Potato Chili Oil Balls

Ingredients

• 2 potatoes (medium sized, peeled and cubed)
• 1 cup potato starch (adjust as needed for dough consistency)
• 0.25 cup hot water (as needed to form dough)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp chili flakes (or chili powder)
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar)
• 0.5 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil, heated until shimmering)

Steps

1. 1

   Peel and cube the potatoes. Place them in a steamer or boil them until they are fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes.

2. 2

   Transfer the cooked potatoes to a large mixing bowl and mash them thoroughly until smooth and no lumps remain.

3. 3

   Add the potato starch to the mashed potatoes. Gradually add small amounts of hot water while mixing until a smooth, pliable dough forms that doesn't stick to your hands.

4. 4

   Pinch off small pieces of the dough and roll them between your palms to form small balls, roughly the size of a large marble.

5. 5

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the potato balls into the boiling water.

6. 6

   Cook the balls until they float to the surface, then continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.

7. 7

   Drain the balls and immediately place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and enhance the chewy 'QQ' texture. Drain again before seasoning.

8. 8

   In a heat-proof serving bowl, combine the minced garlic, chili flakes, chopped green onions, soy sauce, black vinegar, and sugar.

9. 9

   Heat the neutral oil in a small pan until it is shimmering and just starting to smoke.

10. 10

    Carefully pour the hot oil over the aromatics and seasonings in the bowl to sizzle and release their flavors.

11. 11

    Add the cooked potato balls to the bowl and toss thoroughly until every ball is well-coated in the chili oil sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

'QQ' is a Taiwanese term used to describe a texture that is bouncy, rubbery, and chewy, similar to al dente pasta or boba pearls. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of hot water at a time; if too sticky, add a little more starch.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• snack
• vegetarian
• vegan
• spicy
• potato balls
• chili oil
• street food