Chef John's Classic Potato Pancakes

4.7
(56)

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.

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closeup of a potato pancake (Chef John's Classic Potato Pancakes) topped with smoked salmon, sour cream, and fresh dill
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Additional Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 2 ¼ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and grated

  • ½ yellow onion, grated

  • 2 large eggs

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ 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.

    closeup of a potato pancake (Chef John's Classic Potato Pancakes) topped with smoked salmon, sour cream, and fresh dill

    Sahara B

Chef's Note:

Cover the bowl of pancake batter with plastic wrap while pancakes are cooking to prevent batter from browning.

111 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

315 Calories
8g Fat
52g Carbs
9g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 315
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g 11%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 93mg 31%
Sodium 633mg 28%
Total Carbohydrate 52g 19%
Dietary Fiber 6g 23%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 9g 19%
Vitamin C 53mg 58%
Calcium 53mg 4%
Iron 3mg 16%
Potassium 1161mg 25%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.