Spicy Caramel Sweet Potatoes: A Shandong Delight
Shandong Style Sweet Potato in Spicy Caramel Sauce
Experience the delightful fusion of sweet and spicy with this Shandong-style dish, where tender sweet potatoes are enveloped in a rich caramel sauce that has a kick. Perfect as a side dish, it pairs beautifully with Cantonese pan-fried noodles.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes (cubed) | 1 |
| Sugar | 4 tablespoons |
| Sesame Seeds (Til seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chili Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Corn Flour | 4 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | For cooking |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 200 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Preparation and Cooking Time
| Time Component | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Instructions
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Prepare the Potatoes: Start by soaking the cubed sweet potatoes in a bowl of cold water. This step helps remove excess starch and ensures they cook evenly.
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Boil the Potatoes: In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and add a teaspoon of salt. After 5 minutes, add the soaked potatoes and boil until they are half cooked. Once done, strain the potatoes and allow them to cool on a flat plate.
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Coat the Potatoes: In a mixing bowl, toss the cooled potatoes with corn flour, ensuring they are evenly coated.
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Fry the Potatoes: Heat a non-stick skillet and drizzle in sunflower oil. Add the coated sweet potatoes and fry them, tossing occasionally until they turn crispy and light brown. Once done, set them aside.
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Make the Caramel Sauce: In a separate flat skillet, wipe away any moisture and add the sugar. Heat on low, allowing the sugar to melt gradually. Use a fork to stir the melting sugar until it reaches a deep caramel color, taking care not to burn it. If needed, remove from heat briefly to control the temperature.
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Combine: Once the caramel is ready, add the crispy sweet potatoes and the red chili sauce. Toss everything together, checking for seasoning, and add salt to taste.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish before serving. This Shandong Style Sweet Potato in Spicy Caramel Sauce is best enjoyed as a vibrant side dish with Cantonese pan-fried noodles, bringing a touch of warmth and sweetness to your meal.
Enjoy this unique blend of flavors that showcases the essence of Shandong cuisine!
