Simple Potato Pancakes Recipe for a Fast Meal
These simple potato pancakes are golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, delivering a satisfying bite with every forkful. Made with just a few basic ingredients, they’re a fast, budget-friendly meal option that tastes homemade and comforting. Whether you're serving them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these pancakes come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy days. Topped with sour cream, chives, or applesauce, they’re irresistibly good and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes peeled and grated
- 1 small onion finely grated (optional)
- 1 large egg beaten
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying about ¼ cup
Instructions
Grate the Potatoes
- Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater. Place the grated potatoes into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion (if using), beaten egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet, heat a thin layer of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Form and Fry the Pancakes
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture into the skillet and flatten with the back of the spoon to form a thin pancake. Fry 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp.
Drain and Serve
- Transfer the pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with sour cream, applesauce, or your favorite toppings.