Crispy Butter Jalapeño Potatoes
Crispy Butter Jalapeño Potatoes is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 4. 325 calories per serving.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $3.67 total, $0.92 per serving
Ingredients
- 700 g Cambrai Potatoes (washed, boiled whole, then cut in half)
- 1 tbsp Salt (for boiling water; additional to taste for seasoning)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin recommended; divided use)
- 5 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes, softened)
- 1 small Onion (grated)
- 1 clove Garlic (pressed)
- 1 piece Jalapeño (seeded, finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Chicken Broth Powder (optional, for seasoning in place of salt)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 pinch Oregano (dried)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
Wash Potatoes
Rinse the Cambrai potatoes under cold running water, scrubbing any dirt off the skins.
Time: PT5M
Boil Potatoes
Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add 1 tbsp salt, and bring to a rapid boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium‑low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes. Check small potatoes with a knife; when they slide in easily, let the larger ones cook an additional 3‑5 minutes until all are fork‑tender.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: high then medium‑low
Drain and Rest
Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for 3‑5 minutes to steam off excess moisture.
Time: PT5M
Cut Potatoes
Using a sharp knife, cut each boiled potato in half lengthwise.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Aromatics
Grate the onion, press the garlic clove, seed and finely chop the jalapeño, and chop the cilantro.
Time: PT5M
Melt Butter and Oil
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter; melt until foamy but not browned.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Brown the Potatoes
Add the halved potatoes to the skillet, season with a pinch of salt (or chicken broth powder) and freshly ground pepper. Stir constantly, turning the potatoes so they brown evenly on all sides, about 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: medium
Sauté Aromatics
Push the potatoes to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter, a drizzle of olive oil, then the grated onion, pressed garlic, chopped jalapeño and a pinch of oregano. Sauté for 2‑3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Combine and Finish Cooking
Mix the aromatics with the potatoes, lower the heat to medium‑low, and cook another 5‑7 minutes so the flavors meld and the onion fully softens.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium‑low
Add Cilantro
Stir in the chopped cilantro, remove the skillet from heat, and give everything a final toss.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish and serve hot.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 325
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cambrai Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes, Red potatoes
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, ghee
- Instead of Onion: shallot
- Instead of Garlic: garlic paste
- Instead of Jalapeño: serrano pepper, green chili
- Instead of Chicken Broth Powder: vegetable broth powder
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Oregano: Mexican oregano
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: parsley
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Large Skillet/Frying Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Box Grater
- Garlic Press
- Measuring Spoons
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boiling potatoes until fork‑tender
- Melt butter without letting it brown
- Achieving a uniform golden‑brown crust on the potatoes
- Sautéing onion, garlic and jalapeño without burning
Chef Tips from the Video
- Cutting the potatoes after they are boiled keeps them from falling apart during the fry.
- A splash of water (about 1 tbsp) can be added if the pan gets too dry before the potatoes are fully browned.
- For extra smoky flavor, finish the potatoes with a pinch of smoked paprika.
Troubleshooting
Potatoes turn mushy during frying.
Make sure the potatoes are fully drained and patted dry before adding to the hot pan. Use medium heat so they brown before breaking down.
Aromatics burn and become bitter.
Lower the heat to medium‑low once the potatoes are in the pan and add the aromatics. Stir constantly.
Dish is too salty.
Use chicken broth powder instead of salt for seasoning, and add salt gradually while tasting.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet.
Freezer: Not recommended – potatoes become grainy after freezing.
Room temperature: Best served the same day; can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Boil the potatoes a day ahead, cool, and refrigerate. Finish them in the skillet just before serving.
- Grate the onion and press the garlic in advance; store in a small sealed container.
Last updated: August 21, 2026




