Sweet Potato Cakes with Sesame Seeds

Sweet potato cakes with sesame seeds are a delicious and simple snack that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the nutty flavor of toasted sesame. This dish is easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients but delivering maximum flavor and texture. Whether you choose to fry them for a crispy exterior or bake them for a healthier option, these cakes are soft, chewy, and have a delightful sweetness.

Perfect as a snack or dessert, these sweet potato cakes can be enjoyed by all ages. The addition of glutinous flour gives the cakes a pleasantly chewy texture, while the sesame seeds add a crunchy contrast. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making these delightful treats at home, offering helpful tips along the way.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

  • Sweet potatoes: 400g
  • Glutinous rice flour: 100g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Milk: 120ml
  • Toasted sesame seeds: for garnish
  • Cooking oil: for frying

Steps to Make Sweet Potato Cakes with Sesame Seeds

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

  1. Cut the sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into small, evenly sized pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly when steamed.
  2. Steam the sweet potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes in a steaming basket, stacking them in a single layer if necessary. Steam them over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
  3. Mash the sweet potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. While they are still hot, mash them thoroughly using a dough roller, potato masher, or any convenient kitchen tool. It’s important to mash them while hot, as this makes the sweet potatoes softer and easier to work with.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

  1. Add the glutinous rice flour and sugar: To the mashed sweet potatoes, add 100g of glutinous rice flour and 20g of sugar. Stir the mixture until the ingredients are well combined.
  2. Gradually add milk: Slowly pour in 120ml of milk while continuing to stir. Be careful not to add too much milk at once, as it may make the dough too sticky. You want the dough to be soft but manageable.
  3. Knead the dough: Once the milk is incorporated, use your hands to knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and uniform in texture. If it feels too sticky, you can sprinkle a little extra flour to help achieve the right consistency.

Step 3: Shape the Cakes

  1. Form the dough into small pieces: Divide the dough into small, even portions. Roll each portion between your palms to form round balls, then gently flatten them into disc shapes.
  2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds: Before frying, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on both sides of each cake. The sesame seeds will add both flavor and texture to the finished cakes.

Step 4: Fry the Cakes

  1. Heat the oil: In a frying pan, pour enough cooking oil to cover the bottom of the pan and heat it over low heat. You want the oil to reach a temperature of around 140°C (284°F).
  2. Fry the cakes: Carefully place the sweet potato cakes into the pan. Fry them on low heat for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a golden brown color. Be sure to flip them gently to avoid breaking them.
  3. Remove and drain: Once the cakes are golden and crispy on both sides, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

Your sweet potato cakes are now ready to enjoy! They are best served warm, when they are soft and chewy on the inside, with a crispy, golden exterior.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

This recipe makes about 8-10 sweet potato cakes. The following is an approximate nutritional breakdown per cake:

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Vitamin A: 200% of the daily recommended intake (from sweet potatoes)
  • Calcium: 4% of the daily recommended intake

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular flour instead of glutinous rice flour?

Glutinous rice flour is what gives these cakes their chewy texture. If you substitute it with regular flour, the texture will be more like a traditional dough and won’t have the same chewiness.

2. Can I bake these sweet potato cakes instead of frying them?

Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the sweet potato cakes. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake the cakes for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Flip them halfway through baking for even browning.

3. Can I use other types of seeds for garnish?

Absolutely! If you don’t have sesame seeds, you can try using poppy seeds, chia seeds, or even sunflower seeds. Each will bring a unique flavor and texture to the cakes.

4. How can I make the cakes sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can increase the sugar to 30g or drizzle some honey or maple syrup over the finished cakes.

Tips for Making the Best Sweet Potato Cakes

  • Use fresh sweet potatoes: Fresh sweet potatoes will provide the best flavor and texture. Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes.
  • Don’t overcook the sweet potatoes: Overcooking the sweet potatoes can make them too watery, which may affect the texture of the dough. Steam them until they are just tender.
  • Keep the heat low when frying: Frying on low heat ensures that the cakes cook evenly and get a nice, golden-brown exterior without burning.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover sweet potato cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a pan over low heat or in the microwave.
  • Freezing: If you want to make these cakes ahead of time, you can freeze the shaped, uncooked cakes on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and store them for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, thaw them slightly before frying or baking.

Conclusion

Sweet potato cakes with sesame seeds are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With their soft, chewy texture and the contrasting crunch of sesame seeds, these cakes are perfect for a snack or dessert. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to bake or fry the cakes depending on your preference, and you can even adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.

These sweet potato cakes are not only delicious but also nutritious, making them a wonderful option for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh out of the pan, and don’t forget to share with family and friends!