Achieving perfectly crispy roast potatoes can be challenging, but a simple step before boiling can make all the difference. TikTok food creator Emma, known as Ems Foodie Fix, shared secrets from a pub chef for extra crispy roast potatoes.
The Secret Ingredient: Bicarbonate of Soda
When parboiling potatoes, add bicarbonate of soda to the saucepan. This technique, also used by chef J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, creates an alkaline environment that breaks down the potato's outer layers, releasing starches for a crispy coating.
Kenji's recipe uses half a teaspoon of baking soda per two litres of water for about 450g of cubed potatoes. After parboiling, drain and shake vigorously in the colander to roughen the edges, which crisp up beautifully during roasting.
More Tips for Perfect Roasties
Emma recommends turning the potatoes at least four times in the oven to ensure even coating in fat and a golden colour. Season with salt and fresh rosemary only after roasting to avoid burning the herbs.
Emma's video garnered over 80,000 views, with comments praising the results. One viewer suggested adding semolina powder to parboiled potatoes before oven frying in olive oil.
Summary of Chef's Tips
- Add bicarbonate of soda to the water before boiling.
- Give potatoes a good shake after parboiling.
- Turn potatoes at least four times in the oven.
- Season with salt and rosemary after roasting.
