I’ve always loved fries. Fries and ketchup, fries and mayo, cheesy fries, etc. But after a while, plain old fries start feeling boring.

One day, I decided to change things up. I had some leftover sweet peppers and onions in the fridge, and I decided to stir-fry them with my fries.

I have not in any way invented this recipe. It’s a “Trini thing.” You can find pepper fries in plenty of restaurants around Trinidad, especially those that do fast food with a local twist.

But my home version hits different. It’s spicy, flavorful, and feels like real street-style comfort food.

What Are Pepper Fries?

Pepper fries are a simple but tasty dish made by stir-frying cooked fries with peppers, onions, garlic, and other seasonings. It’s one of those “fast food meets home cooking” meals that’s full of flavor and easy to customize.

In Trinidad, it’s common to toss French fries in a hot wok. Some people also add ketchup or soy sauce, but I prefer to keep mine dry and savory with fresh seasoning.

It’s also known for that smoky “chad” taste—that distinct flavor you only get when cooking in a hot wok over high heat. That’s why having a wok makes a big difference.

Check Price of Wok

Ingredients

3 large potatoes or 1 bag of frozen fries
Oil for frying

For the Pepper Mix:

1 large onion, sliced
1–2 sweet peppers, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 hot pepper (scotch bonnet or pimento), chopped
1 tsp shadow beni or green seasoning (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: soy sauce or ketchup
Optional: sliced carrots or cabbage for extra crunch

How to Make Pepper Fries

Step 1: Prepare the Fries

If using fresh potatoes:

Peel and slice into fry shapes
Soak in cold water for 20 minutes to remove excess starch
Drain, pat dry, and deep-fry until golden and crispy

If using frozen:

Fry according to package instructions or air fry until crispy

Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Pepper Mix

Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a wok over high heat
Add garlic, onions, and hot pepper; sauté for 1–2 minutes
Add sweet pepper and any other vegetables; cook for 2–3 minutes
Sprinkle salt and black pepper
Add soy sauce or ketchup if desired
Add chopped shadow beni or green seasoning

The goal is to get a slight char on the vegetables—that’s the chad taste we Trinis love.

Step 3: Toss the Fries

Add the cooked fries to the wok
Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until the fries absorb the flavor
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed

What to Eat Pepper Fries With

Pepper fries work great as a snack on their own, but you can also pair them with:

Fried chicken or grilled meats
Doubles or roti (for a twist)
Burgers or sandwiches
Fried eggs or sausages for breakfast

Sometimes I make a full plate with pepper fries, fried plantains, and a little salad. It’s satisfying and colorful.

How to Store Pepper Fries

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge
Best eaten within 1–2 days
Reheat in a frying pan or oven to restore crispiness

Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the fries crispy. The wok is also great for reheating and adding a little fresh seasoning when warming up.

Air Fry Potato For A Healthier Version

When I want a healthier version of this dish, I like to use fresh potatoes and air fry them until golden and crispy.

While the fries cook, I sauté a mix of sliced onions, sweet peppers, carrots, and garlic in olive oil using a hot wok to get that signature Trini “chad” flavor. I season with a touch of salt, black pepper, and shadow beni for a fresh herbal kick.

Once the fries are ready, I toss them into the veggie mix and stir it all together so the flavors soak in. This version uses less oil, adds vibrant veggies, and keeps the spicy, savory flavor without the excessive calories.

FAQ – Trini Pepper Fries

Can I bake the fries instead of frying? Yes. Baking works well, especially for a healthier version. Just get them crispy before adding to the wok.

Is this dish spicy? It depends on how much hot pepper you use. You can keep it mild with pimentos or load it up with scotch bonnet.

What’s the best oil for frying? Vegetable or canola oil work best for frying potatoes. Use just a little oil in the wok after the fries are cooked.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead? Absolutely. Sweet potato fries add a nice twist and go well with spicy seasoning.

Do I really need a wok? Yes, if you want that authentic charred taste. A regular frying pan works, but the high heat from a wok gives better flavor.

Trini pepper fries are one of those recipes that grew out of everyday cooking. I started making it just to add some life to my fries.

But now it’s one of my go-to comfort foods. The combination of crispy fries, sautéed veggies, and that spicy kick hits every time.

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