Fried Potatoes and Onions recipe
Golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor, fried potatoes and onions are the perfect comfort food to elevate any meal. This dish combines tender potatoes with the sweet, caramelized notes of onions, creating a satisfying side that pairs beautifully with breakfast or dinner.
With just a few simple ingredients—Russet potatoes, onions, and a dash of seasoning—this recipe transforms humble pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing delight. Achieving that perfect crispy finish is easy with a few key steps, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
Whether you’re serving them alongside eggs for breakfast or as a hearty accompaniment to dinner, these fried potatoes and onions are sure to become a household favorite. They’re quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
Fried Potatoes and Onions: Ingredients
Russet Potatoes: The heart of this dish, these starchy gems turn wonderfully tender inside while developing a crisp, golden crust outside, making each bite perfectly balanced.
Onion: Sweet and aromatic, the finely diced onion caramelizes alongside the potatoes, adding a rich depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness.
Vegetable Oil: The key to achieving that golden, crunchy exterior, providing an even, smooth cooking surface for frying.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder): These essential spices elevate the potatoes and onions, bringing out their natural flavors with a savory touch.
Recipe Tips
1. Get That Perfect Crisp: To achieve that irresistible golden crust on your potatoes, ensure the oil is hot before adding the diced potatoes and onions. The oil should shimmer but not smoke—this is the sweet spot for a crispy exterior without burning. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the skillet; giving the potatoes some space helps them brown evenly.
2. Don’t Skip the Lid: Covering the skillet for the first 10 minutes traps steam, which helps cook the potatoes thoroughly, creating a soft interior. After this, remove the lid to let out the steam and allow the oil to work its magic, turning the edges of the potatoes golden and crisp. Stir occasionally but avoid over-mixing to preserve those golden crusts.
3. Seasoning Matters: Generous seasoning is key. Salt helps draw out moisture, ensuring a better crisp, while pepper adds a bit of heat. Garlic powder brings out the earthiness of the potatoes, complementing the caramelized onions. Feel free to add a sprinkle of paprika or smoked salt for a unique twist, but always adjust seasonings to taste during the cooking process.
What to Serve with Fried Potatoes and Onions
1. Eggs and Breakfast Meats: These crispy fried potatoes and onions are a classic breakfast pairing. Serve them alongside scrambled or sunny-side-up eggs, and add a side of bacon or sausages for a complete morning feast. The rich, buttery yolk of the eggs pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of the potatoes.
2. Grilled or Roasted Meats: This dish is also an excellent side for grilled or roasted meats like chicken, steak, or pork chops. The savory, caramelized flavors of the potatoes and onions complement the smoky, juicy richness of meats, making it a perfect companion for a hearty dinner.
3. Fresh Salads: For a lighter option, pair the fried potatoes and onions with a refreshing salad. A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich, fried texture of the potatoes, adding a refreshing contrast that makes for a satisfying meal.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well too. They tend to be waxier and hold their shape better during frying, but may not crisp up as much as Russets. The choice depends on your preference for a creamier or crispier texture.
2. How do I keep the potatoes from getting soggy?
Make sure the oil is hot before adding the potatoes, and don’t overcrowd the skillet. Keeping the lid off during the final cooking stage allows excess moisture to escape, helping the potatoes get that desirable crispy finish.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh for that ultimate crispy texture, you can prepare it in advance and reheat in a hot skillet to restore some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the potatoes soft instead of crunchy.
4. What can I add for more flavor?
You can experiment with adding chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme towards the end of cooking for a fragrant touch. A sprinkle of grated cheese or a dash of smoked paprika can also add extra flavor, taking this dish to the next level.
Fried Potatoes and Onions
Ingredients
- ½ cup of vegetable oil enough to coat the bottom of a skillet
- 2 pounds of Russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 onion finely chopped
- Salt black pepper, and garlic powder, to your taste
- How to Make Them Crispy and Perfect:
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by peeling the Russet potatoes and cutting them into uniform 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking. Dice the onion into fine pieces.
- Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a 10-inch skillet, ensuring the base is covered. Warm the oil over medium heat until it becomes hot and shimmers, indicating it’s ready for frying.
- Add Potatoes and Onions: Carefully add the cubed potatoes to the hot oil, followed by the diced onions. Season the mixture generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir briefly to evenly coat the vegetables in the seasoned oil.
- Initial Cooking with Lid: Cover the skillet and allow the potatoes and onions to cook undisturbed for approximately 10 minutes. This step helps the potatoes develop a golden crust on one side while retaining moisture inside.
- Crisp Up Uncovered: After 10 minutes, remove the lid and stir the potatoes. Continue cooking without the lid for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the potatoes achieve a crispy texture while cooking evenly.
