Name: Burger King's Pickle Fries
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: Whole dill pickles (aim for a firm variety to hold up during frying); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon paprika (adds a nice color and subtle flavor); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup buttermilk (or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of vinegar); 1–2 eggs, beaten (depending on the size of the batch); 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for that perfect crunch); Vegetable oil for deep frying

As the culinary blogger behind your go-to source for everything delicious and daring in the fast-food world, I couldn’t let the latest crave-worthy creation from Burger King pass us by without a deep dive. I’m talking about the delectable, crunchy, and tangy sensation of Burger King’s Pickle Fries!

Table of Contents

What Is Burger King’s Pickle Fries?

Burger King’s Pickle Fries is a new addition to its menu. It features dill pickle spears that are battered, breaded with an unspecified seasoning, and then deep-fried.

Ingredients:

Whole dill pickles (aim for a firm variety to hold up during frying)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika (adds a nice color and subtle flavor)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup buttermilk (or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of vinegar)
1–2 eggs, beaten (depending on the size of the batch)
2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for that perfect crunch)
Vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions:

Prep The Pickles: Begin by draining your pickles and patting them dry with paper towels. Slice the pickles lengthwise into fries-like spears, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in thickness.
Dry Mixture: Whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. This mixture will help the wet ingredients adhere to the pickles.
Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and beaten eggs. This will serve as the “glue” for the breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumb Coating: Pour the panko breadcrumbs into another shallow dish.
Coating the Pickles: Dip each pickle spear into the flour mixture first, shaking off any excess. Then, dunk it into the buttermilk and egg mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Finally, roll the spear in the breadcrumbs until fully covered.
Frying: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or pan to 375°F (190°C). Once hot, fry the pickle fries in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Draining: Remove the pickle fries from the oil and let them drain on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Tips:

Freezing Before Frying: For an even crunchier coating, after breading your pickle fries, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about 30 minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick better and prevents it from falling off during the frying process.
Double Coating: For an extra crispy texture, double dip the pickle spears into the buttermilk mixture and breadcrumbs again for a thicker breading.
Avoid Soggy Fries: Don’t let fried pickles sit in the oil or on paper towels for too long, as they will begin to soften. Serve them quickly after frying for the best texture.
Serving: Serve your crispy pickle fries with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or horseradish sauce are excellent options to complement the tangy flavor of the pickles.
Healthier Alternative: To avoid deep-frying, bake the breaded pickle fries in a preheated 450°F (232°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet for even cooking and to maintain crispiness on all sides.

What To Serve With

Dipping Sauces:

Ranch Dressing: A classic choice, ranch dressing offers a creamy texture and herb-filled flavor that complements the tanginess of the pickle fries.
Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with some sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick that balances the pickle’s acidity.
Horseradish Sauce: A creamy horseradish sauce can be a fantastic option for those who enjoy a bit of heat and sharpness.
Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce can contrast the savory, crispy fries.
Garlic Aioli: This rich, garlicky aioli has a Mediterranean flair. It offers a smooth and flavorful dip that accentuates the garlic notes of the Burger King’s pickle fries.

Pairings:

Burgers: Pairing pickle fries with a juicy burger emulates the classic fast-food experience but elevates it with a homemade touch.
Grilled Cheese: A crispy, melty grilled cheese sandwich alongside crunchy pickle fries offers a comforting and satisfying meal.
BBQ Ribs or Chicken: The tangy kick of the pickle fries cuts through the richness of barbecued meats, providing a refreshing contrast.
Fish and Chips: To add an exciting twist to this classic dish, swap out traditional French fries for pickle fries. The tanginess pairs wonderfully with fried fish.
Vegetarian Wraps or Falafel: For a lighter option, serve the pickle fries with vegetarian wraps or falafel, adding crunch and zest to these dishes.

Beverage Pairings:

Craft Beer: A crisp, cold craft beer balances the fry’s saltiness, and hoppy or citrus notes can echo the tanginess of the pickles.
Iced Tea: Sweet or unsweetened, iced tea offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the fried coating.
Lemonade: The sweet and sour profile of lemonade perfectly complements pickle fries’ acidic, tangy nature.
Cocktails: A light, refreshing cocktail, such as a gin and tonic or a Moscow mule, can offer a sophisticated touch to your meal.

Health Benefits

Low Trans Fat: Burger King’s Pickle Fries are listed as having 0g of trans fat per serving. Trans fats are known to raise LDL cholesterol levels and lower HDL cholesterol levels, a risk factor for heart disease. Therefore, foods with low or no trans fat can be considered a healthier choice regarding heart health.
Energy Source: With 380 calories per serving, Pickle Fries can significantly boost energy. This might be useful when a quick source of calories is needed, such as before or after intense physical activity. However, balancing calorie intake with physical activity levels is essential to maintain a healthy weight.
Sodium Content: While the exact sodium content is not specified, it’s plausible that Pickle Fries, like many fast-food options, contain considerable amounts of sodium. High sodium intake can increase blood pressure and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. It’s advisable to consume such snacks in moderation, especially for individuals with hypertension or heart disease risk factors.
Nutrient Density: Nutrient density is important when considering health benefits. The available information does not detail the vitamins, minerals, or fiber content in Pickle Fries, but as with many fried and processed foods, they may be low in essential nutrients compared to whole, unprocessed foods.

Final Thoughts

However, as with any indulgence, particularly those found in fast food, moderation is key. Burger King’s Pickle Fries’ health considerations, including their calorie content, fat profile, and potential sodium levels, remind us of the importance of balanced dietary choices.

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