This savory Cuban fries recipe features French Fries, zesty chimichurri sauce, pickles, and aioli —a flavorful blend that captures the essence of Cuban cuisine.
These Cuban fries offer a unique and vibrant flavor profile. We had them at a local Cuban Cafe where they are called Cuban Green Fries and the flavor is addictive. The french fries are seasoned with zesty green chimichurri sauce, mustard aioli, chopped dill pickles, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. The combination of the crispy texture and the flavorful spices creates a delightful contrast that makes Cuban fries a delicious and distinct culinary experience.
Ingredients for Cuban Fries
Each component works together harmoniously to create a balanced and flavorful dish, with layers of taste and texture that complement each other.
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
- French Fries: The base of the dish, provides a crispy and starchy foundation for the toppings.
- Yellow Mustard Aioli (Mayonnaise, Yellow Mustard, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Salt, and Pepper):
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the aioli.
- Yellow Mustard: Provides a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that complements the savory fries.
- Garlic: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle kick.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the aioli with acidity, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhance the overall seasoning and flavor profile.
- Chimichurri Sauce (Fresh Parsley, Fresh Cilantro, Garlic, Red Wine Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper):
- Fresh Parsley and Cilantro: Provide freshness and herbaceous flavor to the sauce.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic element.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Offers acidity and tanginess, balancing the richness of the olive oil.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a smooth texture and rich flavor base for the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the sauce and enhance its overall taste.
- Garnishes (Dill Pickles, Green Onions, Parmesan Cheese):
- Dill Pickles: Add a crunchy texture and tangy flavor contrast to the dish.
- Green Onions: Provide a fresh and mild onion flavor, as well as a pop of color.
- Parmesan Cheese: Offers a savory and nutty element, enhancing the overall umami profile of the dish.
How to Make Cuban Fries
These loaded French fries with tangy aioli, zesty chimichurri sauce, and savory garnishes are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a delicious snack.
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
- Prepare The French Fries.
- Make The Yellow Mustard Aioli.
- Prepare The Chimichurri Sauce.
- Assemble And Serve.
Why this Recipe Works
- The combination of spices adds an authentic Cuban flavor.
- Baking or Air Frying the fries ensures a crispy texture without excessive oil.
- The addition of Cuban Chimichurri enhances the taste and brings a refreshing twist.
- The recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it accessible to all.
- It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or side to Adobo Pernil.
Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks:
- If preparing, Homemade Air Fryer French Fries, soak the fries in cold water to remove excess starch before cooking.
- Adjust the spice levels to suit your personal preference.
- Serve the Cuban fries with a side of mojo sauce for an authentic touch.
- Pair the fries with a refreshing mojito cocktail for a true Cuban experience.
Recipe Variations:
- Swap regular potatoes for Yuca fries for a twist on the classic.
- Add shredded Parmesan cheese and bake until melted for cheesy Cuban fries.
- Top the fries with diced avocado, black beans, and salsa for a loaded Cuban fries platter.
- Use plantain slices instead of potatoes for a unique Cuban twist.
Serving Suggestions
Remember, these serving suggestions are just a starting point, and you can get creative with your own favorite flavors and ingredients to complement the unique taste of Cuban green French fries.
- Serve the Cuban green French fries as a side dish alongside grilled or roasted meats, such as marinated pork or grilled chicken. The fries’ unique flavor and crispy texture pair well with the savory and smoky notes of the meats.
- Create a Cuban-inspired platter by topping the green fries with flavorful ingredients like shredded slow-cooked beef, diced tomatoes, black beans, and a drizzle of tangy mojo sauce. This loaded version makes for a satisfying and hearty meal.
- Serve the Cuban green fries as an appetizer or snack with a selection of dipping sauces, such as garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or spicy salsa. The contrast between the crispy fries and creamy or zesty sauces adds an extra dimension of flavor.
- Incorporate the Cuban green fries into a Latin-inspired bowl by layering them with ingredients like seasoned black beans, fresh avocado slices, grilled corn, and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. This creates a colorful and satisfying meal that showcases the fries’ unique flavor.
- Pair the Cuban green fries with a refreshing tropical salad, featuring ingredients like mango, pineapple, red onions, and a tangy lime dressing. The combination of the fries’ texture and the bright, fruity flavors of the salad creates a refreshing and well-balanced meal.
Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To freeze, it is not recommended to freeze Cuban fries once they have been assembled.
When reheating, spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Cuban French fries?
Cuban French fries are a variation of traditional French fries that are seasoned with Cuban-inspired flavors. They are often made using regular potatoes or green plantains and are seasoned with spices like garlic, cumin, and paprika to give them a distinctly Cuban flavor.
How are Cuban French fries different from regular French fries?
Cuban French fries differ from regular French fries in terms of their seasoning and flavor profile. While regular French fries are typically seasoned with salt, Cuban French fries incorporate additional spices to give them a unique taste reminiscent of Cuban cuisine.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for Cuban French fries?
Yes, you can use sweet potatoes to make Cuban French fries. Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweeter flavor and a different texture to the fries, offering a tasty variation to the traditional recipe.
Can I deep fry the Cuban French fries instead of baking them?
A: Yes, you can deep fry the Cuban French fries if you prefer. Baking them is a healthier option, but deep frying can yield a crispier texture. Make sure to adjust the cooking time and keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Wine & Cocktail Pairings
Wine Pairings:
- Malbec: The fruity and robust flavors of Malbec pair well with the rich and savory notes of Cuban French fries. The wine’s medium to full body and dark fruit characteristics complement the spices and enhance the overall dining experience.
- Sauvignon Blanc: The crisp and refreshing nature of Sauvignon Blanc makes it a delightful pairing for Cuban French fries. The wine’s citrusy and herbal flavors provide a nice contrast to the spices, offering a balanced and vibrant combination.
- Sparkling Rosé: The effervescence and fruit-forward profile of a sparkling rosé make it an excellent choice for pairing with Cuban French fries. The wine’s lively bubbles and fruity notes help cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors of the fries.
Cocktail Pairings:
- Mojito: The classic Cuban cocktail, the Mojito, is a fantastic match for Cuban French fries. The combination of muddled mint, lime juice, rum, and soda water provides a refreshing and citrusy contrast that complements the flavors of the fries.
- Piña Colada: The tropical flavors of a Piña Colada make it a fun and delicious companion for Cuban French fries. The blend of rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream creates a creamy and fruity cocktail that adds a touch of vacation vibes to the meal.
- Margarita: A zesty Margarita is another great option to pair with Cuban French fries. The tangy combination of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec offers a refreshing and citrus-forward taste that harmonizes with the spices and adds a festive element to the dining experience.
Cuban Fries [Cuban French Fries]
Ingredients
- 12 oz French Fries
- Salt and Pepper to taste
For the Yellow Mustard Aioli:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1/2 clove garlic , minced
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley , finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro , finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/8 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes
- 3 tbsp Dill pickles chopped
- 2 green onions chopped
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the French Fries:
- If using store-bought French fries, follow the instructions on the package to bake or fry them until crispy. If making homemade fries, peel and cut potatoes into sticks, fry them until golden brown, then drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
Make the Yellow Mustard Aioli:
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed. Set aside.
Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce:
- In another bowl, combine chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Set aside.
Assemble and Serve:
- Arrange the cooked French fries on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Drizzle the Yellow Mustard Aioli over the fries.
- Spoon the Chimichurri Sauce generously on top of the aioli.
- Sprinkle chopped dill pickles, green onions, and Parmesan cheese as garnishes.
- Serve immediately while the fries are hot and enjoy this flavorful dish!