Olivia Carter
If you’re looking to add a quick and easy side dish to your dinner, cubed potatoes cooked in a skillet are the perfect choice. Not only are they delicious and versatile, but they also require minimal ingredients and can be ready in no time. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this simple recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
To start, gather your ingredients: cubed potatoes, cooking oil or butter, and your choice of seasonings. You can opt for classic flavors like salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or get creative with herbs and spices like rosemary, paprika, or chili powder. The choice is yours, and the possibilities are endless!
Once you have your ingredients ready, heat a skillet over medium heat and add your cooking oil or butter. Allow it to melt and heat up before adding the cubed potatoes. Make sure the skillet is large enough to hold all the potatoes in a single layer. This will ensure even cooking and browning.
As the potatoes start to cook, season them with your desired seasonings. Be generous with the seasonings, as cubed potatoes tend to absorb flavors well. Stir the potatoes occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure all sides are evenly browned. Cook the potatoes until they are tender on the inside and crispy and golden brown on the outside. This should take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your potato cubes.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
When it comes to cooking cubed potatoes in a skillet, choosing the right type of potato is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and taste. There are many varieties of potatoes available in the market, each with its own unique characteristics and cooking properties.
One popular choice for skillet potatoes is the russet potato. Russet potatoes have a high starch content and a light, fluffy texture. They are great for dishes that require potatoes to hold their shape, such as roasted or mashed potatoes. However, when it comes to cubed potatoes in a skillet, using russet potatoes may result in a mushy texture.
For skillet potatoes, it is best to choose waxy potatoes, such as red or yellow potatoes. Waxy potatoes have a lower starch content and a firm, creamy texture. They hold their shape well during cooking and result in crispy, tender cubes. Waxy potatoes are also great for boiling, steaming, and roasting.
Another option is the Yukon gold potato, which is a type of waxy potato. Yukon gold potatoes have a rich, buttery flavor and a smooth, golden skin. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including skillet potatoes. Their creamy texture and thin skin make them ideal for cubing and frying.
When selecting potatoes for cubed potatoes in a skillet, make sure to choose potatoes that are firm, free from any sprouts or soft spots, and have a smooth skin. Keep in mind that different potato varieties may have different cooking times, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure the potatoes are cooked through but not overly crispy.
Preparing the Potatoes
Before cooking the cubed potatoes in a skillet, you’ll need to prepare them properly. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Wash and Peel the Potatoes
Begin by washing the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. After washing, use a vegetable peeler to carefully peel the skin off the potatoes. Peeling the potatoes will give them a smoother texture and improve their taste.
2. Cube the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are peeled, cut them into small cubes. Use a sharp knife and try to make the cubes as uniform in size as possible. This will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and have a consistent texture.
3. Soak the Potatoes
After cubing the potatoes, place them in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes and prevents them from sticking together while cooking.
Note: Soaking the potatoes can also help to make them crispier once they are cooked in the skillet.
4. Drain and Dry the Potatoes
After soaking, drain the potatoes in a colander and rinse them with cold water. Shake off any excess water and then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing the moisture will allow the potatoes to brown better and prevent them from turning mushy.
Once the potatoes are washed, peeled, cubed, soaked, drained, and dried, they are ready to be cooked in a skillet.
Cooking the Potatoes
Once you have prepared the potatoes by washing and cutting them into cubes, it’s time to start cooking them. Follow these simple steps:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add oil or butter to the pan. Allow the oil or butter to melt and coat the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring that they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded. This will allow the potatoes to cook evenly and develop a golden brown crust.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings over the potatoes. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, or herbs like thyme or rosemary, to add flavor to the potatoes.
- Cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, or until they start to become golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a spatula to flip the potatoes occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the potatoes are cooked to your desired level of crispness, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil and keep the potatoes crispy.
- Serve the cooked cubed potatoes hot as a side dish or use them as a base for other recipes like breakfast hash or potato salad. Enjoy!
By following these simple steps, you can easily cook cubed potatoes in a skillet and enjoy a delicious and versatile side dish. Experiment with different seasonings and cooking times to find your perfect combination.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your cubed potatoes are cooked to perfection in the skillet, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are a few serving suggestions to make the most of your meal:
1. Plating
To plate your cooked cubed potatoes, use a large serving dish or individual plates. Arrange the potatoes in a visually appealing way, making sure to showcase their golden color and crispy edges. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added pop of green and freshness.
2. Accompaniments
Cubed potatoes make a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a hearty and satisfying meal. You can also use them as a base for an egg breakfast skillet by adding fried eggs and bacon on top.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, cubed potatoes can be the star of the show. Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to create a flavorful and nutritious vegetarian stir-fry.
3. Sauces and Dips
For an extra burst of flavor, serve your cubed potatoes with a dipping sauce or condiment of your choice. Ketchup, mayo, sour cream, or ranch dressing are all great options to elevate the taste of your dish. Consider making a homemade aioli using garlic, lemon juice, and mayonnaise for a tangy and creamy dip.
4. Beverage Pairings
To complete your dining experience, pair your cubed potatoes with a refreshing beverage. If you’re serving them with grilled meats, opt for a full-bodied red wine like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. For a lighter meal, a crisp and citrusy white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea can be the perfect complement.
| Recommended Accompaniments | Recommended Sauces and Dips | Beverage Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled chicken | Ketchup | Merlot |
| Steak | Mayo | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Fish | Sour cream | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Egg breakfast skillet | Ranch dressing | Pinot Grigio |
| Vegetarian stir-fry | Homemade aioli | Lemonade or Iced Tea |
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to cook cubed potatoes in a skillet?
To cook cubed potatoes in a skillet, you will need potatoes, cooking oil, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings or herbs you prefer.
Do I need to peel the potatoes before cubing them?
It is up to personal preference whether you want to peel the potatoes before cubing them. The skin adds extra flavor and nutrients, but if you prefer the smooth texture, you can peel them.
What is the best way to cube the potatoes?
The best way to cube the potatoes is to first wash and dry them. Then, using a sharp knife, cut them into small, equally-sized cubes. This will ensure even cooking.
How long does it take to cook cubed potatoes in a skillet?
The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and the heat level. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes to cook cubed potatoes in a skillet until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to the skillet?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or garlic to the skillet to enhance the flavor. You can even add cooked bacon or cheese for extra deliciousness.
