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Ukrainian Pan Fried Potatoes Recipe

These Ukrainian Pan fried potatoes aren't difficult but there is a trick to getting that crispy crust and tender, buttery interior consistently. Here's how.

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These Ukrainian Pan fried potatoes aren’t difficult but there is a trick to getting that crispy crust and tender, buttery interior consistently. Continue reading to see how.

I have officially joined the working world and I’m likin’ it! They gave me my name tag today and I can’t even tell you how official I felt walking through the halls with my very own RN badge. It’s on one of those pull string thingy’s and I can swipe doors with it. Yep, that’s pretty official.

I came home from work today and Vadim (the husband) surprised me with this. Classic. I can’t count how many times we’ve eaten these Ukrainian pan fried  potatoes. We just never thought to post the recipe.

My husband is the potato master in our house. See the hunk in the picture below? That’s him (and our son sleeping in his arms). He cooked this, typed out the recipe, edited and uploaded photos and did all the food styling on his own. He’s my hunk. I like him. I love him. I had a baby with him. And, yes, I’m married to him. Wow, I couldn’t ask for a better man.

A close up of Natasha, and her husband who is holding their son who is sleeping

Ingredients for Fried Potatoes:

4 medium-large potatoes
1/2 of onion (optional)
1 Tbsp of butter
2 Tbsp of Oil (I used Grapeseed Oil)
1/2 tsp salt or to taste
1/4 tsp of pepper or to taste

These Ukrainian Pan fried potatoes aren't difficult but there is a trick to getting that crispy crust and tender, buttery interior consistently. Here's how.

How to Make Ukrainian Fried Potatoes

1. Peel potatoes and cut them into small wedges/fries, keeping them proportional for even cooking. A Mandoline Slicer can also be used.

A potato cut into thin slices on a cutting board with a knife beside it

2. Rinse peeled potatoes in water, then lay them out on a cutting board and pat dry with paper  towel. This is done to get rid of starch, which will make potatoes more crisp. Patting them dry reduces oil splatter.

pan-fried-potatoes

3. Dice 1/2 of the onion. Melt 1 Tbsp of  butter in the frying pan and saute onion for around 3 min on medium-high heat, stirring frequently.

pan-fried-potatoes-1

4. Next, add potatoes and 2 Tbsp of oil, mix everything together. Cover and cook on medium high for around 4-5 min covered until golden. Use a dome-shaped lid for best results.

pan-fried-potatoes-2

5. Reduce heat to medium and cook potatoes for approx. 15 min, stirring every 3-4 min.

Thinly sliced potatoes being fried on a skillet

6. Towards the end of cooking, sprinkle potatoes with salt and pepper (better to under-salt than over-salt :D, speaking from experience ). When potatoes are salted before or during cooking, they release  juices and tend to fall apart.

Salt being added into a skillet with potatoes that are being fried

7. Check for doneness by breaking one of the bigger potato slices. It’s done when the potato breaks easily.

These Ukrainian Pan fried potatoes aren't difficult but there is a trick to getting that crispy crust and tender, buttery interior consistently. Here's how.

* Optional Add-ins: When potatoes are almost finished – you can add eggs, minced garlic, garnish it with dill or parsley. Or just enjoy them with a fresh cucumber…like I did 🙂

These Ukrainian Pan fried potatoes aren't difficult but there is a trick to getting that crispy crust and tender, buttery interior consistently. Here's how.

Ukrainian Pan Fried Potatoes Recipe

5 from 5 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 4 -5
  • 4 medium-large potatoes
  • 1/2 of onion, optional
  • 1 Tbsp of butter
  • 2 Tbsp of Oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp of pepper or to taste

Instructions

  • Peel potatoes and cut them into small wedges/fries, keeping them proportional for even cooking.
  • Rinse peeled potatoes in water, then lay them out on a cutting board and pat dry with paper towel.
  • Dice 1/2 of the onion. Melt 1 tbsp of butter in the frying pan and saute onion for around 3 min on medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
  • Next, add potatoes and 2 tbsp of oil, mix everything together. Cover and cook on medium high for around 4-5 min covered until golden. Use a dome-shaped lid for best results.
  • Reduce heat to medium and cook potatoes for approx. 15 min, stirring every 3-4 min.
  • Towards the end of cooking, sprinkle potatoes with salt and pepper.
  • Check for doneness by breaking one of the bigger potato slices. It's done when the potato breaks easily.

Notes

* Optional Add-ins: When potatoes are almost finished - you can add eggs, minced garlic, garnish it with dill or parsley. Or just enjoy them with a fresh cucumber.
Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: Russian, Ukrainian
Keyword: Pan Fried Potatoes
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $3-$4

 

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Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

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Read comments/reviewsAdd comment/review

  • George
    June 12, 2023

    Hi Natasha, for Step 5 is the lid on or off? thanks
    Reduce heat to medium and cook potatoes for approx. 15 min, stirring every 3-4 min.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 13, 2023

      Hi George, We keep them covered the whole time, except to stir.

      Reply

  • Elizabeth Ansell
    April 23, 2023

    Looking for a French fries recipe without using an air fryer
    It would be nice if the recipes using an air fryer had recipes for us that don’t have any interest in using an air fryer

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 23, 2023

      Hi Elizabeth, this recipe can be useful for you at the moment as another french fries recipe that I have is using an Air Fryer.

      Reply

  • Mila
    October 19, 2022

    This recipe was our weekly meal in the 90-th, when we lived in Ukraine and Russia. As someone mentioned before you need unrefined Sunflower oil and not Olive oil, it will add nutty flavor. In the end, I add fresh minced garlic and dill with parsley. Thank you for reminding me about this recipe, this is what we’ll have tonight.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 19, 2022

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me. Mila!

      Reply

  • Tracy
    June 30, 2022

    Hello! Is it necessary to peel the potatoes? I often see fries with peels on.
    Thanks for so many great recipes!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 1, 2022

      Hi Tracy, it depends on your personal preference but both ways work!

      Reply

  • Nanette
    March 16, 2022

    These are the best thank you so much for your website. I find myself on here every other day. And I hope your family is safe. I am so sorry for what is going on in this crazy world.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 16, 2022

      Aww! That’s just awesome! Thank you so much for stopping by, Nanette!

      Reply

  • Christina
    August 8, 2019

    Just made these glorious potatoes. So delicious. I love being Ukrainian, but this potato obsession is seriously troubling!! Thank you, Natasha for another winner!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 8, 2019

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it Christina!

      Reply

  • Alex
    March 30, 2018

    Just a small note – to get authentic taste you may want to use sunflower oil (ideally unrefined) as opposite to Olive oil or Canola oil.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 31, 2018

      Hi Alex, thank you for the tip! We don’t usually cook with sunflower oil because it has a low smoke point, but we sure love it on salads for that authentic flavor you are referring to – I know exactly what you mean! 🙂

      Reply

  • Ellie
    May 14, 2016

    Can these be used for french fries with ketchup?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      May 14, 2016

      Hi Ellie, these look a little like fries and are great with ketchup but it is easiest to eat these with a fork since they are pan fried and stick together much more than fries would.

      Reply

  • Sofia
    September 17, 2015

    Hi Natasha
    I made this and it was super delicious, not to mention easy. My husband loved it. I added minced garlic and eggs towards the end. Will serve it with cucumber or dill next time. Thanks.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 17, 2015

      Sofia, thank you for the great review and great job on improvising :).

      Reply

  • Olga
    June 22, 2015

    I love potatoes any way shape or form and if I could, I would eat them for every meal of the day, every day! Yes, that’s how much I love potatoes…especially fried potatoes. Fried potatoes are my dad’s specialty! We make them slightly different though. We cut them into thin rounds and fry the potatoes first and once they start to get a bit color on them, I add sliced onions (i cut onions in thin half rounds) and then finish frying like that. However, my VERY favorite is to either add some cut up bacon or Canadian bacon (I think it’s slightly healthier). My dad even added ground beef at some point and it come out delicious as well! My favorite side dish with them is Russian sour sauerkraut!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 22, 2015

      Olga, thank you for sharing your version of making these potatoes, I will definitely give them a try :).

      Reply

    • Moonwatcher
      September 21, 2021

      YES potatoes

      Reply

  • Katy
    January 27, 2014

    the onions are not gona get burned cooking the whole time w potatoes? i usually always add them like the last 10 min of cooking

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 27, 2014

      Adding butter to the skillet prevents them from burning vs using oil. You can also saute them separately and add them 5 min before potatoes are done. Hope this helps :).

      Reply

  • Inna
    September 29, 2013

    Do you cook with the lid covered for the whole time, or just the first 5 minutes??

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 29, 2013

      Keep them covered the whole time, except to stir.

      Reply

  • Hope
    January 2, 2013

    Hey Natasha your recipes are incredible!!you have actually inspired to begin cooking(which i have long put off -.-;;)thank you so much for posting all these fantastic recipes im so glad i found your site 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 2, 2013

      Aww thanks. I’m glad to be a source of motivation 🙂

      Reply

  • Hord
    September 5, 2012

    Natasha.. Thank you so much for those amazing recipes… I am so happy to find your blog…
    Now after 12 years of marriage i am cooking things my husband actually likes 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 5, 2012

      You made me smile Hord, welcome to the site 🙂

      Reply

  • Liliya
    July 16, 2012

    Wow I never new what made my potatoes to break and yes I always put salt in the beginning so I don’t forget later. Will try it tonight. Thank you guys. And Natasha congrants on your new job, good luck and don’t work too much!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 16, 2012

      Thank you Lilya.

      Reply

  • Jen
    July 14, 2012

    To be clear, kraut is delishous, but I prefer plain cabbage with crispy potatoe. Kraut with sausages is very good. (Okay, now I’m done posting!)

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 14, 2012

      mmmm Kraut with sausages. I’ll definitely try your method with cabbage next time. Thank you so much for sharing! Oh and don’t stop posting; I love hearing from you! 🙂

      Reply

  • Jen
    July 13, 2012

    Natasha,
    Congrats on your badge! Way to be.
    Vadim sounds like a noble man. You are a darling family together.
    This receipt is classic. We like it with bit of cabbage fried with the onion, then set aside and added back in right befor serving. Sometimes we add a bit of shriachi sauce at the table. (Korean friend taught us this)
    I like it with cucumber in cream salat.
    Be well,
    Jen

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 13, 2012

      You’re so sweet Jen. Thank you! My husband also likes your comment very much 🙂 Cabbage sounds like a good add-in. Is it just regular cabbage or sour cabbage like a sauerkraut?

      Reply

      • Jen
        July 14, 2012

        Fresh cabbage….never tried kraut. Separate it out to add in with crispy potatoe at the end, so potatoe stays crisp. 🙂

        Reply

  • Liza Kurlykova
    July 13, 2012

    My husband is the fried potato maker in our household too! 🙂 It’s actually the only thing he knows how to make besides boiling pelmeni! He lived off of those two foods before I moved in with him when he was in university! Ahaha! 🙂

    Reply

  • Olviya Ivanov@olivehealth.wordpress.com
    July 12, 2012

    These look good. I wonder if they would taste as good baked? That’s sweet of your husband to make these for you. My husbands made fried potaotes (cubed) once…Let’s just say that it was his first (and last) time in the kitchen:)))

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 12, 2012

      Oh, how sad 🙁 Well, the important thing is, he tried 🙂 I’d probably cut them a little thicker as wedges for baking. My husband makes some really good baked potato wedges. We have it on our to-do list.

      Reply

  • Tatyana
    July 12, 2012

    Lovely! I used to eat these all the time as a kid but my metabolism is not what it used to be LOL! I only probably have these yummies once year now 🙁

    Love when hubbies help out in kitchen!

    Reply

  • Svetlana
    July 11, 2012

    Congratulations on your new job, Natasha! These potatoes are great. I make them at least once a week, even my hubby (he’s Indian) likes them:)

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 11, 2012

      Is it similar to anything in Indian cuisine? I would love to explore more Indian food. Have any favorite recipes?

      Reply

      • Svetlana
        July 13, 2012

        There are potato dishes in Indian cuisine but nothing like these. They are usually cubes and are cooked with cauliflower or eggplant with spices. I love Indian food and make it regularly. My favorite is chicken curry with naan (Indian bread), dishes with lentils and chickpeas.

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          July 13, 2012

          MMm I love eggplant and cauliflower; sounds like a nice combination!

          Reply

  • sonia
    July 11, 2012

    congratulations for the badge ! And yes the potatoes are looking yum… ! cant wait to try it… !

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 11, 2012

      Thanks Sonia 🙂

      Reply

  • Lea's Cooking
    July 11, 2012

    Congratulation Natasha with your new job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    We love this classic Russian potatoes:) My husbands favorite meal.
    I nominated you with One Lovely Blog Award:))) Check it out http://leascooking.blogspot.com/2012/07/vegetable-stir-fry-noddles.html

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 11, 2012

      Thank you Lea. No more school, yeah…at least for now 🙂

      Reply

  • Zhenya
    July 11, 2012

    Natasha, my dad has always been the master of these. Mom could never them the same! Congratulations again on getting DA badge ;). Glad you can finally start reaping the fruits of your labor.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 11, 2012

      Thank you very much Zhenya. Hard work paid off and now I get to wear “DA badge” 🙂

      Reply

  • Natalie S
    July 11, 2012

    Yum! We make these all the time too – a quick, hearty meal! Thanks for the tip about salting them at the very end – very helpful! No wonder mine end up falling apart and some pieces looking like mashed potatoes – lol

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 11, 2012

      Fried potatoes never get old 🙂

      Reply

  • INESSA-GrabandgoRecipes
    July 11, 2012

    It’s interesting how our Slavic men are so good at cooking potatoes. We just came back from a Church camp and there was a men competition on how to peel and cut potatoes for pan frying; we were all surprised how all of them were so good at it. You could tell they peeled and fried potatoes before!!!
    Ohhh..potatoes look really good; good job Vadim 🙂
    This dish is one of our family favorites too. My husband loves to make it on Saturdays when I am off from cooking 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 11, 2012

      That’s an awesome idea!!! I love it! I will borrow it for our church camp! Who won?

      Reply

      • Inessa-GrabandgoRecipes
        July 14, 2012

        All of them were super good, but an older man won. More experience i guess….

        Reply

  • Emma
    July 11, 2012

    gonna try this weekend

    Reply

  • erica/Iryna
    July 11, 2012

    Love this barabolya…..growing up in a Ukrainian background we had these potatoes almost nightly with onions and all. My summer favorite were the potatoes like this with the tomato/cucumber salad and sometimes sour cream with the salad. My husband being Turkish also makes these potatoes, but puts yogurt mixed with garlic on top before he starts to eat it…that is how the Turks eat it.
    Congratulations on your new job and career.
    Iryna 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 11, 2012

      Thank you very much Iryna :). Tomato/cucumber salad is an ideal side dish to go along with these potatoes. I might try that topping 🙂

      Reply

  • vikulya
    July 11, 2012

    Will definitely try your way of frying potatoes.
    I never rinsed and dried cut potatoes before frying them. I am sure that these are delicious.
    Thanks, Vadim and Natasha 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 11, 2012

      Its a little extra step, but makes a difference at the end :).

      Reply

  • Olga @ Olga's Flavor Factory
    July 11, 2012

    I definitely think so. From what you write about your husband, they seem to have similar personalities too:).

    Reply

  • Olga @ Olga's Flavor Factory
    July 10, 2012

    Oh, boy! These potatoes have probably graced the table of every Slavic family at one time or another! This is the comfort food of our heritage:). Great job, Vadim. This is one of the meals that my husband makes too.
    We make these potatoes all the time. We like ours with onions too, and you’re definitely right about adding the salt at the very end, otherwise they are so limp. Yum. It’s perfect for a quick dinner option and tastes great too.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 10, 2012

      Our husbands would probably get along 🙂 they are both talented in the kitchen!

      Reply

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