Sugar-coated potato slices 糖溜土豆片 （táng liū tǔ dòu piàn）
Sugar-coated potato slices, a dish that embodies color, fragrance, and flavor. Each golden potato slice is wrapped tightly in syrup, shimmering like alluring golden leaves. The arranged sugar-coated potato slices on a plate resemble a small mountain, exuding an inviting sweetness. Every slice of potato is meticulously cut to a moderate thickness, ensuring uniformity and showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The origins of sugar-coated potato slices can be traced back to northern regions of China. Legend has it that this dish was accidentally created by a chef seeking to add warmth during the harsh winter. By combining sugar and potatoes, this dish came into existence. Consequently, sugar-coated potato slices became a distinctive delicacy in northern China. The texture of sugar-coated potato slices is rich and multi-layered, featuring the tender and velvety potato complemented by the sweet syrup. Each bite offers a delightful fusion of syrupy stickiness and delicate potato texture, achieving a harmonious sweetness that is not cloying but rather enticingly delectable. A steaming plate of sugar-coated potato slices can bring warmth and deliciousness during the chilly winter months.
Comprehensive rating:
| PREP TIME | COOK TIME | VARIETY | MOUTHFEEL | LEVEL |
| 10 min | 20 min | 9 | Crunchy、Sweet | Moderate |
Ingredients for Sugar-Coated Potato Slices：
| Potato | 400g |
| Green onion | 5g |
| Ginger | 5g |
| Cooking wine | 3g |
| Dark soy sauce | 2g |
| Sugar | 100g |
| Coriander | 3g |
| Red pepper | 3g |
| Sesame oil | 2g |
Steps:
1.Select smooth and spotless potatoes and thoroughly wash them with water. Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin slices. Make sure each potato slice has roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly. For better texture, soak the sliced potatoes in water. Add enough water to fully submerge the potato slices and sprinkle a little bit of salt. Salt helps improve the texture and add flavor to the potatoes. Let the potato slices soak in the saltwater for about a minute. This will make them soft and easier to cook.
2.Pour an adequate amount of cooking oil into a pan and heat it over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches around 160°C (320°F), you can start frying the potato slices. Carefully place the soaked potato slices one by one into the pan. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain effective frying. Increase the heat to high and fry the potato slices quickly, allowing them to fully contact the oil and dehydrate, resulting in a more even frying. As you fry them rapidly, the potato slices will gradually puff up and turn golden brown. This is because the water inside the potatoes evaporates, while a crispy outer layer forms. Once the potato slices are puffed and golden, remove them from the pan and let any excess oil drain. You can use kitchen paper towels to remove excess oil.
3.Leave a little oil in the pan and stir-fry the sliced spring onion and ginger. Stir-fry over high heat to release their fragrances. Then, add some cooking wine, dark soy sauce, and a teaspoon of sesame oil. These seasonings will enhance the flavor and color of the potato slices. Sprinkle in an appropriate amount of granulated sugar, which will add a hint of sweetness to the potato slices. Continue stir-frying over high heat until the sugar completely melts and the sauce in the pan starts to form dense bubbles. At this point, add the previously fried potato slices into the pan and quickly stir-fry them to coat them with the sauce. Make sure each slice of potato is evenly coated for a balanced taste. Next, cut fresh coriander into sections, julienne the red pepper, and sprinkle them into the pan, continuing to stir-fry evenly. The coriander provides a refreshing aroma, while the red pepper adds a bit of spiciness and color.
4.Once well mixed, turn off the heat. The sugar-coated potato slices are ready! Each slice is evenly coated with sauce, appearing shiny and golden on the outside, resulting in a crispy texture. Serve them on a plate and enjoy with your family and friends.
Tips:
1.Slice the potatoes into even thin slices to ensure they are evenly heated during frying and become crispy. You can use a slicer to quickly slice the potatoes.
2.Soak the sliced potatoes in clean water for a few minutes to remove excess starch on the surface, making them more crispy when fried.
The texture of sugar-coated potato slices is soft and delicate, sweet but not greasy. With each bite, you can taste the sweet syrup and the smoothness of the potato. When tasting this dish, you can experience its gentle texture and unique sweetness. Sugar-coated potato slices are not only delicious but also have rich nutritional value. Potatoes contain a large amount of starch, protein, vitamin C, and other nutrients, providing the body with energy and nutrition. The syrup contains a high level of sugar and minerals, offering the body the necessary energy and nutrients. Additionally, this dish has effects such as nourishing yin, tonifying weakness, invigorating the spleen, and stimulating the appetite. It can assist in treating conditions such as weakness and poor digestion.