Sweet & Savory Braised Sweet Potatoes: An Easy Side Dish
Master the Art of Delicious Braised Sweet Potatoes, a Perfect Homemade Side Dish
Sweet potatoes are a staple in our pantry, especially as the weather turns colder. This year, I decided to transform some of those sweet potatoes into a delightful side dish. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes with a perfectly balanced savory glaze, making it an irresistible addition to any meal.
Ingredients- 1 medium sweet potato
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 300ml water
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the sweet potato under running water and then peel it. Cut the sweet potato into bite-sized cubes, about 2cm in size, to prevent them from falling apart too much during cooking. Larger pieces retain their texture better.
Step 2
Place the cubed sweet potato into a wide pan. Add 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic. The garlic will infuse the sweet potatoes with a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor.
Step 3
Add 2 Tbsp of cooking oil and sauté the sweet potatoes over high heat for about 2 minutes. This initial sautéing helps to firm up the exterior of the sweet potato pieces, reducing the chance of them breaking apart during braising and giving them a lovely sheen.
Step 4
Pour in about 300ml of water. Ensure there’s enough water to mostly cover the sweet potato pieces; this allows them to cook evenly and become tender all the way through.
Step 5
Add 3 Tbsp of soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let the sweet potatoes braise in the water and soy sauce mixture. This step allows the savory notes of the soy sauce to permeate the sweet potatoes.
Step 6
Gently stir the sweet potatoes with a spatula, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let them simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Check for doneness.
Step 7
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the lid. Increase the heat to medium-high and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the sauce has thickened to a glaze. Be careful not to let it burn at the bottom.
Step 8
When the sauce is almost completely reduced, stir in 1 Tbsp of oligosaccharide (or corn syrup). Mix it in quickly and cook for just another minute before turning off the heat. The oligosaccharide adds a beautiful glossy finish and enhances the sweetness. Avoid overcooking at this stage.
Step 9
Finally, drizzle in 0.5 Tbsp of sesame oil and sprinkle 0.5 Tbsp of sesame seeds. Give everything a final gentle toss to combine. The sesame oil and seeds add a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 10
Your delicious sweet and savory braised sweet potatoes are ready! This flavorful side dish is perfect served alongside a bowl of hot steamed rice.
