In-N-Out Burger, the popular Los Angeles-based burger chain, is known for great inexpensive burgers. As the burger joint has expanded from its Southern California home base, burger lovers across the nation have discovered the joys of In-N-Out’s approach: A small menu. A well-trained staff. Fresh ingredients. Attention to detail.
The result is a burger that’s repeatedly ranked as the best burger in fast food. Notable chefs like Anthony Bourdain are on the record with their love of In-N-Out’s burgers.
But their french fries aren’t equally popular. We asked some readers what they thought about In-N-Out’s fries, and the results were not good. Some example comments:
“In-N-Out has terrible fries” – J.B.
“Love the burgers. Hate the fries” – L.M.
“The fries taste like cardboard” – R.R.
You get the idea.
In-N-Out cuts and fries their french fries to order in a very fast process that sometimes leaves undercooked, limp fries. A common approach to improving them is to order them Well Done, but that often results in burnt fries.
After weeks of research, we have the solution.
When you order your fries, use these two magic words: Light Well. That’s a term used by In-N-Out for fries cooked just a bit beyond their usual technique. The staff member will understand the request, because Light Well is a button on their POS system, and a technique they’re trained in.
What does Light Well do to your order? The result is a tremendous improvement of the previously disappointing fries. It’s a difference you can see as well as taste. Compare the regular In-N-Out fries (first photo) to the Light Well In-N-Out fries (second photo). Click or tap either photo to enlarge.
The photographs don’t lie, and make the difference clear. Instead of the pale, limp, undercooked fries that In-N-Out traditionally serves, the Light Well fries have a richer, golden color from the longer fry.
The result is a far superior texture and flavor, and it solves the biggest complaint we hear about this spot. It’s the top secret solution to the biggest problem at In-N-Out burger.
We also recommend going for the grilled onions on your In-N-Out burger, but that’s another topic entirely…
