Reibekuchen
German Potato Pancakes
Authentic German Reibekuchen are crispy, golden-brown shredded potato pancakes, a beloved street food often enjoyed during festive occasions like Christmas markets. They are simple to make but require careful preparation for the best texture.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Potatoes(Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work best. Peel them.)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion(Finely grated or minced.)
- 1 Large Egg(Acts as a binder.)
- 2 tbsp All-purpose Flour(Adjust slightly if the mixture seems too wet.)
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
- approx. 1/2 cup Neutral Oil for frying(Such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. Enough for about 1/4 inch depth in the pan.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the potato and onion mixture: Peel the potatoes and grate them using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. Grate the onion as well. Immediately place the grated potatoes and onion into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Squeeze out excess liquid: Gather the corners of the towel and twist tightly over a sink or bowl to squeeze out as much liquid from the grated potatoes and onion as possible. This step is crucial for achieving crispy Reibekuchen. Discard the liquid.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Combine the batter: Transfer the squeezed potato and onion mixture to a medium bowl. Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pancakes tough. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Heat the oil: Pour enough oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) to reach a depth of about 1/4 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers and a small drop of the potato mixture sizzles immediately upon contact. The ideal temperature is around 175°C (350°F).
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Fry the Reibekuchen: Carefully spoon portions of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening them into thin patties (about 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inches in diameter) with the back of the spoon. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes per batch - 6
Cook until golden and crisp: Fry for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent frying temperature and prevent burning. Use a spatula to carefully flip the Reibekuchen.
⏱️ 4-6 minutes per side - 7
Drain and serve: Once cooked, remove the Reibekuchen from the skillet using a slotted spoon or spatula and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 8
Serve with accompaniments: Traditionally, Reibekuchen are served with unsweetened applesauce (Apfelmus) or a dollop of sour cream (Schmand or Saure Sahne).
⏱️ N/A
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For maximum crispiness, ensure you squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated potatoes.
- ✓Do not skip the salt and pepper; they enhance the potato flavor.
- ✓Maintain a consistent oil temperature for even cooking and browning.
- ✓Reibekuchen are best enjoyed fresh off the pan.
- ✓Often found at German Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte).
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped fresh chives or parsley to the batter.
- For a slightly sweeter pancake, add a tablespoon of sugar to the batter.
- Serve with smoked salmon and crème fraîche for a more elegant appetizer.