While In N Out Burger is nearly exclusive to California, its prowess extends far beyond the state's borders. People living all over the country know what it is and exactly what they carry. I decided to make these Vegan Animal Fries in honor of the fries served at In N Out and I promise you they will not disappoint. Homemade french fries smothered in Special Sauce and caramelized onions...I mean, who wouldn't love that?
Food for Everyone
Growing up in Southern California, In N Out was THE place to go when I was a kid. Any time I was taken out to the movies or something with my friends, we would inevitably hit the drive-through on the way home. Always. The adults didn't even complain about it. What was there to complain about? A menu that was deemed desirable to people of all ages was nothing short of a miracle and we were all ready and willing to take full advantage of it.
I think it was the simplicity that did us all in. Burgers, cheeseburgers, fries and shakes. Who wouldn't be all about those things? Of course the Secret Menu was where it was at. It was here where one could order the exclusive Animal Fries that these Vegan Animal Fries are based on. While the originals boast the addition of a slice of cheese, I find it to be completely unnecessary. The Secret Sauce and the onions create just the perfect balance to leave you wanting more.
Vegan Animal Fries Ingredients
Special Sauce
- Vegan Mayo: Fortunately, just about all brands provide a vegan option these days. They omit the egg whites and focus on the oils instead. You won't be able to tell the difference and you can find it right next to the original in the grocery store.
- Ketchup: Cheap, original ketchup is what you are looking for. Any will do.
- Mustard: While this recipe calls for regular, yellow mustard, you can subsitute dijon or spicy brown if you are feeling fancy. It will be delicious no matter what.
- Agave Nectar: Agave nectar, also known as maguey syrup or agave syrup, is a sweetener produced from several species of agave. Blue-agave syrup contains 56% fructose as a sugar providing sweetening properties to our sauce.
- Dill Relish: I use dill pickle relish because I find it infinitely superior to sweet relish. That said, if you are crazy and your preference swings the other way, feel free to switch it up.
Fries
- Russet Potatoes: While you are free to make your french fries with any kind of potato you desire, I find that russets are the best size for fries. They are long and less large around the middle making it easier to slice them into the desired shape.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Old Bay Seasoning is a pre-made spice mix commonly used for poultry and seafood. You can usually find it in the baking aisle or spice section at your local grocery store but if not, check the meat counter. It combined with the onion powder will give your fries an extra umph!
Tips for Making Vegan Animal Fries
- You can make the special sauce in advance! Combine all of the ingredients and then place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It is actually a little better after doing this as it allows the flavors extra time to meld. Sauce will keep like this for up to 1 week.
- Onions take a little while to caramelize so plan accordingly. The caramelization process requires a lot of patience and oversight if you want to avoid burning.
- If you can't be bothered to make your own french fries no problem! Purchase a bag of frozen ones at the store and toss them with the spice mix outlined in this recipe. Bake according to package instructions and then smother in Special Sauce and caramelized onions!
- This recipe does NOT keep well. You will want to serve it IMMEDIATELY after is has been assembled. Enjoy warm instead of cold and soggy.
Please remember if you make this recipe to snap a pic and share with @censoredbaker on instagram!
PrintVegan Animal Fries
If you love Animal Fries from In N Out you will adore this vegan alternative. Crispy french fries topped with special sauce and caramelized onions. Yum.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4 as a Side 1x
- Category: Savory Recipes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
For the Special Sauce
⅔ c vegan mayo
3 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp agave nectar
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp dill pickle relish
½ tsp sea salt
For the Fries
2 large russet potatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp old bay seasoning
1 tbsp onion powder
½ tsp sea salt
For the Onions
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Begin by making the Special Sauce. Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together until well combined. Cover bowl and place in the fridge to allow flavors to meld together.
2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper lightly with cooking oil and set aside. Fill a large pot with water and place on the stove over medium-high heat. While water is warming, cut your potatoes into ¾ inch by ¼ inch french fries. Once water has reached a rolling boil, dump in your prepared fries and boil for 3 minutes. Drain fries and then immediately plunge into a bowl filled with ice water so the potatoes stop cooking.
3. While fries cool in ice water, combine olive oil, minced garlic, old bay seasoning and onion powder in a large bowl. Once fries are completely cool, drain and place on a clean kitchen towel and dry as thoroughly as possible. Transfer to bowl and toss carefully in the oil and seasonings. This should be done in batches.
4. Once fries are coated, place them on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt. Depending on how large your baking sheets are, you may need to bake fries in two batches. Bake fries in preheated oven for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you like crispier fries, leave them in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes watching closely.
5. While your fries are baking, prepare the caramelized onions. Heat olive oil in the pot you boiled the fries in to save dishes. Add onions, salt and pepper to the pot and cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 25 minutes or until onions are golden brown. These guys like to burn if left unattended so keep a close eye and stir frequently.
6. Once french fries have reached your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the oven. Toss on baking sheet and top with Special Sauce and caramelized onions. You can serve like this or place in the oven for an additional 5 minutes to heat sauce. Serve immediately.
Equipment
Notes
*Animal fries do not keep well once assembled. Eat them the day your make them!
**If you would like to make the Special Sauce in advance you can prepare it and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It can be frozen for up to 1 month.
***If you don’t feel like making your own french fries you can totally prepare frozen ones according to package directions and then top them with Special Sauce and onions. Make your own if you are feeling extra fancy.
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