Sichuan Stir Fried Potatoes are spicy-spicy good! I never even knew there were Chinese potato recipes until I went to China. What a great discovery!
Sichuan potatoes were new to me until I went to China. Spiced with Sichuan peppercorns, these potatoes are simple and quick to make.
Julienned or slivered, rather than shredded, allows these potatoes to retain a crisp-tender texture-one that I might describe as al-dente!
And no it didn't take me long to make these! Or eat them!
Table of contents
China Potato Questions
Potatoes are thought of as a vegetable in China and are often eaten with rice.
In 2022 statistics from the World Population Review found that China eats 4 times the amount of potatoes than we do in the US. China is the number 1 producer of potatoes in the world. Many are fed to livestock.
The US tends to grow a lot of Russets, a very starchy potato. The Chinese tend to grow a more waxy potato.
Potatoes are commonly served at home but we saw many varieties being sold on the street, including roasted sweet potatoes, which are everywhere.
Our third day in China even found us confronting potato latkes in Chengdu...at least that's what the sign said!
How To Serve Chinese Stir Fried Potatoes
In China, potatoes are served like any vegetable. They even accompany rice and if you think about it, these spicy Chinese potatoes do benefit from rice, but I also think they would work perfectly with scrambled eggs.
Sichuan potatoes are simple to make and the variations are endless. Stir in some garlic if you'd like. Cumin is also quite common in stir fried potato dishes.
And if you don't want the spicy effect, leave out the chilies. This Chinese potato stir fry is great on its own...though I do love a touch of scallions or onion.
Chinese potatoes are not cooked until golden brown, unless they are deep fried, which we didn't see too often.
We saw this version and we also saw these Sichuan potatoes served cold as potato salad.
So don't be afraid to serve these with burgers!
Tips for Cooking Sichuan Potatoes
Cut the potatoes correctly so they will cook in a short amount of time.
However, keep in mind that if you don't slice them properly it could affect the cooking time. This is a great way to perfect your knife skills.
When cooked the texture should be almost al dente. They won't be crispy or crunchy like a French fry but they will have some bite to them!
The potatoes in this Chinese potato recipe are soaked in water to remove the starch which helps keep the potatoes crisp.
Just like making latkes!
Vinegar is added to the potatoes to add tang and also helps potatoes maintain their shape.
How much chili should be used in this Chinese potato recipe?
Good question! There are several ways to approach the heat in this dish.
If you want to go all out and leave your taste buds numb and tingly, definitely use smashed Sichuan peppercorns in these Sichuan potatoes where the recipe says chili flakes.
Red pepper flakes that you sprinkle on pizza can also be used.
Also if you want to know what chili paste I use, I like this.
Or add a few dried red chili peppers into the oil. Stir those until your nose is greeted with the aroma of peppers.
Remove them and then add the julienned potatoes. This is one way to add heat, but not too much!
Bet you didn't know there are countless ways to make Sichuan stir fried potatoes. But they all come out the same way. Delicious!
Why I Love this Chinese Potato Recipe
Besides reminding me of our fabulous trip in China, you might know that I trruly love potatoes.
So yes, it would be hard for me to live without onions and garlic, I'd be more hard pressed to live without potatoes.
I love the way my taste buds tingle when I eat these and also when others discover this delicious potato dish.
Everyone is surprised that this is an authentic Chinese recipe!
If you love potatoes the way I do, you'll want to try this unique preparation of potatoes.
They don't come out golden and crispy, but almost al dente, like cooking pasta noodles.
Manservant asked if they were cooked all the way through and the answer is yes...as long as you slice them correctly, they will be ready in 5!
Are you drooling yet?
I'd love to hear if you make this recipe!
Please share a review or rate the recipe,
and be sure to tag me on social!
Recipe
Sichuan Stir Fried Potatoes
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 7 Minutes
- Total Time: 17 Minutes
- Yield: 2 - 3 Servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Sichuan Stir Fried Potatoes are a great way to eat potatoes and are ready in 15 minutes. Perfect as a salad or side dish, even at a BBQ, these Sichuan potatoes are incredible. Just don't burn your tongue!
Ingredients
2 medium sized Russet Potatoes
1 t salt
1 T canola, grapeseed or peanut oil
4 T white vinegar
2 t sugar
1 t chili paste
1 t chili flakes (at your discretion) or smashed Sichuan peppercorns
1 t chili oil (at your discretion)
4 minced scallions
Instructions
Peel potatoes and slice lengthwise into ⅛' ovals, (approximately). Now stack the ovals and slice into thin, narrow strips. Place potatoes into a bowl and cover with water and salt for 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry on paper towels.
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add potatoes and stir until potatoes are covered with oil. Put in remaining ingredients, plus 1 T water, then cook for 5 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan and becoming overcooked.
These potatoes do not get gold and crispy. Their crunchiness is derived from the potatoes not becoming too soft. Kind of like an al dente noodle.
Add most of the minced scallions and stir for a few seconds. Garnish with the rest of the scallions.
What to Serve With Chinese Stir Fry Potatoes
Vietnamese Salmon with Garlic, Ginger and Black Pepper
Xi'an Meat Stuffed Chinese Pancakes
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Isn't it amazing the things you learn while traveling. I never would have thought of China having a potato dish like this. Thanks for sharing as it really sounds good to this potato girl. 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Potato girls need to stick together! I loved the potato dishes we had in China. Wish they were in the restaurants here!
Susan says
LIke the others, I never would have known about China's potato crop and potato dishes! This preparation sounds delicious and I love the Sichuan flavors! Great recipe!
Abbe Odenwalder says
This is a spicy dish but oh so good! Of course you can always tone it down! Thanks Susan!
Michele @ Bacon Fatte says
I'm a big fan of potato dishes, and I seriously can't wait to try this recipe! It sounds fantastic!
Abbe Odenwalder says
I love potatoes Michele and I had no idea that the Chinese even had potato recipes. This is different than anything I've had and the first place I tried them was in Chengdu!
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert says
These look so good Abbe - and remind me of those potato sticks that come in a can for some reason. How delicious!
Abbe Odenwalder says
That's so funny! They are kind of cut like that but that is where the resemblance ends!
mjskitchen says
I'm with Lea Ann - potatoes is something I've never associated with Chinese cuisine. Regardless of that, how can one go wrong by combining potatoes with chile paste and chile flakes. I'm all over these potatoes. Thanks for sharing!!
Abbe Odenwalder says
I never knew about potatoes either until we went. Totally love their versions!
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
I have to admit, I most certainly don't associate potatoes with Chinese cuisine. And never turning down a potato, I'm pinning these to try later. 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
You should give them a try. Such a different way of preparing them so it's fun to try! And they are so good!
2 Sisters recipes says
These potatoes look and sound amazing!and your photos are beautiful Abbe!! ! I think they would go really well with our Fast and Easy Baby Back Ribs! Yum!!
Abbe Odenwalder says
You are right! They sure would!
John / Kitchen Riffs says
I've never made this dish! But I will, and use your recipe -- this looks wonderful. Marvelous, even. 🙂 Really. Good. Stuff. Thanks.
Abbe Odenwalder says
If you like spicy and potatoes John I have no doubt you will like these!
Healthy World Cuisine says
One of our favorite dishes. As you know the boys love that tongue numbing heat so they are always on board with delicious recipes like this. Just pinned!
Abbe Odenwalder says
These are definitely numbing! But so, so good!
Liz says
I've never seen a Chinese potato dish before! These sound amazing!
Abbe Odenwalder says
I hadn't either until we went to China and then they started popping up everywhere. Don't know why Chinese restaurants don't feature them more!
Easyfoodsmith says
Spicy good is always up my alley 😀
The potatoes look lip smacking good!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks! They will have you smacking!
angiesrecipes says
I love sichuan flavours! This shredded potato dish is a favourite, Abbe. Yours looks authentic and delicious.