Chef John's Classic Potato Pancakes

Chef John's Classic Potato Pancakes
  • PREP TIME
    15 mins
  • COOK TIME
    10 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    45 mins
  • SERVING
    4 People
  • VIEWS
    175

Achieve potato pancake perfection! These golden, crispy delights hinge on one crucial step: moisture removal. We'll guide you through grating, soaking, and squeezing to ensure unparalleled crispness. Elevate the experience with smoked salmon, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh dill for a symphony of flavors.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    52 g
  • Cholesterol
    93 mg
  • Fiber
    6 g
  • Protein
    9 g
  • Saturated Fat
    2 g
  • Sodium
    633 mg
  • Sugar
    3 g
  • Fat
    8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Immerse the grated potatoes and onion in a generous bowl of cold water, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow them to soak, releasing excess starch, for 20-30 minutes.

02

Step

Transfer the potato mixture to a colander, rinse thoroughly, and embark on a mission to expel every last drop of moisture. Squeeze repeatedly – your dedication here dictates the ultimate crispness. (5 minutes)

03

Step

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until a smooth batter forms. (2 minutes)

04

Step

Combine the potato mixture and egg mixture in a large bowl, gently folding with a spatula until evenly incorporated. (3 minutes)

05

Step

Heat approximately 1/4-inch of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when it shimmers enticingly. (5 minutes)

06

Step

Carefully drop generous spoonfuls of potato batter into the hot oil, flattening each into a pancake about 1/2-inch thick. Cook until the edges turn a captivating golden brown and achieve a delightful crispness, approximately 3-5 minutes.

07

Step

Reduce the heat to medium, flip the pancakes, and continue cooking until the other side is equally golden brown and crispy, another 5 minutes. Repeat this process with the remaining batter, savoring the anticipation.

For optimal results, use a potato ricer or cheesecloth to squeeze the potatoes dry after draining.
Don't overcrowd the pan; cook the pancakes in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
Serve immediately for the crispiest experience. These are best enjoyed fresh!

Dillon Erdman

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.6/ 5 ( 58 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (8)
  • Morgan Brekke

    Next time, I'm going to try adding some chopped chives to the batter.

  • Krystal Mueller

    I added a clove of garlic to the batter, and it was delicious!

  • Rosina Mclaughlin

    My kids loved these! A new family favorite.

  • Alexis Crist

    Easy to follow recipe, thanks!

  • Elmore Effertz

    I used a food processor to grate the potatoes, which saved a lot of time.

  • Camryn Harris

    Be sure to really squeeze out all the water, or they won't crisp up properly.

  • Lyric Mayer

    These pancakes are amazing! The squeezing tip is a game-changer.

  • Leon Wilderman

    These are so much better than the store-bought ones!

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