Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Apple Cider Reduction

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp golden potato pancakes with a tangy-sweet apple cider glaze that highlights Hanukkah's celebration of light and abundance. This middle eastern-inspired hanukkah ready in about 55 minutes pairs potatoes, onion, egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and grate 2 large potatoes (about 1.5 lbs) and 1/2 medium onion (about 3 oz) using a box grater; transfer to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out all excess liquid.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion with 1 large egg, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; mix until evenly incorporated.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Drop 1/4 cup portions of potato mixture into the skillet, pressing down gently to form 1-inch thick patties; cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Step 5: Transfer cooked latkes to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to maintain crispness; repeat with remaining mixture, adding more oil as needed.
  6. Step 6: Simmer 1/4 cup apple cider and 1 tbsp honey in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until reduced by half and slightly thickened.
  7. Step 7: Serve latkes hot with the apple cider reduction drizzled over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Apple Cider Reduction take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Apple Cider Reduction?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Apple Cider Reduction?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Apple Cider Reduction for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Apple Cider Reduction?

Middle Eastern hanukkah like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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