Five Spice Potatoes Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it takes simple potatoes and transforms them into an irresistible dish with the captivating aroma of garlic and ginger. Plus, the crispy exterior and tender inside make it the ultimate comfort food that’s bursting with umami flavor from the soy sauce and Chinese five-spice powder.

When I have a yearning for a boldly flavored yet simple dish, I reach for Five Spice Potatoes. The humble spud soaks up the wonderful, heady scents of Chinese five spice with an addition of soy sauce (the Chinese umami seasoning par excellence), and then offsets them with a barely-there whisper of ginger and garlic.

I finish this dish with a sprinkling of scallions and sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and a nice garnish.

Ingredients

Potatoes:
High in carbohydrates, a superb supplier of energy and fiber.

Chinese Five-Spice Powder:
Fragrant and tasty; confers warmth and depth from a mixture of sweet and savory components.

Garlic:
Imparts a sharp, appetizing edge; recognized for promoting heart health.

Ginger:
Delivers a zesty punch; helps with digestion and possesses anti-inflammatory qualities.

Soy Sauce:
Umami deliciousness; brings out the flavor and adds every so slightly to the saltiness of the dish.

Scallions:
Less intense flavor; contributes lightness and brightness to dishes.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound (450g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Start with a pot of salted water at a rolling boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook them for about 10 minutes or until they are barely tender. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet or wok, medium heat the vegetable oil in
1. If oil begins to smoke, remove skillet from heat and reduce temperature.
2. Allow oil to cool slightly and return skillet to heat. A wok is designed to use less oil while cooking.

3. In the skillet, combine the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.

4. Add the Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine with the garlic and ginger.

5. Drain the potatoes and add them to the skillet. Stir well to coat them evenly with the spice mixture.

6. Pour the soy sauce over the potatoes and stir to combine the flavors thoroughly.

7. Cook the potatoes for 5-7 minutes more, stirring as needed to ensure that all surfaces of the potatoes are exposed to the heat for even cooking, until they develop a texture that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

8. In the skillet, add the chopped scallions and blend them together with the food in the skillet for a minute. Make sure to combine everything.

9. If desired, the sesame seeds may be sprinkled over the potatoes, followed by a final stir of the contents of the bowl.

10. As a savory snack or a side dish, these pancakes can be served warm. If you like, you can garnish them with more chopped scallions.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Large skillet or wok
3. Measuring spoons
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Grater (for ginger)
8. Colander (for draining potatoes)

FAQ

• What are the best potatoes to use for this recipe?You can use any type of spud you like, but waxy kinds such as Yukon Gold or “new” potatoes hold their shape nicely and take up flavor beautifully.
• Can I make these potatoes in advance?Certainly, you are able to make them a day in advance and reheat them in your choice of skillet or oven. Either will work, but the oven method is most faithful to the original texture.
• Is there a substitute for Chinese five-spice powder?If you lack Chinese five-spice, you can make a fast substitute by blending equal proportions of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns.
• Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?Yes, of course! Adding bell peppers or carrots would enhance the color and nutrition of the dish.
• How do I ensure the potatoes are crispy?Ensure the potatoes are thoroughly dry before cooking and avoid overcrowding the pan. These are essential practices in achieving potatoes that crisp up beautifully.
• Is soy sauce necessary in this recipe?The soy sauce lends the dish depth and umami flavor, but if you want to make this dish gluten-free, you can use tamari instead, or just omit it entirely and make a more Western-style rendition.
• Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?Even though dried ginger tastes more vibrant, you can use powdered ginger if you have to. If you’re using powdered ginger in place of fresh, use about 1/4 teaspoon of it.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use peanut oil or canola oil as substitutes for cooking properties similar to those of vegetable oil.
Chinese five-spice powder: If you don’t have the pre-made spice, try substituting with a mix of equal parts cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns.
Tamari or coconut aminos are excellent substitutes for soy sauce, particularly if you’re seeking a gluten-free alternative.
Ginger root: If you have frozen ginger root, you can use it as a substitute. Simply grate the same amount of ginger root as called for in the recipe when using fresh ginger.
Scallions: You can use chives or finely chopped leeks as a substitute for scallions.

Pro Tips

1. Parboil Effectively When boiling the potatoes, aim for them to be just barely tender. This way, they won’t fall apart when frying, allowing for a crispy exterior. Testing with a fork can help determine the right time to drain them.

2. Infuse the Oil Consider infusing the oil with the garlic and ginger by heating them gently for about 5 minutes at a lower temperature before adding the potatoes. This can enhance the flavor profile of the entire dish.

3. Maximize Crispiness Allow the potatoes to dry thoroughly after draining. Any excess moisture can prevent them from getting crispy. You could even spread them out on a clean kitchen towel to ensure they dry fully.

4. Check Spice Balance Taste test the spice mixture of five-spice powder, salt, and pepper before adding it to the potatoes. This ensures it’s to your liking and allows adjustments for any dietary preferences.

5. Finish with a Drizzle After cooking, consider adding a small drizzle of sesame oil over the dish for an added layer of richness and a nutty finish before serving.