Salted Seaweed Flavored Chinese Yam Fries

If you're looking for a healthier alternative of French fries without sacrificing any taste, I really mean it when I say "any," try this Chinese yam version fries. 

Flavored with dried seaweed powder, dashi powder, salt, and pepper, the end result is just as addicting to regular fries. I'm not joking, Mister took a bite and he just kept going for more.

Salted seaweed flavored Chinese yam fries - 

Ingredients?

• 400 grams Chinese yam/nagaimo
• 2 tablespoons dried seaweed powder
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 1 packet dashi powder (I used vegetable dashi)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons rice bran oil or other light-tasting oil

How?

Peeled the Chinese yam, use gloves if needed because some people may find their hands itchy after dealing with Chinese yam. Slice the peeled Chinese yam to thick sticks.

Transfer the Chinese yam sticks to a Ziploc bag. Also add in 2 tablespoons of dried seaweed powder, 2 tablespoons of corn starch, 1 packet of dashi powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

No need to squeeze out any air, simply seal the bag and tighten up the edge to create a "puffed up" air pocket. Give the Chinese yam a good shake.

Use a nonstick pan and drizzle 2 tablespoons of oil. Turn to medium heat and wait till the oil gets warm. Pour in Chinese yam fries and try to lay them out evenly on the surface.

Sear till the bottom gets a golden brown color then sear other sides till colored again. It'll be hard to get all four sides seared, but aim for two sides with nicely golden brown color at least.

Even without that golden brown color, seared Chinese yam fries will still yield a crunchy texture. It's just that the browned side will provide a denser umami and savory flavor, thus much more delicious.

It can be hard to flip or separate the fries at first because the corn starch can be sticky. I would suggest using chopsticks to maneuver your way through, it's easier with the pick and flip action too.

Simply enjoy the Chinese yam fries as it is, or to a surprising route, ketchup works here too. I guess that salty flavor pairs well with the sweet and sour ketchup, just like the case with regular potato fries. 

Extended reading:

• Six ingredients seared yamaimo 香煎山藥片