How to keep a potato from sticking to your knife
How to keep a potato from sticking to your knife is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 110 calories per serving. Recipe by J. Kenji López-Alt on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 10 min
Cost: $1.00 total, $0.50 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Potato (medium, washed and dried; peel if desired)
Instructions
Prepare the potato
Wash the potatoes under cold water, dry them thoroughly with a towel, and peel if you prefer.
Time: PT2M
Position the knife
Place the tip of the chef's knife at the edge of the potato where you want the first slice. Instead of pushing down, pull the knife backward toward you while keeping the tip planted.
Time: PT1M
Slice the potato
Repeat the pull‑back motion, advancing the knife a little each time, until you have the desired number of slices.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 110
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 26 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Potato: Sweet potato, Yukon Gold potato
Equipment Needed
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Bowl (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Pull the knife tip back instead of pushing down to prevent the potato from sticking to the blade.
Chef Tips from the Video
- A slightly wet knife tip can help the blade glide smoother.
- For very starchy potatoes, rinse the slices after cutting to remove excess starch.
Troubleshooting
Slices stick to the knife blade.
Switch to the pull‑back motion; ensure the potato surface is dry.
Knife slips and cuts unevenly.
Use a sharp knife and keep the tip planted firmly; practice the motion slowly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Place sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water, cover, and store up to 24 hours.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture degrades.
Room temperature: Use within 2 hours to avoid oxidation.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Store sliced potatoes in water to keep them from browning.
- Dry the slices before using them in salads or cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of potatoes in American cuisine?
Potatoes became a staple in American cooking after the 19th‑century Irish immigration, providing an inexpensive, filling source of nutrition that appears in everything from hash browns to potato salads.
What regional variations of potato dishes exist in the United States?
In the U.S., you’ll find New England boiled potatoes, Southern fried potato wedges, Midwest potato casseroles, and West Coast roasted fingerlings, each reflecting local tastes and traditions.
How is the knife pull technique for cutting potatoes traditionally used in professional kitchens?
Professional chefs often use the pull‑back motion to keep the blade clean and maintain control, especially when slicing starchy vegetables that tend to cling to the edge of a knife.
What occasions or celebrations feature sliced potatoes in American culture?
Sliced potatoes are common at barbecues, holiday meals (e.g., scalloped potatoes for Thanksgiving), and casual gatherings where potato salads or chips are served.
What makes Kenji’s knife pull technique special compared to other potato‑cutting methods?
Kenji’s method reduces the friction that causes potatoes to stick, allowing smoother, more consistent slices without having to wet the blade or use a mandoline.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when using Kenji’s knife pull technique?
Common errors include pushing the knife down instead of pulling back, using a dull blade, and cutting a wet potato which increases sticking.
Why does this recipe use a pulling motion instead of a traditional chopping motion?
Pulling keeps the tip planted, letting the blade glide through the potato’s surface while the rest of the knife follows, which minimizes suction and sticking.
Can I make sliced potatoes ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, place the slices in a bowl of cold water, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; this prevents browning and keeps them crisp.
What texture and appearance should I look for when using Kenji’s knife pull technique?
Slices should be even, smooth‑edged, and free of ragged tears; the surface should be dry and glossy without sticking to the blade.
How do I know when the potato slices are done cutting?
When you have reached the desired thickness and the knife moves smoothly without the potato adhering to the blade, the slices are ready.
What does the YouTube channel J. Kenji López-Alt specialize in?
The YouTube channel J. Kenji López-Alt focuses on science‑based cooking techniques, detailed recipe breakdowns, and practical kitchen hacks for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel J. Kenji López-Alt's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Kenji blends rigorous food‑science explanations with approachable, everyday recipes, often testing multiple methods to find the most reliable technique, unlike many channels that prioritize speed over understanding.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
