Delicious Southern Fried Potatoes Recipe – Easy and Quick
Y’all, gather ’round and let me tell you a little something about my favorite comfort food: southern-fried potatoes. These crispy, golden brown beauties are the perfect side dish for any meal or can be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast accompaniment with some smothered onions and sausage.
What makes these potatoes Southern-style fried, you ask? Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret – it’s all in the technique. We fry these spuds up in a cast iron skillet, giving them that irresistible crispy texture on the outside while keeping them tender inside. And of course, we add in some onions for additional flavor.
Now, I know what you might be thinking – frying potatoes? Isn’t that unhealthy? Trust me, everything in moderation is key. And besides, there’s nothing quite like indulging in some crispy, pan-fried goodness every once in a while.
So let’s get to it! Grab your cast iron skillet and let’s whip up some easy southern-fried potatoes that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever tasted heaven? Well, let me tell you, when you try these Southern fried potatoes, you will come pretty darn close. This recipe takes the humble potato and transforms it into a crispy, savory and mouth-watering side that will elevate any meal.
Firstly, let’s talk about the texture. These potatoes are fried to perfection in a cast iron skillet on medium-high heat until they develop a perfectly golden brown crust around their inch-thick wedges. But don’t be fooled by their crispy exterior, as they remain tender inside making for the perfect bite.
But that’s not all! The combination of onions cooked alongside the potatoes will have your taste buds singing in harmony. The sweet tangy aroma of sautéed onions melds together beautifully with the slightly salty-sweet taste of the fried potatoes, creating an unforgettable flavor and heavenly aroma.
What I appreciate most about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it up as a classic side dish at dinner or breakfast time; include diced Polish sausage and smothered onions for a hearty breakfast plate; mix it up with some cheesy goodness for an indulgent treat; or pair it with meats like roasted chicken or beef for the ultimate Southern-style feast.
But let’s not forget about how easy this recipe is to make! It only takes 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time until your delicious creation is ready to serve. All you need is a cast iron skillet, some russet potatoes, onion, salt & pepper and cold water – simple yet oh-so satisfying!
In short, whether you’re looking for an easy Southern-style side dish or a scrumptious breakfast companion, these Southern-fried potatoes will undoubtedly impress. So go ahead and grab your skillet – you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Let’s start with what you’ll need to make these mouth-watering Southern-fried potatoes.
Here’s the list of ingredients:
- 2 pounds of Russet potatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped finely
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil or bacon grease for frying
- Cold water
With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious side dish that is perfect for any southern-style meal. Don’t worry about complicated or obscure ingredients here, we’re making easy southern fried potatoes that don’t require anything out of the ordinary. Make sure to grab some fresh russet potatoes, a yellow onion, and some vegetable oil or rendered bacon grease from your pantry. To ensure the potatoes are tender inside and crispy outside, cold water will be needed during preparation. Start gathering your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
The Recipe How-To
Are you ready to delve into the heart and soul of southern-style cuisine? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s get started on making some irresistible Southern-Fried Potatoes!
Ingredients:
- 4 Russet potatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 2 teaspoons of black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
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First and foremost, wash and peel the Russet potatoes. Cut them into small cubes roughly around ½ inch thick, being careful not to make them too thin, or they will cook too quickly.
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Dice the onion into small bits, as small or as large as you prefer.
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Next, heat your cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to the skillet and let it warm up until it’s shimmering but not smoking.
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Once the pan is heated, add the cubed potatoes to the skillet while frequently stirring until all potatoes are coated with oil.
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Cover and cook the potatoes for around 10 minutes then uncover and add the diced onion for approximately another 5 minutes.
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Make sure to stir occasionally; the onion is lightly caramelized when it becomes translucent.
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Continue cooking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden browned and tender inside.
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At this point, transfer the fried potatoes and onions onto a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess grease.
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Season liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper!
And that’s it – in just an instant, you’ll have a scrumptious plate of Southern-Fried Potatoes ready before your eyes!
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef who understands the importance of being flexible and creative in cooking, I know that sometimes, we may not have all the ingredients required for a recipe. Therefore, I always recommend having some alternatives to make your dish just as flavorful and interesting as the original recipe.
If you’re looking to switch things up in this southern-fried potato recipe, there are a few ingredient substitutions and variations you can try that still fit perfectly with the style of the dish.
Firstly, you can use red or golden potatoes instead of russet potatoes. They are just as delicious when coated with flour prior to frying, and will give your potatoes an appealing golden color.
In addition, if you don’t have any onions on hand, green onions or shallots can be used as an alternative. You’ll still achieve that tangy flavor that comes with sautéed onions!
For those who love spicy flavors, add some diced jalapeños or hot sausage to the dish. This will turn up the heat factor and transform your Southern fried potatoes into a whole new experience.
You could also add seasoning to your preference such as paprika or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
Additionally, if you’re vegetarian or vegan or looking for a lighter version of this dish, consider using olive oil to pan fry the potatoes instead of vegetable oil and serve it as a side dish or add it to a salad.
With these potato variations, there’s sure to be one that’ll satisfy both your craving for something hearty and flavorful. Try out these upgrades and experience something magical in each bite!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve got a steaming plate of Southern-fried potatoes, let’s talk about what to serve with it! These taters may stand alone as a star side dish, but they also make a great pairing with other Southern classics. When I serve them up in my house, I love to pair them with succulent fried chicken and some vibrant collard greens. It’s an indulgent combination that feels like a hug from your grandma.
But don’t let my personal preferences fool you – this recipe is versatile enough to accompany many different types of dishes. Crispy hash browns are always welcome alongside sausage patties and scrambled eggs for breakfast. If you’re opting for a lighter meal, roasted vegetables and grilled chicken would be lovely partners.
If you’re feeling particularly experimental, try taking these potatoes in a new direction by using them as a base for toppings. Cheesy southern-fried potato skins, anyone? Or how about smothered potatoes and onions with chunks of delicious Polish sausage? The world is your oyster!
No matter what you pair them with or how you decide to enjoy them, these Southern-style fried potatoes will add some downhome comfort to any meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
In the hectic bustle of daily life, having a make-ahead recipe is a lifesaver. These easy-to-cook Southern-fried potatoes can be prepared in advance in no time, making them a perfect side dish to have for busy weeknights or even big gatherings.
If you want to make these potatoes ahead of time, fry them as usual and allow them to cool completely before storing them away in an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate the potatoes within two hours of cooking them. Stored potatoes can last up to four days in the refrigerator or frozen for later use.
When it’s time to reheat your crispy and savory fried potatoes, preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet and bake them for around ten minutes or until they are heated through thoroughly. Ensure that you don’t overcook the potatoes, as this can make them soggy and ruin their crispy texture.
Alternatively, you can reheat fried potatoes using a skillet. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat, add some oil and heat it until it begins to sizzle. Then, add in the fried potatoes and cook uncovered for 5-6 minutes, while stirring occasionally. You’ll notice that the exterior of the potatoes becomes nicely browned and crispier while leaving the tender interior unaffected.
One crucial tip to keep in mind when reheating this dish is not to cover it while reheating it. Covering will create steam that will only cause your deliciously crispy potatoes to turn into mushy, unappetizing spuds.
So the next time you have guests coming over, save yourself some trouble by preparing these Southern-style fried potatoes ahead of time and impress them with a classic side dish that works best for any meal.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to perfect the art of frying potatoes. Here are my top tips for ensuring that your Southern-Fried Potatoes come out perfectly every time:
1. Use a cast iron skillet: The best type of pan to use for Southern-Fried Potatoes is a cast iron skillet. This type of pan heats up evenly and retains heat well, which is important when cooking potatoes.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan: It’s essential not to overcrowd the pan when frying potatoes. If you put too many potatoes in the pan at once, they won’t cook evenly, and it will take longer for them to become crispy and browned.
3. Use medium-high heat: When you’re frying potatoes in a cast iron skillet, medium-high heat is ideal. If the heat is too high, your potatoes will cook too quickly on the outside and remain raw on the inside, resulting in an unappetizing meal.
4. Let the oil heat up adequately: Before adding your potatoes to the skillet, make sure that your oil has heated up thoroughly. You can test if your oil is hot enough by placing a small piece of potato in the skillet. It should sizzle and bubble immediately.
5. Use cold water to rinse potatoes: Rinsing sliced potatoes with cold water helps remove excess starch from them before you fry them in oil. Too much starch can create soggy or gummy fried potatoes, and you don’t want that!
6. Slice your potatoes thinly: The thickness of your potato slices also plays a significant role in how crispy your fried potatoes become. For optimal results, slice your potatoes into thin slices that are about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Don’t forget to season: Seasoning is crucial when cooking Southern-Fried Potatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste as soon as they come out of the skillet. You can also sprinkle on other seasonings and herbs like paprika or rosemary, depending on your preferences.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make perfectly crispy and tender Southern-Fried Potatoes every time. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different seasonings or even adding onions or sausage to this classic dish to give it your unique twist. Happy cooking!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be questions that come up while preparing the dish. Fear not, because I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help guide you as you make these delicious Southern-Fried Potatoes. Let’s take a look at some of the common queries and concerns that may arise while following the recipe instructions.
Is it better to boil potatoes before frying?
One crucial step to ensuring that your pan fried potatoes come out perfectly tender on the inside is to parboil them before tossing them in the pan. Trust me on this – skipping this step often leads to potatoes that are crispy on the outside but raw on the inside. Of course, if you slice your potatoes paper-thin, they’ll crisp up easily even without boiling them first. However, in most cases, boiling first will give you the tastiest results.
Why won’t my fried potatoes get crispy?
It appears as though the potatoes may have been subjected to excessively chilly conditions for an extended duration before being cooked. Whenever spuds are kept at temperatures below 41°F for an extended period, the starches tend to transform into sugar, thus altering the usual cooking process.
Should you soak potatoes before frying?
When it comes to frying freshly cut potatoes for your dish, it’s important to take the time to properly prepare them. An effective method is to soak the peeled, washed, and cut fries in cold water overnight. This step helps to remove any excess potato starch, which can cause the fries to stick together and impact their overall crispiness.
What liquid is used to fry potatoes?
If you’re looking to make delicious fries, you’ll have several options when it comes to cooking oils. Canola oil is a great choice if you want a milder flavor, but if you want your fries to have more depth and complexity, you might want to try something else. Chefs often choose pure peanut oil for frying potatoes because it adds a lovely, subtle nuttiness that complements the potatoes nicely. Additionally, peanut oil gives fries a clean mouthfeel, making it a great choice for any fry recipe.
Bottom Line
:
Well, y’all. There you have it – my recipe for Southern-fried Potatoes. This dish is a classic Southern side that will complement any meal. I promise that these potatoes will have your taste buds singing with joy!
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your liking. You can add different spices, swap out the onions for another vegetable, or even throw in some bacon or sausage for added flavor.
So why not give this recipe a try? I guarantee you’ll love it! Whether you’re enjoying these potatoes as a side dish to a homecooked meal or serving them up with some eggs and bacon for breakfast, they’re sure to please.
I hope you found my instructions helpful and that you learned something new about the art of Southern-style cooking. Remember to take your time while cooking, use quality ingredients, and have fun in the kitchen! Now go on, put on some shorts today, grab your skillet, and get frying those Southern-style potatoes!
Southern-Fried Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 large red potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Fry potato chunks in hot oil in a 9- or 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat 12 minutes, turning often.
- Add onion, and cook 5 more minutes. Remove mixture to a serving bowl, using a slotted spoon.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- This is rustic cooking at its best. Leave the skins on the potatoes, if you'd prefer. They'll fry crispy brown and save you a step, too.
- A cast iron skillet is an inexpensive investment. Foods cooked in it absorb iron, which will increase the amount of iron you consume.
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