Spicy Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Stems
A Simple and Delicious Side Dish: Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Stems Recipe
Here’s a unique way to prepare sweet potato stems, a vegetable frequently seen in markets these days. This dish offers a delightful texture and a subtly spicy flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Main Ingredients
- 500g sweet potato stems
- 1/2 Tbsp coarse salt (for blanching)
Seasonings & Others
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2-3 Tbsp water
- 1 tsp salt (for adjusting taste)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2-3 Tbsp water
- 1 tsp salt (for adjusting taste)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 500g of sweet potato stems. To ensure a tender texture, gently peel off the tough outer skin from the ends of the stems using a knife or your fingers. Remove any dirty or bruised parts as you peel.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1/2 Tbsp of coarse salt. Carefully add the prepared sweet potato stems and blanch for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to over-blanch, as they can become mushy. Once blanched, quickly rinse the stems under cold running water 1-2 times and drain them well. This step helps maintain their crispness.
Step 3
Cut the drained sweet potato stems into bite-sized pieces, about 5-7cm long. Cutting them a bit larger ensures a pleasant texture after stir-frying. Place the cut stems in a mixing bowl. Add 1 Tbsp of chopped scallions, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, and 2 Tbsp of soy sauce.
Step 4
Next, add 2 Tbsp of gochugaru and 1 Tbsp of sesame oil. Gently mix and massage the ingredients with your hands, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the stems. This thorough mixing helps the flavors penetrate.
Step 5
Heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned sweet potato stems and stir-fry quickly. Then, add 2-3 Tbsp of water and reduce the heat to medium. Continue to stir-fry. Taste as you cook and add 1 tsp of salt if needed to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 6
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer and braise for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the stems to absorb the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 7
Once the sauce has reduced and coats the stems nicely, turn off the heat. Sprinkle 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds over the top for added aroma and nutty flavor.
Step 8
Your delicious stir-fried sweet potato stems, with their crisp texture and savory-spicy taste, are now ready! They are perfect served over a bowl of warm rice.