Description
These German Potato Pancakes, also known as reibekuchen, are a traditional comfort food made from simple pantry staples. With golden edges and a tender center, they’re a perfect quick and satisfying dish for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb russet potatoes
- 1 small yellow onion
- Pinch of salt, plus more to taste
- Pinch of black pepper (optional, for savory version)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Grate the vegetables: Wash, peel, and grate the potatoes using the large side of a box grater. Grate the onion directly into the same bowl. If there’s any excess liquid pooling at the bottom, drain it off using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Make the batter: Add salt, pepper (if using), flour, and egg to the potato-onion mixture. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until the ingredients form a thick, sticky batter.
- Preheat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter into the pan for each pancake and gently flatten them using the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Fry the pancakes: Cook each pancake for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until both sides are deeply golden brown and crispy. Adjust heat if they brown too quickly.
- Double fry for crunch: Once all pancakes are fried once, return them to the pan and cook for another 30–60 seconds per side to get an extra crisp exterior.
- Serve hot: Plate the pancakes while hot and crispy. Serve with traditional toppings like applesauce for a sweet version, or sour cream and chives for a savory twist.
Notes
- For a crispier result, squeeze the grated potatoes in a towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Add garlic, scallions, or herbs to the batter for flavor variation.
- Use sweet potatoes or leeks for a fun twist.
- Leftovers reheat well in a skillet or air fryer.
- Serve as a side, snack, or main meal depending on the occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg