What are the three steps for preparing a side of French fries after frying?

The three steps for preparing a side of French fries after frying primarily focus on ensuring that the fries are ready to be served with the right flavor and texture. The correct answer involves the process of placing the fries in a bowl, salting them, and mixing thoroughly.

This method is important because it ensures that the salt evenly coats the fries, enhancing their flavor. By mixing thoroughly, each fry gets an adequate amount of salt, which is crucial for a well-balanced taste. This step also helps maintain the ideal texture by allowing any excess moisture to evaporate, keeping the fries crispy.

In contrast, some other methods suggested do not incorporate essential steps for adhering to flavor and quality standards. For instance, simply draining and salting without mixing may result in unevenly flavored fries, while rinsing and frying again could lead to undesirable changes in texture and flavor. Letting fries cool and freezing them is counterproductive as well, since French fries are best enjoyed fresh and hot rather than prepped for future use.