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 side dish or anytime when you’re craving deliciousness.
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Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
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 I produced what both I and the Master Taste Tester felt was the perfect Mojo Potato!
Ingredients for Mojo Potatoes
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.
- Which Potatoes to Use: 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 didn’t think that 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.
Making the Mojo Potatoes
Time needed: 45 minutes.
Making these delicious Mojo Potatoes is easy. Let me show you how in the following steps:
- 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.
- Making the Wet Dip
Next, I whisked together the egg white and milk in a small bowl.
- 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. - Coating the Potatoes
To achieve the crispy, crunchy coating, I double dipped the potatoes in the breading mix.
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. - Frying the Mojo Potatoes
I heated about 2 cups of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat to 350°F.
Once the oil reached temperature, I added about 10 of the coated potatoes to the skillet. I wanted to make sure that I didn’t over-crowd the potatoes in the pan.
I fried the potatoes for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they were 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.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Russet potatoes work best with this recipe because of their starchy content. Therefore, I would not recommend using Yukon Gold 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.
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.
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:
- Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes: Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes are the ultimate in simplicity and taste making them the perfect side dish for any occasion. Once you try them, you’ll keep coming back for more.
- Pommes Anna: Pommes Anna, also known as Potatoes Anna is a simple, yet impressive side dish that is sure to be a showstopper at your next dinner party. It’s buttery crispy on the golden brown outside, and melt in your mouth tender on the inside.
- Crispy Smashed Parmesan Potatoes: Crispy smashed potatoes topped with Parmesan cheese are an amazing side dish for your anytime feast. They’re easy to make and only require a few ingredients.
- Potatoes Lyonnaise: Potatoes Lyonnaise is a buttery dish of pan-fried sliced potatoes cooked with caramelized onions. Potatoes Lyonnaise is simple to prepare, and absolutely delicious!
- Easy Stove Top Roasted Potatoes: Easy Stove Top Roasted Potatoes are amazing. In fact, who doesn’t love Roasted Potatoes that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside? Well, now you can make them. They’re super easy and made on the stove-top for a winning combination!
- Pommes Fondantes or Melting Potatoes: Pommes Fondantes or Melting Potatoes – the name says it all – is an incredible side dish that’s easy to make and goes with just about anything.
- Betsy’s Potatoes: I was first introduced to Betsy’s potatoes at a dinner party at her house some time back. I remember thinking how incredibly good they were and have been making them ever since.
- Roasted Potatoes with Onions: I’ve been making Roasted Potatoes with Onions (I actually call them “little potatoes”) for as long as I can remember. I’m not sure how I came up with the recipe which, by the way, is very simple and is a favorite of Susan’s. Interestingly, the caramelization of the onions as they cook adds a subtle flavor to the roasted potatoes.
- Irish Stacked Potato Bites: The Irish are famous for their potato dishes. These incredible Irish Stacked Potato Bites are no exception. They’re easy to make, and perfect for any time.
- Irish Pan Haggerty: Irish Pan Haggerty is a delicious twist on a classic Northumberland potato dish. Layers of potatoes, onions and Dubliner cheese are cooked together to create a spectacular dish.
- German Fried Potatoes: German Fried Potatoes & Onions or Bratkartofflen is the ultimate comfort food. Imagine perfectly cooked potatoes complimented with caramelized onions and crispy bacon. Is your mouth watering yet? I know that mine is!
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!
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Crispy Mojo Potatoes
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 breading mixture in Ziploc bag. Shake to coat. Remove from breading to a piece of parchment paper or large baking pan. Repeat with remaining potatoes.
- Dip coated 5 to 6 coated potatoes in egg white/milk mixture; add to breading mixture in Ziploc bag. Toss to coat; remove to parchment paper or large baking pan. Repeat with remaining potatoes.
- Heat oil in large skillet over medium to medium-high heat to 350°F. Fry batches of potatoes 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)
Chula’s Expert Tips
- You can use store-bought fried chicken breading mix rather than making your own.
- You might think that cornstarch is an odd ingredient in the breading mix. However, it significantly enhances the crispiness of the potatoes.
- If you use regular table salt, reduce the amount to 1 ¾ teaspoons.
- Russet potatoes work best with this recipe because of their starchy content.
- May also use vegetable oil in place of the peanut oil. I typically use about 2 cups in a 12-inch skillet.
- 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.
- 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.
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?
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
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.
Thanks so much for you suggestion Gia,
Chula
The Mojo potatoes were a hit with my whole family! There were no leftovers (I made a lot!)!
Excellent! These Mojo potatoes are a favorite of mine.
Chula