Golden, Crispy Skillet Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

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Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like crispy pan-fried potatoes with onions. Simple, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying, this classic recipe shows that amazing flavor doesn’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. With just potatoes, onions, oil, and seasoning, you can create a hearty dish that’s versatile and universally loved.

Why This Dish Shines

Pan-fried potatoes are all about texture. Unlike mashed or boiled versions, they offer a golden, crunchy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior—a contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Adding onions takes it up a notch. As they caramelize, they release natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory potatoes, creating a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and layered.

These potatoes are also incredibly versatile, fitting into almost any meal:

  • Breakfast: Served with eggs and toast
  • Lunch: Perfect alongside salads or sandwiches
  • Dinner: Delicious with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or plant-based proteins

🥔 Choosing the Right Potatoes

The type of potato affects the final texture:

  • Russet (starchy): Crispy outside, fluffy inside—perfect for browning
  • Red or New (waxy): Creamy texture, holds shape—best sliced thin
  • Yukon Gold: A balanced choice for crisp yet creamy results

Tip: Wash and dry potatoes thoroughly. Excess moisture prevents browning and can lead to steaming instead of frying.

🧅 Onions Matter

Onions aren’t just an addition—they’re essential:

  • Yellow onions: Balanced flavor, caramelize beautifully
  • White onions: Sharper taste, more bite
  • Red onions: Mild sweetness, softer texture

Slice evenly for consistent cooking: thin slices blend into the dish, while thicker slices stand out for texture.

🔪 Prep Tips

  • Slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking
  • Optional: soak in water to remove extra starch, then dry for extra crispiness
  • Prepare onions just before cooking to keep them fresh

🍳 Cooking Technique

  1. Heat plenty of oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan.
  2. Add potatoes first. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to form a crispy crust.
  3. Turn gently to brown all sides evenly.
  4. Add onions once the potatoes begin to crisp, letting flavors meld while keeping textures distinct.

Tip: Slow, medium-heat cooking produces the best results. Patience pays off.

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