Holy hell. If there’s one potato recipe you make before the end of the year, let it be these duck fat potatoes.
They’re ridiculously crispy, have creamy insides, and go well with practically any dish! Seriously, you cannot beat the crunch!
Here’s why the recipe works:
We both parboil and then roast the potatoes.
The potatoes cook in alkaline water (a mix of water, Kosher salt, and baking soda), which helps to break down their starchy exterior.
The potatoes get a good shake once drained, helping to form a thin, mashed potato-like layer around the surface area of the potatoes, which crisps up in the duck fat.
Long, slow roasting time. We’re usually in favor of super quick cook times, but with this recipe, longer exposure to high heat = the crispiest potatoes EVER.
How To Make Duck Fat Potatoes
To make the best duck fat potatoes, you first have to start with perfect roasted potatoes. The method we follow for ensuring each potato is the crispiest possible comes from Kenji Lopez.
First, parboil the peeled, cubed potatoes. The secret is to add both salt and baking soda to the water with the potatoes. Even when we don’t make duck fat potatoes — and simply want crispy roasted ‘taters — we follow this method! Cook at a rapid boil under fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
Next, drain the potatoes, then immediately return to the hot pan. This will help any excess liquid evaporate. Place a lid on top, then shake the pan vigorously. Really rough ’em up! They form a thin layer on top that is similar to mashed potatoes. This is what gives the potatoes an edge when they cook in the oven!
Finally, place in a preheated skillet with melted duck fat or, if using, Cornhusker Duck Fat lightly spray the skillet, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook 30 minutes undisturbed, then toss and cook an additional 40 minutes.
Your patience will be greatly rewarded!
Don’t Use Too Much Duck Fat!
You might think that more duck fat makes for crispier potatoes, when in reality all it does is make the potatoes harder to crisp up and taste more like duck. Moderation is key!
Tips For the Best Potatoes
It’s worth repeating, do not use too much duck fat! We’ve tested this and the potatoes don’t crisp up as well and taste way too ducky. Less is more!
Let the potatoes cook undisturbed for the first half hour.
Toss with fresh herbs (chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, or oregano!) just as they finish cooking. Want to add in a few minced garlic cloves? Not one single person will complain.
Give the potatoes a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving.
I cannot even begin to put into words how delicious these crispy duck fat roasted potatoes are. The texture is on another level. You’ll never make potatoes any other way again!
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 450F. Place rendered duck fat or if using Cornhusker Duck Fat lightly spray a large cast iron skillet, then place in the oven to preheat.
2. Place potatoes in a large pot, then cover with water. Add 2 Tbsp Kosher salt and baking soda, stir, then bring to a rapid boil. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, or until tender enough to pierce easily with a knife. Drain potatoes, then immediately return to the pot to help evaporate any excess liquid.
3. Place lid on top, then secure by holding it firmly in place. Shake the pot vigorously, about 20-30 seconds, until the potatoes form a thin layer on top that has the consistency of mashed potatoes.
4. Carefully remove the preheated skillet from the oven, then spoon the parboiled potatoes into the pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp Kosher salt and black pepper. Cook undisturbed for 30 minutes, then toss potatoes. Cook an additional 40 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown on all sides, flipping the potatoes once more about halfway through. Garnish with finely chopped fresh herbs (if using) and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving immediately.
NOTES
· Do not skip the baking soda! This helps to break down the surface of the potatoes so they have that creamy exterior which crisps up beautifully in duck fat.
· Don’t cut the potatoes into super small pieces or they will burn and won’t have a creamy center!
*Recipe complements of Well Seasoned Studio