Stir-Fried Shredded Potatoes (炒土豆丝) are a beloved Chinese home-style dish celebrated for their delightful contrast of textures. The thinly shredded potatoes crisp up beautifully on the outside while remaining tender inside. When stir-fried with aromatic onions, garlic, and a hint of bell pepper, they take on a vibrant color and a burst of flavor. This simple yet satisfying dish can be enjoyed as a side or a light main course, offering a comforting blend of savory, slightly tangy, and subtly sweet notes. Garnished with fresh green onions or parsley, these stir-fried shredded potatoes bring both visual appeal and delicious taste to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized potatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely shredded (optional for color and sweetness)
- Salt, to taste
- White pepper, to taste (optional)
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (optional for flavor enhancement)
- 1 teaspoon vinegar or rice vinegar (optional for crispness)
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional to balance flavors)
- Fresh chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Preparing the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and rinse them under cold water.
- Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to shred the potatoes into thin matchsticks.
- Immerse the shredded potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent discoloration and remove excess starch. Soak for about 10-15 minutes, then drain well. Pat dry with paper towels if necessary.
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Stir-Frying:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- If using, add the shredded red bell pepper and stir-fry for 1 minute until slightly softened.
- Add the drained shredded potatoes to the wok, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook without stirring for about 1 minute to allow the edges to start browning.
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Seasoning and Finishing:
- Stir the potatoes occasionally, ensuring they cook evenly, until they are tender-crisp and lightly golden brown, about 3-5 minutes in total.
- Season with salt and white pepper to taste. If using, add the light soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, stirring well to combine and coat the potatoes evenly.
- Cook for another 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Serving:
- Turn off the heat and transfer the stir-fried shredded potatoes to a serving dish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot as a side dish or a light main course paired with steamed rice or your favorite Chinese noodles.
Enjoy your stir-fried shredded potatoes! They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor.
