Braised Potatoes with Shishito Peppers
Beat the Summer Heat: A Refreshing Recipe for Braised Potatoes with Shishito Peppers
Missing your appetite this summer? Reclaim it with this delicious dish of braised potatoes and shishito peppers! Adding shishito peppers to potato stew significantly enhances its flavor. It’s a fantastic two-in-one side dish: kids can enjoy the tender potatoes, while adults can savor the sweet and spicy peppers. This is a go-to summer side dish you can trust! Please note, during the current heatwave, the peppers can become quite spicy, so be mindful of the heat level.
Main Ingredients- 2 medium potatoes
- 1/2 medium onion
- 2 cups shishito peppers (approx. 150-200g)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the potatoes for a delicious stew! Peel the potatoes and cut them into large, bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm). Rinse the cut potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch; this helps prevent them from breaking apart during cooking. Place the potatoes and the piece of kelp in a pot with 1.5 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, remove the kelp. At this stage, add 2 Tbsp of soy sauce to allow the potatoes to absorb the flavor gradually. (If you prefer a low-sodium option, you can reduce the soy sauce added here and adjust later.)
Step 2
Add shishito peppers and onion for enhanced flavor! When the potatoes are about half-cooked and starting to turn translucent, snip off the stems of the shishito peppers. Pierce them a few times with a fork or toothpick – this will help them absorb the sauce beautifully. Slice the onion. Add the shishito peppers and onion to the pot and continue to simmer over medium heat until the potatoes are fully cooked.
Step 3
Add the flavorful braising sauce! Once the potatoes are tender, add the remaining 2 Tbsp of soy sauce, 2 Tbsp of rice wine, 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic, and 1 tsp of ginger syrup for sweetness. Stir everything well. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer, allowing the sauce to coat the ingredients evenly. Stir occasionally with a spatula to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4
Achieve a glossy finish with the final touch of sweetness! Lastly, add 1 Tbsp of corn syrup or rice syrup and let it simmer for a short while longer. The syrup will help thicken the sauce slightly and add a subtle sweetness and a beautiful sheen, making the dish visually appealing. Turn off the heat once the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency.
Step 5
Add a nutty aroma! Transfer the finished braised potatoes and shishito peppers to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and drizzle with a touch of sesame oil for an extra burst of nutty flavor. Enjoy this delightful dish with a bowl of warm rice!
