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    Home » Recipes » Vegetables

    Easy Crispy Mojo Potatoes – Shakey’s Copycat

    By Chula King · September 24, 2023 10 Comments

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    Mojo Potatoes are amazingly crispy and crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Mojos were made famous some years ago by Shakey’s Pizza. They are a snap to make and are perfect for a game day appetizer, a potato snack, a side dish or any time when you’re craving deliciousness. 

    Shakey's Mojo Potatoes.
    Jump to:
    • Shakey’s Released Its Recipe for Mojo Potatoes
    • Ingredients: Here’s What You’ll Need
    • Making the Mojo Potatoes
    • Serving the Crispy Mojo Potatoes
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Other Amazing Potato Recipes
    • Recipe

    Shakey’s Released Its Recipe for Mojo Potatoes

    Shakey’s Japan released the recipe for its famous potatoes on March 15, 2020 via its Twitter account. 

    When I saw the recipe, I knew that I had to try it. I followed the recipe using a store-bought fried chicken breading mix. The Shakey’s recipe called for microwaving the sliced potatoes before coating them, and then tossing the microwaved potatoes in the breading mix.

    I thought that the Mojos were all right, but not outstanding. First, I thought that the coating was on the thin side. I also thought that the potatoes lacked flavor. However the lack of flavor could have been because of the coating mix that I used. Finally, I thought that microwaving the potatoes was an unnecessary step.

    Therefore, I repeated the experiment a few times before producing what I and the Master Taste Tester felt was the perfect homemade version of Shakey’s Mojo Potatoes!

    Ingredients: Here’s What You’ll Need

    Some people will dip the potatoes in batter before frying them. My preference, and the way that Shakey’s made them is to coat them in fried chicken breading. You can purchase the fried chicken coating at the grocery store. However, I prefer to make my own.

    • Types of Potatoes: I like to use unpeeled russet potatoes cut into ¼-inch slices. The starchy content of the russet potato produces the perfect tender interior of the Mojos. I’ve tried Yukon gold potatoes, but I didn’t think they turned out quite as well.
    • The Fried Chicken Breading Mix: In addition to flour, I add cornstarch to the breading mix. The reason is that cornstarch enhances the crispiness of the fried coating.
    • The Seasonings: Salt is probably the most important seasoning to add to the breading mix. I consistently use Kosher salt in all of my cooking. Beyond salt, you can use your favorite combination of spices. I like to use paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, basil, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. 
    • How to Get the Coating to Stick: I’ve tried different wet ingredients to help the dry coating to stick to the potato – milk only, egg and milk and egg white and milk. While all of these worked, my favorite is the combination of an egg white and some milk. I didn’t think that the coating was quite as crispy when I used a whole egg with the milk. The coating didn’t stick quite as well with just the milk.
    Ingredients for Shakey's Potatoes.

    Making the Mojo Potatoes

    Making these delicious Mojo Potatoes is easy. Let me show you how in the following steps:

    1. Making the Breading Mix: I used a gallon Ziploc bag to combine the fried chicken breading mix – all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, basil, oregano, thyme,  and black pepper.

    Once all of the ingredients had been added, I closed the bag and gave it a good shake to ensure that everything was well combined.

    Breading mix in a Ziploc bag.
    1. Making the Wet Dip: I whisked the egg white and milk together in a separate small bowl.
    Whisking the wet dip.
    1. Preparing the Potatoes: First, I scrubbed the potatoes really well. Next, I cut both ends off the unpeeled potatoes and discarded the ends. Then, I cut the potatoes into ¼-inch slices using a sharp knife. I’ve found that ¼-inch is the perfect size.
    Sliced potatoes.
    1. Coating the Potatoes: I double-dipped the potatoes in the breading mix to achieve the crispy, crunchy coating.

    First, while the potato slices were still damp, I added five or six slices to the breading mix in the Ziploc bag and gave the bag a shake.

    I removed the potatoes from the and placed them in a single layer on a piece of parchment paper. I repeated this with the remaining potatoes.

    Next, I dipped five or six of the coated potato slices in the egg white/milk mixture and returned them to the Ziploc bag with the breading mix. I gave the bag a good shake to coat the potatoes.

    Then, I returned the double-coated potatoes to the parchment paper. I repeated this with the remaining potatoes.

    Coated potatoes for copycat Shakey's mojo potatoes.
    1. Frying the Copycat Mojo Potatoes: I heated about 2 cups of peanut oil in a large frying pan over medium heat to medium-high heat to 350°F. This was enough oil to deep fry the potatoes.

    Once the oil reached temperature, I added about 10 of the coated potatoes to the skillet. I wanted to ensure I didn’t over-crowd the potatoes in the pan.

    I fried the potatoes on each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.

    When the potatoes were done, I removed them from the pan and placed them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. While they were still hot, I sprinkled some salt on them. Then, I repeated the process with the remaining potatoes.

    Frying the mojo potatoes in hot oil.

    Serving the Crispy Mojo Potatoes

    I like to serve these amazing Mojo Potatoes with ketchup, Ranch dressing or sour cream. They’re equally amazing on their own. 

    However they are served, the crispy, crunchy Mojo Potatoes are awesome. Yum!

    Dipping the mojo potatoes in ketchup.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use store-bought fried chicken breading mix rather than making my own?

    You can certainly skip a step and use store-bought fried chicken breading mix rather than making your own. However, I like to control the amount and types of spices that go into the breading mix.

    How important is adding cornstarch to the breading mix?

    One of the ingredients that I use in my breading mix is cornstarch. You might think that cornstarch is an odd ingredient. However, it significantly enhances the crispiness of the potatoes.

    Can I use regular table salt in place of Kosher salt?

    I use Kosher salt in just about all of my recipes. You could also use regular table salt. However, you should reduce the amount of table salt slightly.

    What about using Yukon Gold potatoes?

    Russet potatoes work best with this recipe because of their starchy content. Therefore, I would not recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes.

    Do I have to use peanut oil for frying the potatoes.

    I like to use peanut oil for my frying because of its higher smoking point. However, feel free to also use vegetable oil or canola oil in place of the peanut oil. I wouldn’t however use olive oil.

    Could I slice the potatoes thinner than ¼-inch?

    I’ve found that ¼-inch is the perfect size for the Mojos. Any thinner and they become like potato chips. Any thicker and they lose some of their amazing crunchiness.

    What’s the difference between Mojos and Jojos?

    Both Mojos and Jojos are breaded and fried. The difference is really in the shape. Mojos are made with sliced potatoes while Jojos are made with potato wedges.

    Other Amazing Potato Recipes

    I think that potatoes are my absolute favorite food. If you like potatoes as much as I do, you should check out these other amazing potato recipes:

    • Pommes Anna
      Pommes Anna (a.k.a. Potatoes Anna)
    • Cheese Bacon Ranch Potatoes
      Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
    • Twice Baked Potato Casserole
      Twice Baked Potato Casserole
    • Oven Roasted Potatoes in black bowl.
      Crispy Oven-Roasted Potatoes
    • Potatoes Lyonnaise
      Potatoes Lyonnaise
    • Irish Stacked Potato Bites
      Irish Stacked Potato Bites
    • Irish Pan Haggerty
      Irish Pan Haggerty
    • German Fried Potatoes & Onions
      German Fried Potatoes & Onions (Bratkartofflen)

    If you liked the recipe for Crispy Mojo Potatoes, please consider rating it and leaving a comment. I’d love to know how you liked it!

    ✯ Thank you so much for visiting Pudge Factor. I hope you’ll come back! ✯

    Recipe

    Shakey's Mojo Potatoes.

    Easy Crispy Mojo Potatoes – Shakey’s Copycat

    Chula King
    Mojo Potatoes are amazingly crispy and crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Mojos were made famous some years ago by Shakey's Pizza. They are a snap to make and are perfect for a game day appetizer, a side dish or anytime when you're craving deliciousness. 
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 323 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Fried Chicken Breading Mix (See Tip 1)

    • 1 ¼ cups (6.25 ounces) all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup (4 ounces) cornstarch (See Tip 2)
    • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt (See Tip 3)
    • 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried basil
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

    Wet Dip

    • 1 egg white
    • ½ cup milk

    Potatoes

    • 1 pound russet potatoes (See Tip 4)
    • Peanut oil for frying (See Tip 5)

    Instructions
     

    Fried Chicken Breading Mix

    • Combine flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, basil, oregano, thyme, and pepper in a gallon Ziploc bag. Seal bag; shake to combine ingredients. Set aside.

    Wet Dip

    • Whisk together egg white and milk in a small bowl. Set aside.

    Potatoes

    • Scrub skins of potatoes. Slice off the ends of the potatoes and discard. With a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into ¼-inch slices. (See Tip 6)
    • While the potato slices are still damp, add 5 to 6 slices to the breading mixture in a Ziploc bag. Shake to coat. Remove from the breading to a piece of parchment paper or large baking pan. Repeat with remaining potatoes.
    • Dip 5 to 6 coated potatoes in egg white/milk mixture; add to breading mixture in a Ziploc bag. Toss to coat; remove to parchment paper or large baking pan. Repeat with remaining potatoes.
    • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat to 350°F. Fry batches of potatoes for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle salt on potatoes while still hot. Repeat with remaining potatoes.
    • Yield: 4 servings. (See Tip 7)

    Notes

    1. You can use store-bought fried chicken breading mix rather than making your own.
    2. You might think that cornstarch is an odd ingredient in the breading mix. However, it significantly enhances the crispiness of the potatoes.
    3. If you use regular table salt, reduce the amount to 1 ¾ teaspoons.
    4. Russet potatoes work best with this recipe because of their starchy content.
    5. May also use vegetable oil in place of the peanut oil. I typically use about 2 cups in a 12-inch skillet.
    6. I’ve found that ¼-inch is the perfect size for the Mojos. Any thinner, and they become like a potato chip. Any thicker, and they lose some of their amazing crunchiness.
    7. Crispy Potato Mojos make an amazing side dish or appetizer. I like to serve ketchup, Ranch dressing, and/or sour cream on the side for dipping.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 323kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 9gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 1198mgPotassium: 593mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 419IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword Mojo Potaotes, Mojos
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today!Mention @PudgeFactor or tag #pudgefactor

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    Filed Under: Appetizers, Potatoes, Vegetables

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lil says

      August 21, 2020 at 7:17 pm

      Would this recipe work in an Airfryer? What substitutes would you recommend for the Egg and Milk for a Vegan recipe or Plant Based recipe?

    2. Chula King says

      August 22, 2020 at 9:24 am

      Lil,

      I’m sorry, but I haven’t tried it in my air fryer, so really don’t know and don’t know what would work as a substitute for egg and milk.

      Chula

    3. Gia says

      December 26, 2020 at 6:05 pm

      Lil,

      I’ve been making a vegan version of this due to the fact that my mom is plant based. I suggest just using any milk alternative, I use oat milk to drench it and it works just fine if not better. Less mess too and you cant really taste the oat milk.

    4. Chula King says

      December 26, 2020 at 7:49 pm

      Thanks so much for you suggestion Gia,

      Chula

    5. M. Phelps says

      April 17, 2021 at 10:23 am

      The Mojo potatoes were a hit with my whole family! There were no leftovers (I made a lot!)!

    6. Chula King says

      April 17, 2021 at 3:07 pm

      Excellent! These Mojo potatoes are a favorite of mine.

      Chula

    7. Ian says

      May 08, 2023 at 12:04 pm

      Hi Chula, enjoying your recipes. I question, are your oven temperatures rated for a standard oven or a fan assisted oven?
      Thank you
      Ian

    8. Chula King says

      May 09, 2023 at 8:00 am

      Thanks, Ian!

      All of the oven temperatures and times are based on a standard oven.

      Chula

    9. Sloan says

      September 25, 2023 at 7:11 am

      Crazy question for a chef…. I fry things about once every blue moon. I like frayed food, I southern, but hate to fry and clean up. The question si what can I do with 2 cups of oil once I’m done. I hate to use it once and then throw it out.
      Any suggestions? Thanks
      PS I really enjoy your recipes, they are made with love and calories just the way I like them!

    10. Chula King says

      September 26, 2023 at 7:26 pm

      Sloan,

      This is not a crazy question at all! You could fry some shrimp make some hushpuppies, make some crispy onion strings, or fried fish

      Thanks so much for your PS!

      Chula

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