If you are craving a tangy, crispy, and utterly addictive side dish, you have to try this Salt and Vinegar Fingerling Potatoes Recipe. This dish takes humble fingerling potatoes and transforms them with a perfect bath of vinegar and kosher salt, then finishes them under the broiler for a golden, slightly caramelized crunch that balances that zesty tang with comforting earthiness. It’s like the best pub snack and gourmet side all rolled into one, guaranteed to get you hooked from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Salt and Vinegar Fingerling Potatoes Recipe is how simple and approachable the ingredient list is. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that really bring this dish to life.
- Fingerling potatoes (1 pound): These petite potatoes have a firm texture and delicate skin that crisps up beautifully under the broiler.
- Distilled white vinegar (2 cups): The star of the show that infuses a bright, tangy punch without overpowering the potatoes.
- Kosher salt (1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and balancing the vinegar’s acidity while enhancing the potatoes’ natural flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve that perfect crisp and golden color during broiling.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle mild heat and aroma that rounds out the dish.
How to Make Salt and Vinegar Fingerling Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar Bath
Start by placing your sliced fingerling potatoes in a small pot along with the vinegar and one tablespoon of kosher salt. This acidic soak is crucial because it tenderizes the potatoes and infuses them with that signature salt and vinegar flavor. If the vinegar doesn’t cover the potatoes by at least a quarter-inch, top it up with cold water to ensure everything gets evenly infused.
Step 2: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer gently until they’re fork-tender, about 8 minutes. This step softens them just enough so that when they broil, they’ll stay luscious inside but crisp on the outside. Don’t rush it — patience here pays off!
Step 3: Cool in the Vinegar Liquid
Turn off the heat and allow the potatoes to rest in the vinegar bath for 30 minutes. This resting period deepens the flavors and lets the potatoes soak up even more of that tangy goodness. It’s kinda like marinating, but with vinegar magic!
Step 4: Drain and Dry Thoroughly
Drain your potatoes well, then pat each slice dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is a small but vitally important step if you want achieve that wonderfully crisp finish when broiling later.
Step 5: Preheat the Broiler
Set your oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler. This high heat will give the potato slices their signature golden-brown char and irresistible crunch in just minutes.
Step 6: Season and Oil the Potatoes
Dump the dried potato slices onto a sheet pan, then drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over them, tossing lightly so every piece is coated. This simple seasoning boosts flavor and helps the potatoes brown beautifully under the broiler.
Step 7: Broil Until Crispy and Browned
Arrange the potato slices in a single layer on the pan. Broil until the tops are lightly browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. Flip them carefully, then broil the other side for another 5 minutes or until it also turns golden. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn—this is where that crispy texture develops.
How to Serve Salt and Vinegar Fingerling Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a punch of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the tangy crispness of the potatoes. For an extra zing, a light dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of garlic aioli can take this dish from spectacular to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This Salt and Vinegar Fingerling Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a juicy burger. The tangy crispiness offers a delightful contrast to rich mains and adds a splash of brightness that balances heavier flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these potatoes into a shareable appetizer by serving them in a rustic wooden bowl with toothpicks alongside a creamy dipping sauce. Or try layering them in a composed salad with arugula, radishes, and a mustard vinaigrette for a fresh, sophisticated twist that feels both casual and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salt and vinegar fingerling potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will keep their flavor but might lose a bit of their crispness, which is totally normal.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked fingerling potatoes, it’s not recommended for this recipe because the texture changes significantly after thawing. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days refrigerated.
Reheating
To reheat, place the potatoes back on a baking sheet and warm them under the broiler for just a few minutes to bring back some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fingerling potatoes work best due to their shape and texture, small new potatoes or baby Yukon Golds can be suitable substitutes. Just slice them evenly for consistent cooking and texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe less tangy?
If you prefer a milder vinegar flavor, you can reduce the soaking time or dilute the vinegar with a bit more water. However, the signature tang is a big part of what makes the dish so delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This entire recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, using simple, whole ingredients that everyone can enjoy.
What can I use instead of kosher salt?
If kosher salt is unavailable, use sea salt or regular table salt, but reduce the quantity by about half since table salt is more dense and salty by volume.
How long does it take to make this recipe from start to finish?
From prep through broiling, expect about an hour and 10 minutes, including the 30-minute cooling soak. Most of this time is hands-off, making it easy to fit into your cooking routine.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish with simple ingredients and unmistakable personality, and this Salt and Vinegar Fingerling Potatoes Recipe is just that. I promise once you try these tangy, crispy potatoes, they’ll become your go-to whenever you want something vibrant, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying. Give it a whirl and watch it disappear from the plate faster than you can say “yum!”
Print
Salt and Vinegar Fingerling Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Salt and Vinegar Fingerling Potatoes offer a tangy, savory snack or side dish featuring tender fingerling potatoes simmered in vinegar and salt, then broiled to achieve a crispy, lightly browned finish. The method highlights the unique texture and flavors of fingerling potatoes with a perfect balance of acidity and seasoning.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Pickling Liquid
- 1 pound (454 grams) fingerling potatoes, sliced lengthwise to 1/4-inch thickness
- 2 cups distilled white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
Seasoning and Finishing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: In a small pot, combine the sliced fingerling potatoes, 2 cups of distilled white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Make sure the vinegar covers the potatoes by at least 1/4 inch; if not, add cold water to top it up.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 8 minutes.
- Cool in Liquid: Remove the pot from heat and let the potatoes cool in the vinegar liquid for 30 minutes to absorb the flavor.
- Drain and Dry: Drain the potatoes well and pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure crisping during broiling.
- Preheat Broiler: Preheat your oven broiler, placing the oven rack about 6 inches below the heat source.
- Season Potatoes: Spread the potato slices on a sheet pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and toss well to coat evenly.
- Broil First Side: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the pan. Broil until lightly browned on the top side, approximately 7 minutes.
- Flip and Broil Second Side: Flip each potato slice carefully and continue broiling until the underside is lightly browned and crisped, about 5 minutes more.
Notes
- Using fingerling potatoes is essential as their shape and texture complement this method best.
- Distilled white vinegar provides a clean, sharp acidity; apple cider vinegar may alter flavor.
- Patting potatoes dry before broiling ensures better browning and crispiness.
- Monitor potatoes closely while broiling to prevent burning as oven broiler intensities can vary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
