If you’re craving crispy, golden, and utterly delicious latkes but want to keep things 100% vegan, you’ve come to the right place. Traditional latkes often rely on eggs and dairy, but this best vegan latkes recipe delivers all the satisfying crunch and flavor without any animal products.
Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, brunching with friends, or simply indulging in a comforting snack, these latkes will quickly become a favorite. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like grated potatoes, onions, and a clever flaxseed “egg” substitute, these latkes fry up beautifully, boasting a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender insides.
Plus, they pair wonderfully with classic toppings like applesauce or vegan sour cream.
Get ready to master vegan latkes that everyone will love – even non-vegans! This recipe is easy to follow, uses accessible ingredients, and yields impressive results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan latkes recipe is packed with flavor and texture that rivals any traditional version. You’ll appreciate how the flaxseed egg binder holds the latkes together perfectly without compromising on taste or crispiness.
It’s also incredibly versatile! You can tweak the seasonings to your preference and experiment with different dipping sauces.
Plus, these latkes are made from scratch with pantry staples, so no special vegan ingredients are necessary.
Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned pro, these latkes make it easy to enjoy a beloved classic with a compassionate twist.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and grated
- 1 medium yellow onion, grated
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 6 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- Vegetable oil for frying (such as canola or sunflower oil)
Equipment
- Box grater or food processor with grating blade
- Large mixing bowl
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Small bowl for flax egg mixture
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Slotted spoon or spatula
- Paper towels or clean kitchen towels
- Plate or tray for draining cooked latkes
Instructions
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water. Stir well and let it sit for 10 minutes until it thickens to a gel-like consistency. This will act as your vegan binder.
- Grate potatoes and onion: Using a box grater or food processor, grate the peeled potatoes and onion. Immediately transfer to a large mixing bowl to prevent browning.
- Remove excess moisture: Place the grated potatoes and onion in a fine mesh strainer or wrap in cheesecloth. Squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for crispy latkes.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the flax egg, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) to the grated potatoes and onion. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Heat oil: Pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Form and fry latkes: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and shape into small patties. Carefully place them in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and keep warm: Remove latkes from the skillet with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Keep them warm in the oven at 200°F (93°C) if cooking in batches.
- Serve immediately: Vegan latkes are best enjoyed fresh and hot with your favorite toppings like applesauce or vegan sour cream.
Tips & Variations
“Removing as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes is the secret to achieving that perfect crispy texture!”
- Use Russet potatoes: Their high starch content helps the latkes hold together and crisp up nicely.
- Swap the flour: For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea or rice flour.
- Add fresh herbs: Mix fresh dill, parsley, or chives into the batter for a burst of flavor.
- Try sweet potato latkes: Replace regular potatoes with grated sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist.
- Oven-baked latkes: For a lighter option, brush latkes with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (2 latkes) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Fat | 9g |
Saturated Fat | 1g |
Carbohydrates | 22g |
Fiber | 2g |
Protein | 3g |
Sodium | 380mg |
Serving Suggestions
Vegan latkes are incredibly versatile and pair well with many delicious toppings and sides. Here are some of our favorites:
- Classic applesauce – the sweet contrast complements the savory crispiness beautifully.
- Vegan sour cream or cashew cream for a rich, creamy touch.
- Topped with sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions for a hearty meal.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
- Try them with a drizzle of maple syrup or agave for a sweet-savory treat.
Conclusion
Making the best vegan latkes at home is easier than you might think, and this recipe ensures every bite is crispy, flavorful, and comforting. By using a simple flaxseed egg substitute and removing excess moisture from grated potatoes, you get those perfect golden edges and tender centers that make latkes so beloved.
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a brunch, or simply craving a delicious snack, these vegan latkes will satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart.
Don’t forget to experiment with different herbs and serving accompaniments to make this recipe your own. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like our Magic Dough Recipe for a fun baking project, or the sweet twist in our Marzipan Challah Recipe.
For something savory and hearty, check out the Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes – all completely plant-based delights!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Latkes Recipe
Description: Crispy, golden vegan latkes made with grated potatoes and onions, perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying without any animal products.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 medium onion, grated
- 3 tablespoons chickpea flour
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax egg)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Grate potatoes and onion, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel.
- In a bowl, mix grated potatoes, onion, chickpea flour, flax egg, salt, pepper, baking powder, and parsley.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of mixture per latke into the hot oil, flattening slightly.
- Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Drain latkes on paper towels and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 24g
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