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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers/Sides

    Kimchi Fries

    Modified: Oct 8, 2024 · Published: Jan 23, 2023 by Christie Lai · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    Homemade crispy seasoned fries loaded with tangy kimchi, creamy mayonnaise and green onions with a hint of sesame. These easy kimchi fries are ready with simple ingredients. A great snack, appetizer or side dish for all the kimchi-lovers!

    kimchi fries
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients & Substitutes
    • Expert Tips
    • Instructions
    • Storage
    • Pairing Suggestions
    • FAQ
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    These loaded kimchi fries featured sliced Yukon gold potatoes seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder and paprika and oven roasted into crispy fries. Then topped off with lots of kimchi, green onions and kewpie mayo!

    I first learned of these Asian-style fries when I went to Bahn Mi Boys here in Toronto. I took my first bite and it seriously made my eyes roll to the back of my head as they were so delicious!

    featured image of kimchi fries

    The hint of tanginess from the fermented napa cabbage with creamy mayo over those crispy fries was pure heaven. It was so simple and tasty!

    Kimchi fries are not a traditional dish served at a Korean restaurant but it's a very trendy dish served at many food trucks or innovative Asian restaurants.

    kimchi fries

    The original kimchi fries comes from Jae Kim, who is the owner of Chi'Lantro. His food truck focuses on serving Korean and Mexican food.

    His version is more complex but I wanted to share my simplified version of this infamous Asian fusion dish featuring main ingredients: potato and kimchi!

    These fries are super easy to make as the kimchi and topping ingredients don't require any cooking. You also have the choice to oven roast, air fry or deep fry the fries and I share instructions below.

    Ingredients & Substitutes

    Please scroll down to the below recipe card for full measurements:

    • Yukon Gold Potatoes: or substitute with yellow russet potatoes because these are best for oven-baked fries as they contain low-medium starch. However, if you only have white potatoes, rinse them in cold water after slicing to the remove excess starch. Sweet potatoes will also work.
    • Kimchi: store bought kimchi from the Korean grocery store or homemade kimchi will work. If you're vegan, substitute with vegan kimchi that doesn't contain animal products. A good vegan brand is by Pulmuone sold at H-Mart.
    • Neutral oil: any flavorless oil with a high smoke point such as avocado oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil or canola oil.
    • Garlic powder: avoid using minced garlic as it won't evenly coat the fries.
    • Onion powder
    • Paprika powder: this gives it a nice subtle smoky flavor to balance out the fermented kimchi.
    • Japanese mayo (aka Kewpie mayo): a creamy Japanese-style mayonnaise made of egg yolks instead of using whole eggs like in regular mayo. As a last resort, substitute with regular mayo that is thick and creamy. 
    • Green Onions: for garnishing.
    • Sesame Oil: or substitute with sesame seeds. If you're allergic to sesame, omit this ingredient.

    Note: Most Asian grocery stores will carry most of the Asian specific ingredients or check online stores, like Amazon. 

    Kimchi

    Other Topping Ideas

    • Sesame seeds, toasted
    • Sriracha sauce mixed with the Japanese mayo for a spicy version
    • Shredded cheese
    • Sautéed onions
    • Gochugaru, aka Korean chili powder
    • Sautéed Ground Beef
    • Cheese Sauce

    Expert Tips

    • Use fresh Yukon Gold potatoes for best results! These create the best texture for oven baked fries as the interior is soft and fluffy.
    • Avoid using potatoes are that slightly green or with sprouts as these potatoes are no longer fresh and may contain a toxin called solanine.
    • Rinse off peeled potatoes with cold water to remove excess starch. The excess starch prevents the fries from becoming crispy.
    • Make sure to dry the potatoes well to remove any excess moisture.
    • Evenly slice the potatoes into equal sized fries for a consistent cooking time, otherwise some fries will be overcooked or undercooked.
    • Massage the seasoning into fries with clean hands to ensure they're well seasoned.
    • If you're baking the fries, use a large baking sheet so the fries have enough space around them to get crispy.
    • If you're baking or air frying, spread out the fries into a single layer without any overlap or the fries won't become crispy.

    Instructions

    Below are step-by-step instructions on how to make kimchi fries:

    1. Slice potatoes into ½-inch thick x 2-inch long sticks. Then rinse the potato sticks under cold running water, strain and shake out as much excess water as possible. Pat dry the potatoes with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
    2. Season potatoes with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and vegetable oil. Massage the spices and oil into the potatoes with clean hands until they're evenly coated.
    3. Choose ONE cooking method:
      • To bake in the oven: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Spread the seasoned potato sticks in a single layer without any overlap on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Giving each piece enough space. Bake on the middle rack for 35 minutes in total or golden brown and fork tender, flipping the fries over half way.
      • To deep fry: Heat 3 cups of 750 ml of vegetable oil in a large pan on medium heat, around 350 F with a digital instant read thermometer. Fry seasoned potato sticks in small batches until golden brown, flipping over halfway. Remove fries with a slotted spoon and transfer to a wire rack or paper towel lined plate to drain off excess oil.
      • To Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil. Place the seasoned potato sticks in a single layer without any overlap so there's enough space between each piece. You will need to air fry in small batches. Air fry for 14-18 minutes, flipping over halfway, until they are crispy and golden brown. If they're not golden brown, air fry for another few minutes until they are.
    4. Transfer fries to a large serving bowl. Top the fries off with sesame oil, kimchi, Japanese mayonnaise and green onions. Enjoy!

    Storage

    • These kimchi fries are best enjoyed fresh or they will so soggy.
    • Leftovers can be stored up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. I suggest keeping the toppings separate from the fries when storing.
    • To reheat: microwave the fries for a few minutes or reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350 F for 5-10 minutes until hot.

    Pairing Suggestions

    These fries serve well with:

    • onion rings, fried dumplings, deep fried cheese sticks
    • pickled daikon radish, kimchi, coleslaw, or Korean Cucumber salad
    • Korean corn cheese
    • Sesame Nori Fries
    • Korean fried chicken
    • Korean French Fry Corn Dog
    • Korean scallion pancake, kimchi pancake, or seafood pancake

    FAQ

    Can I make these in advance?

    Kimchi fries can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, microwave or in a pan on the stovetop on medium heat.

    📖 Recipe

    featured image of kimchi fries

    Easy & Simple Kimchi Fries

    Christie Lai
    Homemade crispy seasoned fries loaded with tangy kimchi, creamy mayonnaise and green onions with a hint of sesame. These easy kimchi fries are ready with simple ingredients. A great snack, appetizer or side dish for all the kimchi-lovers!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 35 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine Korean
    Servings 4 as a side
    Calories per serving 279 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 8 medium yukon gold potatoes washed & unpeeled (or sub with yellow russet potatoes)
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil for seasoning the fries
    • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¾ tsp onion powder
    • ¾ teaspoon paprika

    Toppings

    • 3-4 tablespoon Japanese mayonnaise or regular mayonnaise
    • 1 cup kimchi finely chopped
    • 1 green onion finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil for garnishing the fries

    Instructions
     

    • Slice potatoes into ½-inch thick x 2-inch long sticks. Then rinse the potato sticks under cold running water, strain and shake out as much excess water as possible. Pat dry the potatoes with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
    • Season potatoes with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and vegetable oil. Massage the spices and oil into the potatoes with clean hands until they're evenly coated.
    • Choose ONE potato cooking method below:
      To Bake in the Oven: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Spread the seasoned potato sticks in a single layer without any overlap on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Giving each piece enough space. Bake on the middle rack for 35 minutes in total or golden brown and fork tender, flipping the fries over half way.
      To Deep Fry: Heat 3 cups of 750 ml of vegetable oil in a large pan on medium heat, around 350 F with a digital instant read thermometer. Fry seasoned potato sticks in small batches until golden brown, flipping over halfway. Remove fries with a slotted spoon and transfer to a wire rack or paper towel lined plate to drain off excess oil.
      To Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil. Place the seasoned potato sticks in a single layer without any overlap so there's enough space between each piece. You will need to air fry in small batches. Air fry for 14-18 minutes, flipping over halfway, until they are crispy and golden brown. If they're not golden brown, air fry for another few minutes until they are.
    • Transfer fries to a large serving bowl. Top the fries off with sesame oil, kimchi, Japanese mayonnaise and green onions. Enjoy!
    Enjoyed my recipe?Please leave a 5 star review (be kind)! Tag me on social media @christieathome as I'd love to see your creations!

    Suggested Equipment & Products

    • Baking Sheet
    • Baking Liner
    • Measuring Set
    • Cutting Board
    • Santoku Knife
    • Potato Peeler
    • Parchment paper
    • Air Fryer
    • deep fryer
    Nutrition
    Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 167mg | Potassium: 1496mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 93IU | Vitamin C: 69mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 3mg

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      Firecracker Shrimp

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Heidi | The Frugal Girls

      July 27, 2020 at 3:31 pm

      5 stars
      I loved your idea to use avocado oil, this is such a great alternative to regular oils! 💕

      Reply
    2. christieathome

      April 24, 2020 at 8:39 pm

      Thanks so much Abhijna! I really appreciate your kind comment and I can't wait to see how they turn out 🙂 Have a great weekend my friend!

      Reply
    3. Josefina

      April 23, 2020 at 7:10 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you so much for this recipe Christie!!! When u think fries couldn’t get better u come and say Hey!!! Throw some Kimchi on top!! Lol!! Just loved it 🙂

      Reply
      • christieathome

        April 24, 2020 at 5:12 pm

        Thanks so much Josefina! Haha yes you're so right! It's so simple too. Have a great weekend and thanks again!

        Reply
    4. Rebecca Dillon

      April 22, 2020 at 3:42 pm

      5 stars
      This looks absolutely delicious! <3

      Reply
      • christieathome

        April 24, 2020 at 5:53 pm

        Thanks Rebecca!

        Reply
    5. Alex

      April 15, 2020 at 7:39 pm

      5 stars
      I am craving these - they are so delicious. Such a great recipe and wonderful combination!

      Reply
      • christieathome

        April 20, 2020 at 11:25 am

        Thanks so much Alex!!! It was really delicious.

        Reply
    6. Molly

      April 14, 2020 at 3:45 pm

      5 stars
      I tried making these fries the other day and damn they were delicious! I couldn't stop myself.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        April 24, 2020 at 5:53 pm

        Thanks so much Molly! I really appreciate that!

        Reply
    7. LetsCurry

      April 10, 2020 at 9:03 pm

      5 stars
      Christie,

      These fries look so satisfying and the fact they can be made as a finning snack during this lockdown is a big help.

      Thank you for such an amazing recipe.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        April 11, 2020 at 3:13 pm

        Thanks Haseena! They were incredibly easy to make too! Hope you have a great day!
        Christie

        Reply
    8. Sherri

      April 10, 2020 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      What a great way to take fries to the next level! Love this idea and love that it's vegan too! 🙂

      Reply
      • christieathome

        April 24, 2020 at 5:53 pm

        Thanks Sherri! It was really delish and so easy to make!

        Reply
    9. Rosemary Squires

      April 09, 2020 at 1:27 pm

      5 stars
      OMG kimchi on fries?! Talk about the ultimate gut health combo! PS-- I'm currently growing some green onion seeds hehe

      Reply
      • christieathome

        April 24, 2020 at 5:52 pm

        Thanks so much Rosemary! It was so good and easy to make! I love that you're growing some green onions!

        Reply

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    Christie

    Christie is an Recipe Blogger with an expertise on Asian recipes! She makes Asian cooking approachable with step-by-step pictures, ingredient & recipe tips and a helpful cooking video. Her quick and easy recipes have been featured on BuzzFeed Tasty, Food52, The Kitchn, The FeedFeed, Sur La Table, Yummly and more! With a following of over 1M+, her recipes are made repeatedly by her loyal readers.

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