Chef John's Classic 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.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 315 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 2 ¼ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and grated
• ½ yellow onion, grated

Recipe Instructions

Step 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.

Step 2

Whisk eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl until smooth.

Step 3

Mix potato mixture and egg mixture together in a large bowl with a spatula.

Step 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.