Name: Vegan Potato Latkes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Jewish
Ingredients: 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, grated; 1 tsp salt (for squeezing potatoes); 1 cup chopped cilantro; 1 large garlic clove, grated; 1 tsp salt (for latke mixture); ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 tsp onion powder; 2 tsp turmeric; ⅓ cup vegan mayo; ¾ cups vegetable oil, divided (for frying)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 3 reviews

If you’re craving a crispy, golden, and utterly delicious snack or side dish, this Vegan Potato Latkes Recipe is going to steal your heart. These latkes bring together the humble potato with bright cilantro, aromatic garlic, and warm turmeric to create mouthwatering vegan treats that are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for holidays, cozy dinners, or any time you want to indulge in something crunchy and flavorful, this recipe shows you how to make latkes that satisfy every craving while being entirely plant-based and approachable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate with seven golden-brown latkes arranged in a curved line along the edge. The latkes have a crispy texture with visible shredded potato strands and are topped with small, scattered pieces of bright green scallions. On the right side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with smooth, pale yellow applesauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Vegan Potato Latkes Recipe plays a vital role, combining simplicity and flavor in the most beautiful way. From the creamy texture given by vegan mayo to the enticing golden color from turmeric, each item is essential to create the perfect latkes.

Yukon gold potatoes (2 lbs): The star of the show, yukon golds are creamy and hold together well when grated.
Salt (1 tsp + 1 tsp): Used twice to enhance flavor and help draw out moisture from the potatoes for a crispier result.
Chopped cilantro (1 cup): Adds a fresh, vibrant burst of color and brightness to the batter.
Garlic clove, grated (1 large): Infuses a delicious aromatic punch that complements the potatoes wonderfully.
Black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds just a hint of spice for balance.
Onion powder (2 tsp): Provides depth and mild sweetness without overpowering.
Turmeric (2 tsp): Not only gives an inviting warm, golden tone but also a subtle earthiness.
Vegan mayo (⅓ cup): Helps bind the mixture together and adds a creamy richness.
Vegetable oil (¾ cups total): For frying the latkes to crispy perfection.

How to Make Vegan Potato Latkes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by grating your yukon gold potatoes and placing them in a colander set over a bowl or plate. Sprinkle one teaspoon of salt over the potatoes and toss to combine. Let this sit for about 10 minutes—this step is crucial because it allows the salt to draw out excess liquid, which means your latkes will become crispier when cooked.

Step 2: Squeeze Out Excess Moisture

Once the potatoes have rested, gather them in a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much liquid as possible. This step might seem tedious, but trust me, getting rid of the extra moisture makes all the difference between soggy latkes and perfectly crispy delights.

Step 3: Mix in the Flavorful Ingredients

Transfer the dried potato shreds to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the grated garlic, the second teaspoon of salt, black pepper, onion powder, turmeric, and the chopped cilantro. Then fold in the vegan mayo – it acts like a binder while lending a subtle creaminess to your latkes. Mix everything until the ingredients are well combined and you can already smell the inviting aroma.

Step 4: Shape the Latkes

Using your hands, form about 15 small pancakes from the mixture. Make sure they’re compact so they hold together nicely during frying. This is where you get to have fun, shaping your future crispy treasures.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat approximately ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully add about five latkes at a time, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Repeat this frying process two more times using the remaining oil, keeping the heat steady to avoid burning.

Step 6: Finish in the Oven for Extra Crispiness

Once all the latkes are fried, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. This final step ensures the latkes become extra crispy and stay warm, making them absolutely irresistible when served.

How to Serve Vegan Potato Latkes Recipe

A stack of four brown, crispy fritters with a rough, textured surface sits on a white speckled plate with a thin brown edge, placed on a white marbled surface. Each fritter has small pieces of green onion visible within the crispy edges, and the top three fritters each have a dollop of pale yellow sauce with chopped green onions on top. A woman's hand is lifting the top fritter from the stack. In the background, out of focus, more fritters and a white dish with sauce can be seen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes takes the Vegan Potato Latkes Recipe to the next level. Fresh chopped chives, a dollop of vegan sour cream, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika can elevate the latkes and complement their savory flavor. A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice also brightens the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

These latkes are delightfully versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them alongside a crisp garden salad for freshness or a bowl of warming vegan borscht for a traditional touch. Roasted vegetables or steamed greens provide balance and color, making your plate vibrant and nourishing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stack the latkes and layer between them with slices of avocado or vegan cheese. Alternatively, use them as a base for savory toppings like sautéed mushrooms or vegan smoked salmon for a special occasion. The crispy texture makes them perfect as “mini toast” for creative appetizer ideas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While Vegan Potato Latkes Recipe tastes best fresh, you can absolutely save some for later. Once cooled, keep the latkes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy your creation again without losing much crispness.

Freezing

To store for longer, freeze your latkes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen latkes can last several weeks and make a quick snack or side dish ready whenever you want.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers or frozen latkes in a 400ºF oven. Made-ahead latkes only need about 5-7 minutes to regain their crispy texture, while frozen latkes will take closer to 15 minutes. Spraying a little oil on top before heating helps restore that irresistible crunch and keeps them tasting fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for this Vegan Potato Latkes Recipe?

You can, but yukon golds are preferred because they have a creamy texture that holds well. Russets work too but might yield a slightly different texture.

What can I use instead of vegan mayo in the recipe?

If you don’t have vegan mayo on hand, mashed silken tofu, unsweetened applesauce, or even a flaxseed “egg” binding mix can work as alternatives to keep the latkes moist and together.

Is there a way to make these latkes oil-free?

While frying is traditional and gives the best crispiness, you can bake the latkes with a light brush of oil or use an air fryer to reduce oil usage significantly while maintaining crunch.

Can I prepare the potato mixture the day before?

It’s best to prepare and fry the latkes fresh, but if you mix the ingredients the night before, keep it covered in the fridge and squeeze out any excess moisture before cooking to preserve texture.

What is the best oil for frying vegan latkes?

Vegetable oil is great due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but you can also use canola or sunflower oil. Avoid strong-flavored oils to keep the latkes’ flavors balanced.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about golden, crispy, well-seasoned latkes, and this Vegan Potato Latkes Recipe brings that magic without any animal products. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or just a comforting weekend treat, these latkes are sure to become a favorite. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience that perfect crispy bite packed with flavor and warmth.

Vegan Potato Latkes Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need