These golden, crispy potato cakes are flavored with soy sauce, chicken essence, and a hint of sweetness, making them a delicious snack or side dish. Customize them with optional vegetables or chicken heart meat for added flavor and texture.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp chicken essence (or chicken bouillon powder)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- Potato starch (or corn starch, or sweet potato starch) as needed
- Cooking oil for frying
Optional Ingredients:
- Chicken heart meat, finely chopped
- Carrots, finely diced
- Mushrooms, finely diced
- Sweet beans, finely chopped
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil potatoes until soft, then mash them in a large bowl.
- Add salt, chicken essence, sugar, and light soy sauce to the mashed potatoes.
- Mix evenly with chopsticks or a spatula until the seasonings are well incorporated.
Step 2: Add Starch
- Gradually add potato starch while stirring the mixture with chopsticks.
- Mix until the potato mixture becomes slightly sticky and can be easily shaped by hand. Ensure the starch is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Form the Potato Cakes
- Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking.
- Take portions of the potato mixture, shape them into balls, and flatten them into cakes.
- Place the cakes on a tray, leaving space between them to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Fry the Potato Cakes
- Heat a small amount of cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Place the potato cakes in the pan and fry until the bottoms are set.
- Brush the tops with a little oil, then flip and fry for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the fried potato cakes to a serving plate.
- Serve warm and enjoy as a snack or side dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or garlic aioli.
- Serve alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Enjoy as a snack with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the potato mixture is sticky enough to hold its shape; add more starch if needed.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Add finely chopped optional ingredients like carrots or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: High in potassium, fiber, and vitamin C.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami flavor and is low in calories.
- Starch: Helps bind the mixture and creates a crispy outer layer.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian (if no chicken essence or meat is used)
- Gluten-free (if using gluten-free starch)
Nutritional Facts (Per Potato Cake – Approx. 12 cakes):
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and versatile, perfect as a snack or side dish.
- Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside.
- Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients.
- Quick to prepare and a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
These Savory Mashed Potato Cakes are a delightful combination of crispy texture and savory flavor. With simple ingredients and a versatile recipe, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these cakes are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake instead of frying? Yes, bake at 200°C (392°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
- Can I use sweet potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes work well but may require less starch.
- What can I substitute for chicken essence? Use vegetable bouillon powder or skip it for a vegetarian option.
- Can I make this vegan? Yes, skip chicken essence and use plant-based seasonings.
- How do I keep the cakes from falling apart? Ensure the mixture is sticky enough by adding more starch if needed.
- Can I freeze the cakes? Yes, freeze uncooked cakes and fry them directly from frozen when ready to use.
- What dipping sauces work best? Soy sauce, garlic aioli, or sweet chili sauce are great choices.
- Can I use other types of starch? Yes, corn starch or sweet potato starch works well.
- How do I make them spicier? Add chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili to the potato mixture.
- Can I add cheese? Yes, mix shredded cheese into the potato mixture for extra flavor.
Enjoy these crispy, savory potato cakes any time of the day!