combinations that never go out of style. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Burgers and Sandwiches
Sweet potato fries are a natural pairing with burgers and sandwiches. The sweetness of the fries complements the savory flavor of the meat, creating a match made in heaven. Try pairing your sweet potato fries with a juicy beef burger, a crispy chicken sandwich, or a veggie burger for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Some popular burger and sandwich options to try with sweet potato fries:
- Classic Cheeseburger: A timeless favorite, pair your sweet potato fries with a classic cheeseburger for a comforting meal.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the sweetness of sweet potato fries.
Grilled Meats and Vegetables
Sweet potato fries also pair well with grilled meats and vegetables. The smoky flavor of the grill complements the sweetness of the fries, creating a delicious and well-rounded meal. Try pairing your sweet potato fries with grilled steak, chicken, or vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers.
Some popular grilled options to try with sweet potato fries:
- Grilled Steak: The charred flavor of grilled steak pairs perfectly with the sweetness of sweet potato fries.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add a nice contrast in texture to sweet potato fries.
International Inspirations
Sweet potato fries can also be paired with international dishes for a unique and exciting meal. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Korean-Style BBQ
Sweet potato fries pair perfectly with the sweet and spicy flavors of Korean BBQ. Try pairing your fries with marinated bulgogi beef or spicy Korean chicken for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Some popular Korean-style BBQ options to try with sweet potato fries:
- Bulgogi Beef: The sweet and savory flavor of bulgogi beef pairs perfectly with the sweetness of sweet potato fries.
- Spicy Korean Chicken: The spicy kick of Korean chicken adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of sweet potato fries.
Mexican Fiesta
Sweet potato fries can also be paired with Mexican dishes for a fun and flavorful meal. Try pairing your fries with tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Some popular Mexican options to try with sweet potato fries:
- Tacos: The crunchy texture of sweet potato fries pairs perfectly with the softness of tacos.
- Quesadillas: The melted cheese and savory fillings of quesadillas complement the sweetness of sweet potato fries.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Sweet potato fries can also be paired with vegetarian and vegan dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Vegetarian Burgers
Sweet potato fries pair perfectly with vegetarian burgers. Try pairing your fries with a black bean burger, a portobello mushroom burger, or a lentil burger for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Some popular vegetarian burger options to try with sweet potato fries:
- Black Bean Burger: The earthy flavor of black beans pairs perfectly with the sweetness of sweet potato fries.
- Portobello Mushroom Burger: The meaty texture of portobello mushrooms complements the crunch of sweet potato fries.
Vegan Options
Sweet potato fries can also be paired with vegan dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal. Try pairing your fries with vegan burgers, sandwiches, or salads for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Some popular vegan options to try with sweet potato fries:
- Vegan Burgers: The variety of vegan burgers available pairs perfectly with the sweetness of sweet potato fries.
- Vegan Salads: The freshness of vegan salads complements the crunch of sweet potato fries.
Breakfast and Brunch Options
Sweet potato fries can also be paired with breakfast and brunch dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Breakfast Sandwiches
Sweet potato fries pair perfectly with breakfast sandwiches. Try pairing your fries with a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich or a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Some popular breakfast sandwich options to try with sweet potato fries:
- Bacon, Egg, and Cheese: The smoky flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of sweet potato fries.
- Sausage, Egg, and Cheese: The spicy kick of sausage adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of sweet potato fries.
Brunch Options
Sweet potato fries can also be paired with brunch dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal. Try pairing your fries with eggs benedict, pancakes, or waffles for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Some popular brunch options to try with sweet potato fries:
- Eggs Benedict: The rich flavor of eggs benedict pairs perfectly with the sweetness of sweet potato fries.
- Pancakes or Waffles: The sweetness of pancakes or waffles complements the crunch of sweet potato fries.
Conclusion
Sweet potato fries are a versatile food that can be paired with a variety of dishes, from classic combinations to international inspirations. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting burger and fries or a flavorful and exotic meal, sweet potato fries are a great choice. So next time you’re thinking about what to cook with sweet potato fries, try one of these delicious and creative ideas!
What are sweet potato fries and how are they different from regular fries?
Sweet potato fries are a type of French fry made from sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. They have a sweeter and softer texture than regular fries, which makes them a popular alternative. Sweet potato fries are also higher in fiber and antioxidants than regular fries, making them a slightly healthier option.
The difference in taste and texture between sweet potato fries and regular fries is due to the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes contain more sugar than regular potatoes, which caramelizes when cooked, giving sweet potato fries a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. This unique flavor and texture combination has made sweet potato fries a favorite among foodies and comfort food lovers.
How do I make sweet potato fries at home?
Making sweet potato fries at home is relatively easy and requires just a few ingredients. To start, you’ll need to peel and slice sweet potatoes into long, thin strips. You can either slice them by hand or use a French fry cutter to get uniform strips. Next, soak the sweet potato strips in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
After soaking, dry the sweet potato strips thoroughly with paper towels and toss them with oil and your favorite seasonings. You can bake or deep-fry the sweet potato fries, depending on your preference. For crispy sweet potato fries, deep-frying is the way to go. Simply heat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F and fry the sweet potato strips in batches until golden brown.
What are some popular seasonings for sweet potato fries?
Sweet potato fries can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to enhance their flavor. Some popular seasonings for sweet potato fries include paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika. You can also try using different types of salt, such as sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, to add a touch of flavor.
For a spicy kick, you can sprinkle sweet potato fries with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. If you prefer a more savory flavor, try using dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also experiment with different combinations of seasonings to create unique flavor profiles.
Can I make sweet potato fries in advance?
Yes, you can make sweet potato fries in advance, but it’s best to cook them just before serving for optimal flavor and texture. If you need to make sweet potato fries ahead of time, you can slice and soak the sweet potatoes up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.
If you’ve already cooked sweet potato fries, you can reheat them in the oven or deep fryer to crisp them up. However, keep in mind that reheated sweet potato fries may not be as crispy as freshly cooked ones. To get the best results, try to cook sweet potato fries just before serving.
Are sweet potato fries gluten-free?
Yes, sweet potato fries are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. However, if you’re cooking sweet potato fries in a shared fryer or using a seasoning blend that contains gluten, there’s a risk of cross-contamination.
To ensure that your sweet potato fries are gluten-free, use a dedicated gluten-free fryer or cooking oil, and choose gluten-free seasonings. You can also try baking sweet potato fries instead of deep-frying them to avoid any potential gluten contamination.
Can I use different types of sweet potatoes for sweet potato fries?
Yes, you can use different types of sweet potatoes for sweet potato fries, and each variety will give you a slightly different flavor and texture. Some popular types of sweet potatoes for sweet potato fries include Jewel, Beauregard, and Covington.
Jewel sweet potatoes have a sweet, nutty flavor and a firm texture that holds up well to frying. Beauregard sweet potatoes are sweeter and softer than Jewel sweet potatoes, making them a great choice for baked sweet potato fries. Covington sweet potatoes have a sweet, slightly smoky flavor and a soft texture that works well for both baked and fried sweet potato fries.
How do I store leftover sweet potato fries?
If you have leftover sweet potato fries, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, it’s best to store them in a single layer, separated by paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
You can also freeze leftover sweet potato fries for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat them, simply bake or deep-fry the frozen sweet potato fries until crispy.