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Potato Pancake Recipe

This potato pancake recipe delivers golden, crispy pancakes with tender centers using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Eastern European
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Potato Mixture
  • 2 lbs russet potatoes peeled
  • 1 small onion finely grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp potato starch optional but helpful for extra crispiness
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • For Frying
  • ½ cup neutral oil vegetable or canola
  • For Serving
  • Green onions sliced
  • Sour cream for topping

Instructions
 

  • Grate the peeled russet potatoes using a box grater or food processor.
  • Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible.
  • In a large bowl, mix:
  • Drained potatoes
  • Grated onion
  • Eggs
  • Flour and potato starch
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • Stir until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • To test readiness, drop a small bit of potato mixture into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to fry the potato pancakes.
  • Scoop about ¼ cup of potato mixture per pancake into the hot oil.
  • Flatten gently with a spatula and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and crisp.
  • Transfer cooked pancakes to a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
  • Sprinkle lightly with salt while hot. Keep warm in a low oven if cooking in batches.
  • I always sneak one here. Quality control, right?

Notes

  • Russet potatoes work best because of their high starch content.
  • Removing excess moisture is key to achieving crispy potato pancakes.
  • Potato starch can be used instead of flour for extra crispiness.
  • Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven or skillet to maintain texture.
Keyword potato pancake recipe, potato pancakes, crispy potato pancakes, russet potatoes, fry the potato, side dish, golden brown pancakes