Chef John's Classic Potato Pancakes

Chef John's Classic Potato Pancakes

Side Dish Potatoes Potato Pancakes

The one and only way to not get perfectly crispy potato pancakes is to not squeeze them properly. More than half the procedure was dedicated to grating, soaking, draining, and squeezing the potatoes. If you don't thoroughly squeeze all the liquid from the potatoes, the pancakes just won't crisp up as well. Top with thinly sliced smoked salmon, sour cream, and fresh dill.

Servings per recipe: 4
Calories per serving: 315
Preparation time: 15m
Total cooking time: 45m

Ingredients:


  • 2 1/4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and grated
  • 1/2 yellow onion, grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup vegetable oil for frying

Directions:


  • 1   Place potatoes and onion into a large bowl and pour enough cold water in the bowl to cover by several inches. Let rest until potatoes and onion are completely soaked, 20 to 30 minutes. Pour potato mixture into a colander, rinse, drain, and squeeze repeatedly to remove all moisture.
  • 2   Whisk eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl until smooth.
  • 3   Mix potato mixture and egg mixture together in a large bowl with a spatula.
  • 4   Heat 1/4-inch oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When oil shimmers, drop large spoonfuls of potato batter into hot oil and flatten with a spatula to about 1/2-inch thick. Cook until the edges of pancakes are golden brown and crispy, 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, flip pancakes, and cook until golden brown and crispy on the other side, about 5 minutes more. Repeat cooking process with remaining batter.

Nutrion facts:


Total Fat 8.3g 13%
    Saturated Fat 2.0g  
Cholesterol 93mg 31%
Sodium 633mg 25%
Potassium 1161mg 33%
Total Carbohydrates 52.1g 17%
Dietary Fiber 6.3g 25%
Protein 9.3g 19%
Sugars 3g  
Vitamin A 149IU  
Vitamin C 53mg  
Calcium 53mg  
Iron 3mg  
Thiamin 0mg  
Niacin 5mg  
Vitamin B6 1mg  
Magnesium 66mg  
Folate 69mcg