Introduced as part of The Grinch Meal, this McDonald’s Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries allowed fans to channel their inner foodie and their love for all things Dr. Seuss (with a tangy twist). But what happens when cravings strike long after the promo ends? That’s where we have you covered!
Table of Contents
How to make McDonald’s Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries
McDonald’s Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries are a seasonal, holiday-themed menu item.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Fries:
- 3–4 large russet potatoes (or store-bought frozen fries for convenience)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt (to season)
For the Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice powder (optional, for an extra kick – see tips)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
- 1 teaspoon citric acid or lemon powder (adds tang!)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (balances the flavors, trust me!)
- Optional: A resealable plastic bag or shaker container to replicate the “McShaker” experience.
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash, peel, and cut the russet potatoes into thin, fry-like strips. For a more authentic McDonald’s look, try to keep the thickness even.
- Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch and ensures the fries become crispier when cooked.
Make the Dill Pickle Seasoning
- In a small bowl, mix dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, pickle juice powder (if using), salt, smoked paprika, citric acid, and powdered sugar. Stir everything together well to ensure the flavors are evenly blended.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste. If you want it tangier, increase the citric acid slightly. For more of a pickle punch, add a touch more pickle juice powder.
Fry the Potatoes
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Drain and dry the soaked potatoes thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Fry the potatoes in small batches for 5–6 minutes until they’re lightly golden but not fully cooked.
- Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel. Increase the temperature of the oil to 375°F (190°C), then fry the potatoes again until they’re golden and crispy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt on the fries while they’re hot.
Shake the Fries in the “Grinch Salt”
- Place the freshly fried fries into a large resealable plastic bag or a shaker container.
- Add the Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” seasoning to the bag. Start by adding 1 teaspoon, then add more to your liking (remember: it’s tangy and bold, so a little goes a long way!).
- Seal the bag or container, then shake thoroughly to coat the fries evenly in the seasoning.
- Pour the seasoned fries onto a serving tray or plate, and pair them with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch or garlic aioli works great). Serve immediately for the crispiest, most flavorful results!
Tips for Nailing the Recipe
- Use Powdered Pickle Juice If You Can Find It: Pickle juice powder is the secret to capturing that bold tangy flavor found in the original. You can find it online or at specialty spice shops. If you can’t locate it, regular pickle juice works too—just sprinkle it lightly over the fries or toss it with your seasoning (but be careful not to make the fries soggy!).
- Get That Extra Crunch: A double-frying technique is key for achieving crispy McDonald’s Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries. Ensure the fries’ first fry is at a lower temperature to cook them through, and the second fry is at a higher temperature to crisp them perfectly.
- Make a Big Batch of the Seasoning: The seasoning mix stores well in an airtight container for 4–6 weeks. Double or triple the recipe so you always have some ready to sprinkle on fries, popcorn, or even roasted veggies!
- Use Frozen Fries for Convenience: If you want to skip making fries from scratch, use store-bought frozen fries. Simply air fry, bake, or deep-fry according to the package instructions, then add the Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” seasoning.
- Balance the Seasoning: If you find the seasoning too bold, add a bit more powdered sugar or a dash of cornstarch to mellow it out without compromising the overall flavor.
Ingredients Substitutes
Don’t worry if you can’t find all the ingredients required to make McDonald’s Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries at home. There are plenty of easy substitutes that can deliver similar flavors and still capture the tangy, savory essence of the original fries.
Substitutes for the Fries
Russet Potatoes
Substitute: Any starchy potato like Yukon Gold.
Why? Russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch content, which gives fries their signature crispy outside and fluffy inside. However, Yukon Golds or any similar variety work well as long as they are properly fried.
Homemade Fries Alternative
Substitute: Store-bought frozen fries.
Why? If you want to save time, frozen fries are a great alternative. Choose straight-cut fries for the closest match to McDonald’s signature fries. Follow the cooking instructions (bake or air fry) and focus on seasoning them once they’re ready.
Substitutes for “Grinch Salt” Dill Pickle Seasoning
The seasoning mix is critical to this McDonald’s Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries recipe, but if some ingredients aren’t readily available, here’s how you can swap them out effectively:
1. Dried Dill
Substitute: Fresh dill (finely chopped) or dill weed.
How? Since fresh dill isn’t shelf-stable like dried dill, use it only if you’re seasoning the fries right before eating. Finely chop the fresh dill and toss it with the fries and the other seasonings. Alternatively, dill weed is an excellent one-to-one substitute for dried dill.
2. Garlic Powder
Substitute: Granulated garlic or freshly minced garlic.
How? Granulated garlic works as a perfect substitute in equal amounts. If you don’t have access to either, you can lightly fry fresh minced garlic to remove its raw edge, then toss it with the fries. Just note that fresh garlic won’t mix as evenly in the seasoning.
3. Onion Powder
Substitute: Granulated onion or finely grated fresh onion.
How? If onion powder isn’t available, granulated onion works just as well in a 1:1 ratio. Alternatively, you can use a touch of finely grated onion and mix it into your fry seasoning for the same aromatic taste.
4. Pickle Juice Powder
Substitute: Dill pickle brine (the liquid from a jar of pickles) or finely ground dried pickles.
How? Pickle juice powder can be hard to find in stores, so the easiest substitute is the liquid pickle brine from a jar of pickles. Toss fries sparingly with the brine before adding the rest of the seasonings—the liquid will help the seasonings stick, but don’t overdo it to avoid soggy fries. Another creative option is to dehydrate pickles (if you have access to a dehydrator). Once dried, grind the pickles into a powder and use it instead of pickle juice powder.
5. Citric Acid (or Lemon Powder)
Substitute: Fresh lemon juice or lime juice.
How? Citric acid adds the tangy, puckering effect in the seasoning. If you don’t have citric acid, you can sprinkle freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice onto the fries after frying. Add it sparingly and mix well, as the liquid may make the fries slightly less crispy.
6. Smoked Paprika
Substitute: Sweet paprika or chili powder.
How? While smoked paprika gives a subtle, earthy depth, you can swap it with sweet paprika for a similar flavor without the smokiness. For a spicier twist, use chili powder (but adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance).
Final Thoughts
With these steps and tips, you’ll have a perfect recreation of McDonald’s Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries. It’s a fun way to relive the nostalgia of this limited-edition treat or introduce your family and friends to the tangy fries they may have missed.
More McDonald’s Recipes:
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