Thrashers Fries, the iconic beachside snack shack that has been a boardwalk staple for over 90 years, has kept their recipe for their golden crispy fries a closely guarded secret. However, there is one thing that can be revealed – the oil in which they are cooked. The oil used to create those mouth-watering fries is a blend of cottonseed and soybean oil. This mixture gives the fries their signature crisp crust and fluffy interior that has kept beachgoers coming back for decades.
With so many different types of oil available today, it’s no wonder that any food establishment’s choice of oil can make a big difference in the final product’s taste and quality. Cottonseed oil is a less common oil used in cooking because it is not as readily available or cost-efficient as other options. However, it offers a subtle nutty flavor and works well at high temperatures, making it excellent for frying. Soybean oil, on the other hand, has a mild flavor and is rich in fatty acids that contribute to the fries’ golden color.
Despite the buzz around more “health-conscious” oils like coconut or avocado for cooking, Thrashers Fries remains loyal to the classic cottonseed and soybean oil mixture. And with good reason – it’s been a winning combination for almost a century. So if you’re headed to the boardwalk and craving some crispy golden fries, you can be sure that Thrashers will have them cooked to perfection in their trusty blend of oils.
Thrasher’s Fries: A Maryland Institution
Thrasher’s French Fries has been a beloved Maryland institution since 1929 when J. T. Thrasher first opened its doors in Ocean City. Over the years, the iconic snack food has built up a loyal following with patrons lining up for hours to get their hands on the crispy, golden fries that are so unique to the Thrasher’s brand.
What Kind of Oil Does Thrasher’s Fries Use?
The secret to Thrasher’s fries lies in the oil that they use. Unlike traditional brands that rely on vegetable oil or canola oil, Thrasher’s fries use peanut oil.
- Peanut oil has a high smoke point of 450°F, which makes it ideal for frying foods at high temperatures.
- Peanut oil has a mild flavor that does not overpower the natural taste of the potatoes used for the fries.
- Peanut oil is a healthier option than other oils as it contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that are good for your heart.
Thrasher’s fries are also twice-fried in their peanut oil which gives them their signature texture: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
| Oil | Smoke Point | Flavor | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peanut Oil | 450°F | Mild | Good for heart health |
| Vegetable Oil | 400-450°F | Neutral | Low in saturated fats |
| Canola Oil | 400°F | Neutral | Low in saturated fats and high in Omega-3 |
So next time you are waiting in line for a taste of Thrasher’s fries, remember that the secret to their deliciousness is not just in the potatoes but also in the peanut oil they use.
The Secret to Thrasher’s Legendary Crunch
For over 90 years, Thrasher’s French Fries has been a staple on the boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. When you walk by their stand, you’ll notice the long lines filled with hungry customers waiting to get their hands on their famous fries. What makes Thrasher’s fries stand out from the rest? It’s the combination of the perfect cut and the oil they use, giving it its legendary crunch.
What Kind of Oil Does Thrasher’s Fries Use?
- It’s All About the Peanut Oil: Thrasher’s fries are cooked in 100% peanut oil. This type of oil has a high smoking point, making it perfect for deep frying at a high temperature without breaking down and giving the fries a burnt or greasy taste.
- Filtered and Changed Every Day: The oil used in Thrasher’s fryers is filtered and changed every day. This ensures that their fries are always cooked in fresh and clean oil, giving it the perfect crispy texture and delicious taste every time.
- Quality Over Quantity: Thrasher’s fries are cooked in small batches to ensure that each fry cooks evenly and comes out perfectly. This attention to detail and commitment to quality is what has made Thrasher’s fries legendary.
The Perfect Cut
Thrasher’s fries have a unique cut that contributes to its legendary crunch. Instead of using a traditional french fry cutter, Thrasher’s uses a special machine with two spinning blades that cut the potatoes into thick, irregular shapes. This allows the fries to have more surface area, giving it its signature crunch on the outside while still having a soft and fluffy texture on the inside.
After the potatoes are cut, they’re immediately placed in the fryer, ensuring that they’re cooked fresh to order. The combination of the perfect cut and the fresh, clean peanut oil is what makes Thrasher’s fries stand out from the rest.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the perfect french fry with a legendary crunch, then look no further than Thrasher’s French Fries. By using 100% peanut oil, filtering and changing the oil every day, and paying attention to the perfect cut of the potato, Thrasher’s has created a fry that has stood the test of time and has become a beloved icon on the Ocean City boardwalk.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Thrasher’s fries are cooked in 100% peanut oil, which has a high smoking point and doesn’t break down at high temperatures. |
| The oil in Thrasher’s fryers is filtered and changed every day, ensuring that each fry is cooked in fresh oil. |
| Thrasher’s fries have a unique cut that gives it its signature crunch on the outside and soft, fluffy texture on the inside. |
Head to the boardwalk and try Thrasher’s famous fries for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!
The History of Thrasher’s Fries
Thrasher’s Fries has been a Maryland Boardwalk staple since 1929. J.T. Thrasher, a young man from Ohio, moved to Ocean City and opened a small stand selling donuts, popcorn, and lemonade. He quickly realized that the boardwalk needed more food options, so he started experimenting with making the perfect french fry.
Eventually, J.T. Thrasher found the perfect recipe for hand-cut, skin-on, fried-until-crisp french fries that quickly became a fan favorite. His fries even beat out competitors in a taste test held by the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce in the 1930s.
- Thrasher’s Fries continued to thrive through the remainder of the 20th century, expanding to multiple locations along the Ocean City Boardwalk.
- In the 1990s, Thrasher’s partnered with a Virginia-based company to package and sell frozen fries in grocery stores.
- Today, Thrasher’s Fries is still family-owned and run, keeping their recipe and frying techniques a closely-guarded secret to deliver the same delicious fries that have been enjoyed for over 90 years.
As for the type of oil Thrasher’s Fries uses, it’s a unique blend of corn and peanut oils. This combination not only delivers the perfect crispiness for the fries, but also adds a hint of nuttiness to the overall flavor.
| Oil blend: | Percentage: |
|---|---|
| Corn oil | 70% |
| Peanut oil | 30% |
So if you’re looking to recreate the taste of Thrasher’s Fries at home, make sure to try frying them in a blend of corn and peanut oils for that extra savory touch.
The Perfect Cut: How Thrasher’s Fries are Made
Thrasher’s French Fries are not like any other fries you’ve ever tasted. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they are cut differently from regular fries. In fact, the shape of the cut has a significant impact on the taste and texture of the fries. Let’s take a closer look at how Thrasher’s fries are made.
The Cut
- Thrasher’s fries are cut using a specific blade that is only found at their location in Ocean City, Maryland.
- The blade is set at a specific angle that cuts the potatoes into a unique shape that allows the fries to crisp up perfectly when they are fried.
- The potatoes are cut thicker than regular fries, which allows them to maintain their shape while still getting crispy.
The Preparation
After the potatoes are cut, they are soaked in water to remove any excess starch; this helps the fries crisp up better.
The potatoes are then blanched in hot oil for a few minutes. Blanching helps to cook the potatoes without browning them, and it also helps remove more of the excess starch.
Finally, the potatoes are flash-fried in hot oil, which gives them their crispy exterior and soft interior.
The Oil
The oil used to fry Thrasher’s French Fries is a proprietary blend of corn and peanut oil. This combination gives the fries a unique flavor that is distinct from other fries.
| Oil Type | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Corn Oil | 60% |
| Peanut Oil | 40% |
The corn oil has a high smoke point, which means it can be heated to a high temperature without burning, while the peanut oil gives the fries their distinctive flavor.
Now that you know how Thrasher’s Fries are made, the next time you visit Ocean City, be sure to stop by and enjoy a basket of these delicious fries!
The Best Condiments to Pair with Thrasher’s Fries
When it comes to enjoying Thrasher’s Fries, adding the right condiment can take your snacking experience to the next level. Here are five of the best condiments to consider pairing with Thrasher’s Fries:
- Old Bay Seasoning – A classic choice for any fan of Maryland-style fries, Old Bay seasoning offers a unique and flavorful blend of herbs and spices. This seasoning works particularly well on Thrasher’s Fries as it adds a crispy, savory texture that takes the natural flavor of the potatoes to new heights.
- Cheese Sauce – For the ultimate indulgence, cheese sauce is the perfect condiment for Thrasher’s Fries. Paired together, the crispy fries and cheesy goodness create a match made in heaven. Whether it’s cheddar, nacho, or any other kind of cheese, this condiment choice is sure to satisfy any craving.
- Ketchup – A classic choice for any fry enthusiast, ketchup provides a tangy and sweet flavor that pairs well with the salty and crispy texture of Thrasher’s Fries. With its familiar taste and versatility, ketchup is a go-to condiment that is easy to find in any grocery store or fast-food restaurant.
- Mayonnaise – Hailing from Belgium, dipping fries in mayonnaise is a classic European tradition that has recently gained popularity in the United States. The rich and creamy texture of mayonnaise perfectly complements the crispy texture of Thrasher’s Fries. For an added twist, try mixing in some sriracha or garlic to create a spicy or tangy kick.
- Vinegar – If you’re looking for a healthier alternative or a low-calorie option, vinegar is the way to go. Whether it’s white or malt vinegar, the sour and acidic taste complements the salty flavors of Thrasher’s Fries and adds a zesty kick. Try dipping the fries in vinegar and then sprinkling some salt on top for a tasty twist.
Thrasher’s Fries Pairing Table
For the ultimate snacking experience, consider pairing Thrasher’s Fries with one of these delicious and complementary condiments:
| Fry Type | Recommended Condiment |
|---|---|
| Plain Fries | Old Bay Seasoning or Ketchup |
| Cheese Fries | Cheese Sauce or Ranch Dressing |
| Sweet Potato Fries | Cinnamon Sugar or Honey Mustard |
| Garlic Fries | Garlic Aioli or Sriracha Mayo |
| Cajun Fries | Cajun Seasoning or Spicy Ketchup |
With these condiments and pairing options, your next bag of Thrasher’s Fries is guaranteed to be a flavorful and satisfying experience.
How to Recreate Thrasher’s Fries at Home
If you are like many people, you may be wondering what kind of oil Thrasher’s Fries uses to make their iconic fries. The answer is peanut oil, but there is more to recreating this beloved snack at home than just using the right oil.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Fries
- Choose the Right Potato: Russet potatoes are the best choice for making fries. They have a high starch content that creates a crisp outer layer and fluffy inner texture.
- Cut with Precision: Cut the potatoes into uniform slices to ensure even cooking. The ideal size is about 1/4 inch thick.
- Soak the Potatoes: Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for an hour before cooking. This removes excess starch and ensures a crispy exterior.
Cooking Technique
There are many methods for cooking fries, but the key is to double fry them. Start by heating your peanut oil to 325°F and fry the potatoes for 3-4 minutes. Remove them from the oil and place them on a wire rack. Then increase the heat to 375°F and fry them again until they are golden and crisp. This two-step process ensures a perfect fry every time.
The Secret Ingredient
One of the reasons Thrasher’s Fries are so addictive is their seasoning. Sprinkle salt and vinegar on your fries for a classic flavor, or get creative with Old Bay seasoning or garlic and parmesan. Whatever seasoning you choose, the key is to shake it on while the fries are still hot and fresh out of the fryer.
Conclusion
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Russet Potatoes | 2-3 large |
| Peanut Oil | Enough to fill your fryer or pot to the recommended level |
| Salt and Vinegar (or seasoning of choice) | To taste |
Recreating the magic of Thrasher’s Fries at home may seem daunting, but with the right technique and ingredients, you can be enjoying your own delicious and crispy fries in no time. Soaked, double-fried, and generously seasoned with salt and vinegar or your preferred seasoning, these fries are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
A Tourist’s Guide to Trying Thrasher’s Fries for the First Time: What Kind of Oil Does Thrasher’s Fries Use?
Thrasher’s French Fries is one of the most famous food spots in the Ocean City boardwalk. Their crispy, golden-brown fries have a reputation among locals and visitors alike. But what makes them so special? One of the secrets to their delicious fries is the type of oil they use.
Thrasher’s fries are cooked in peanut oil. This oil is known for its high smoke point, meaning it can withstand high temperatures. Peanut oil also has a neutral taste that won’t overwhelm the potatoes’ natural flavor. Using peanut oil helps the fries get crispy and golden without becoming overly greasy. In addition, peanut oil is considered a healthy oil choice, with a good balance of saturated and unsaturated fats.
- If you have a peanut allergy, it’s important to note that Thrasher’s French Fries are cooked in peanut oil, so they are not safe to eat.
- If you are health-conscious, you can rest assured that peanut oil is a healthier oil choice compared to other options like vegetable or canola oil.
- For those who are interested in cooking, you can recreate the experience of Thrasher’s French Fries by using peanut oil when frying your potatoes at home.
Overall, the use of peanut oil plays a significant role in making Thrasher’s French Fries a standout favorite among visitors to Ocean City. It’s worth a try if you’re a fan of French fries or are curious about the distinct flavor and texture of Thrasher’s fries.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High smoke point, ideal for frying | Not safe for those with peanut allergies |
| Neutral taste won’t overwhelm natural flavor of potatoes | Peanut oil can be more expensive compared to other oils |
| Healthy oil choice with a good balance of saturated and unsaturated fats |
So if you’re planning a trip to Ocean City, be sure to stop by Thrasher’s French Fries and indulge in a basket of their famous fries, cooked to perfection in peanut oil.
What Kind of Oil Does Thrashers Fries Use?
1. What type of oil does Thrashers Fries use for frying?
Thrashers Fries use peanut oil for frying their delicious fries!
2. Is peanut oil healthy to consume?
Peanut oil contains unsaturated fats which are good for heart health and helps reduce bad cholesterol levels.
3. What makes peanut oil a good choice for frying?
Peanut oil has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without smoking or burning, making it an excellent choice for frying.
4. Are there any peanut oil alternatives available for patrons with allergies?
Thrashers Fries offers canola oil as an alternative for patrons with peanut allergies.
5. What is the shelf life of peanut oil used by Thrashers Fries?
Peanut oil, if stored properly, can last for a year. However, Thrashers Fries replace their oil regularly to ensure fresh and delicious fries.
6. Are the oils used at Thrashers Fries trans-fat-free?
Yes, Thrashers Fries use oils that are free from trans-fat.
7. What is the oil change schedule followed by Thrashers Fries?
Thrashers Fries replace their oil twice a week during peak season and once a week in off-peak season to ensure top-quality fries.
Closing
Thank you for taking your time to read about the kind of oil Thrashers Fries use. With over 90 years in business, we take pride in providing high-quality fries that are fried only in peanut oil or canola oil (for patrons with allergies). Please visit us again soon and enjoy our delicious fries!