Shredded potato stir fry is a very popular homestyle dish in China. It is sometimes called Suan La Tu Dou Si (酸辣土豆丝), or hot and sour shredded potatoes. Different from the texture of roasted potatoes that you might be more familiar with, the potatoes in this dish are rinsed to remove some of the starch. And they are lightly cooked until crunchy and crispy, instead of a starchy texture. There are a few popular ways to season the stir fry, but the most popular one is to use vinegar and chili pepper to add a bold taste. This potato stir fry may just be the best potato dish you ever try!
Potatoes stir fry ingredients
What type of potato to use
Potatoes are the main ingredient for this recipe so choosing the best potatoes and preparing them correctly is essential. I like to use red potatoes which are not as high in starch as russets. You can also use Yukon potatoes, which are similarly low in starch. I prefer to cut the potatoes using a knife, but you can definitely use a mandolin slicer. Mandolins are very easy to use and they help create perfect, uniform pieces. When the potatoes are all shredded to the same size, they will cook more evenly. Be sure to soak the shredded potatoes in cold water to remove the starch before cooking. This step is essential to making the potatoes crisp on the outside with a crunchy mouthfeel. And it also prevents the potatoes from sticking together during the stir fry.
Mise en place
Sliced potatoes Ground Sichuan peppercorns (optional) Dried Chinese chili pepper Sliced Green onion Sliced chili pepper Chinese black vinegar Light soy sauce Sugar Chicken bouillon (or salt)
I used a Chinese long chili pepper, which is similar to Anaheim peppers but slightly spicier. You can also use Anaheim pepper, or jalapeno pepper if you prefer a spicier dish. You can also use thinly sliced bell pepper for a non-spicy dish.
How to Make Shredded Potato Stir Fry
Do not over cook the potatoes
The key to making authentic tasting Chinese potato stir fry is to cook the potatoes over high heat until they are slightly undercooked. In other words, the potatoes should stay crisp and you should finish the cooking before they turn starchy. It gives the potatoes a refreshing texture that is quite different from the tender roasted potatoes common in Western cuisine.
Chinese Shredded Potato Stir Fry
A simple potato stir fry may not seem like a very exciting recipe at first glance, but once you take a bite of this delicious dish, you will be hooked. It has just the right amount of spicy and tangy flavor that will make your taste buds come alive. I promise that this will be your new favorite way to prepare potatoes. Give my shredded potato stir fry a try and enjoy traditional potatoes the Chinese way!
More delicious side dishes
Chinese Zucchini Stir Fry 5-Ingredient Bitter Melon with Eggs Stir-fried Cauliflower with Tomato Sauce Ginger Green Beans (姜汁豆角) Vegetable Fried Rice (蔬菜炒饭) Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant
