LovesToRead said:
Hi, could you please share your secret for making home fries or pan fried potatoes.
These are potatoes made in a skillet - they come out really brown and sort of crunchy on th outside. How do you get that crunchy layer to stay attached to the cooked potato when turning in the pan? I always seem to have the outsides peel off when I turn the potatoes while cooking.
Thanks for your help!!
The secret is to have your pan/skillet hot. If you throw a few drops of water in the pan, and it jumps around, sizzles then evaporates, the pan is hot enough. If the water immediately evaporates, it is too hot.
pour some oil in, swirl around then throw in the home fries. Be sure to not let the oil start to smoke because you can start a fire. Butter would not be recommended because the butter solids burn and impart a bad flavor.
Second most important step - dont play with the potatoes....let them brown before turning. Use a stiff spatula and use the edge to scrape under the potatoes, this will keep the crunchy covering together.
Third - potatoes for home fries are usually cooked before sliced and fried (for instance, using the left over baked potatoes from the night before).
Make sure the potatoes are not wet, the water will make the home fry steam without browning, then they usually fall apart.
A cast iron skillet works best, then perhaps an electric skillet. Teflon is my least favorite choice. The temps required for good home fries is not good for teflon coatings.
Hot pan
give the potato time to brown
get under the potato with a stiff spatula
use dry potatoes
dont forget the salt & pepper (or Lawrys seasoning salt)