Delicious Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Stems
Enjoy the Chewy Texture! How to Make Perfect Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Stems
Craving a flavorful side dish that perfectly complements rice? This stir-fried sweet potato stem recipe is a must-try! I made it yesterday using some leftover fermented anchovy sauce, and today I’ve transformed it into a delicious stir-fry. The satisfyingly crisp texture combined with the savory seasoning is absolutely delightful. The key to achieving a tender and tasty stir-fry is to cook the sweet potato stems until they are completely wilted and softened. This recipe uses simple ingredients and is quick to make, so give it a try!
Main Ingredients
- Sweet potato stems: Worth $3,000 KRW (approx. 400g)
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (Cheongyang chili)
- 1 red chili pepper
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the sweet potato stems thoroughly under running water. If there are any rough outer skins, you can gently scrape or peel them off with a knife for a cleaner result. Cut them into bite-sized pieces (about 5-7cm) and set aside. Cutting them too long can be inconvenient while stir-frying.
Step 2
Finely mince the Korean green chili pepper and red chili pepper after removing their stems. If you like it spicier, you can increase the amount of green chili, or add more red chili for vibrant color.
Step 3
In a wide pan, add all the prepared sweet potato stems and minced chili peppers. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance). Using fish sauce adds a wonderful umami depth, making it much tastier. Gently mix everything with a spatula, then begin stir-frying over medium heat.
Step 4
As the sweet potato stems cook, they will start to wilt. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, and once they reach your desired tenderness, add the minced garlic (1/2 tbsp). It’s best to add garlic later in the cooking process to prevent it from burning. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes after adding the garlic.
Step 5
Taste as you stir-fry and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or fish sauce if needed. In the final stage, sprinkle sesame seeds generously for a nutty aroma.
Step 6
After adding the sesame seeds, stir-fry quickly for about 1 more minute to combine all the ingredients well. This helps to enhance the crispness of the stems and the balance of the seasoning.
Step 7
Transfer the well-stir-fried sweet potato stems to a nice serving dish. Your delicious side dish is ready to be enjoyed with a bowl of warm rice!
