Step 1 of 6

Crisp the potatoes first

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the diced potatoes with half the salt. Leave them alone for three minutes before stirring, then cook for another eight or so until browned at the edges and cooked through. Lift them out onto a plate.

— Crowding the pan steams them. If your skillet is small, do this in two goes — it is the one step worth the extra five minutes.