Illustration of cooked pan-fried potato slices with golden seared faces in a cast iron pan
From the Sapidus kitchen

Pan-fried leftover potatoes

Yesterday’s boiled potatoes become golden and crisp in a hot pan. Leave them undisturbed long enough to develop a crust before turning.

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Home-tested. This recipe has been tested in the Sapidus kitchen.1007

Ingredients now shown for 4 people as a side dish.

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Pan-fried leftover potatoes

4 people · About 20–25 minutes using cooked potatoes

Equipment: Wide frying pan and spatula

Quantities follow your selection; time and temperature do not scale automatically.

Ingredients

For the potatoes

  • 800 g cold boiled potatoes, cooled quickly and stored in the fridge
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 g fine salt; start cautiously if the potatoes are already salted
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley or chives

Allergens: No declarable allergens in the basic recipe.

Method

  1. Cut and dry

    Cut the potatoes into slices about 1½–2 cm thick, or even pieces. Gently pat off any surface moisture.

  2. Heat the pan

    Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add potatoes in one layer; cook in batches if the pan becomes full.

  3. Let the crust set

    Leave undisturbed for 4–5 minutes before trying to turn. If they stick, give them a little longer and adjust the heat if they darken quickly.

  4. Finish cooking and season

    Turn and fry until golden-crusted and hot throughout, about 12–18 minutes in total. Taste before salting and finish with pepper and fresh herbs.

Quantity4 people · side dishApproximate timeAbout 20–25 minutes using cooked potatoesEquipmentWide frying pan and spatula
About portions and timing

Cuisine: International

Estimated timing: about 5 min preparation · about 18 min cooking. These times are estimates for the basic method and have not been measured in the kitchen. Follow the method and any time ranges above.

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Step by step

Method

  1. Cut the potatoes into slices about 1½–2 cm thick, or even pieces. Gently pat off any surface moisture.

  2. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add potatoes in one layer; cook in batches if the pan becomes full.

  3. Leave undisturbed for 4–5 minutes before trying to turn. If they stick, give them a little longer and adjust the heat if they darken quickly.

  4. Turn and fry until golden-crusted and hot throughout, about 12–18 minutes in total. Taste before salting and finish with pepper and fresh herbs.

Get to know the spices in this dish

About this version

Home-tested in the Sapidus kitchen. Quantities are for a side dish. Times are approximate; check tenderness and browning.

Details that make a difference

Good to know before you cook

Safe leftovers begin the day before

Divide hot leftovers into small portions, cool quickly and refrigerate. Preferably use the potatoes the following day. Potatoes left on the worktop for a long time cannot be made safe simply by frying.

Onion and garlic

If using onion, soften it separately and fold in near the end. Add finely chopped garlic for the last minute.

Adjust the salt

Potatoes boiled in salted water often need little extra salt. Taste alongside the rest of the dish before adding more.

Sources and further reading

Sources were compiled with AI assistance.