Fried potatoes, consisting of stick potatoes fried in oil, are beloved worldwide and immensely popular in Japan. They are served not only in fast-food establishments but also in Western-style restaurants and even convenience stores. While they are commonly served as a meal component in many countries, in Japan, they are still largely considered as a snack or junk food. Nonetheless, hot fried potatoes are seriously delicious, appealing to many young and old as a guilty pleasure.
In Japanese, we refer to this dish as “Fried potato” or “potato fry”, but its name varies across different countries. In the US, it’s famously known as French fries; across the pond in the UK, they’re called “chips”. Meanwhile, in Belgium, they’re known as “friets” or “frietjes”, and in France, they’re referred to as “pommes frites” or simply “frites”. Despite the diverse names, they all share one common trait: the simply irresistible deep-fried potatoes.
The origin of this beloved dish traces back to Belgium in the late 17th century. While it’s commonly referred to as “French fries” in the US, there’s a theory suggesting its origins may lie in France. However, the prevailing belief currently leans towards Belgium as the birthplace of this treat.
Fried potatoes became popular in Japan in the 1970s when an American hamburger fast-food chain started spreading all over the country, and it has since become deeply rooted in Japanese food culture. Due to the easy accessibility of the dish from many stores, people often opt not to make them at home, but when they do, they tend to prepare simple yet wholesome version of fried potatoes in their own kitchens. Fried potatoes are often enjoyed as a treat, but they are sometimes served as a side dish to Western-style entrees such as hamburger steak and beef steak. A serving of fried potatoes in Japan is typically not large, usually consisting of just a few pieces. Thicker stick potatoes are more common in home-style preparations.With a bit of preparation and care, you can achieve crispy golden delights right in your own kitchen.
This Delicious deep-fried potato have captured the hearts and taste buds of people in Japan and worldwide. Whether enjoyed as a side dish, snack, or part of a main course, freshly made Fried Potato will be appreciated by everyone around you. Hope you give it a try!
Fried Potato
Fried Potato or Potato Fry in Japanese, a deep-fried crispy potato treat
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Soaking Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: potato
Servings: 2
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1 mesh strainer with a handle
Peel and cut the potatoes into 1/2" thick sticks. Soak them in water for 1 hour.
Pat dry with a towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lightly coat the potatoes with flour.
Add the potatoes to the deep-frying oil when it's still cool. Cook over medium-low heat for 3 minutes without touching. When the surfaces of the potatoes become hard, stir them. Cook for another 3 minutes. Turn up the heat to high and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Strain the potatoes from the oil, and sprinkle salt. Serve immediately.
About JapaneseCooking101
Noriko and Yuko, the authors of this site, are both from Japan but now live in California. They love cooking and eating great food, and share a similar passion for home cooking using fresh ingredients. Noriko and Yuko plan and develop recipes together for Japanese Cooking 101. They cook and shoot photos/videos at their home kitchen(s.)
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