Lemon Chinese Yam Recipe

If you’re ready to give your taste buds a citrusy adventure, then let me introduce you to a delightful recipe featuring the underrated hero of the tuber world: Chinese yam with lemon syrup—a perfect blend of tangy and sweet that’s sure to refresh and impress.

The subtle sweetness of Chinese yam and the zesty tang of lemon are a combination that I love and one that I think seems to be perfect for a dish that’s both refreshing and nutritious. In this recipe, I use Chinese yam because it’s a great source of both starch and fiber, and I couldn’t help but think that something with the texture of yam—slightly starchy and very fibrous—would work as a base for a refreshing salad with lemon juice, a touch of sugar, and a little olive oil.

Lemon Chinese Yam Recipe Ingredients

• Chinese Yam (Dioscorea opposita): Rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates; promotes digestion and vitality.
• Lemon: High in vitamin C; adds a refreshing, zesty tang and enhances flavor.
• Sugar: Provides a sweet balance to the lemon’s acidity; adds energy-boosting carbohydrates.
• Water: Essential for creating a light, cohesive sauce; keeps ingredients hydrated and fresh.
• Salt: Enhances natural flavors and balances sweetness; essential for savory depth.

Lemon Chinese Yam Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 300g Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita)
• 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 100ml water
• 1 tsp salt

How to Make this Lemon Chinese Yam Recipe

1. The Chinese yam should be peeled and cut into pieces that are the size of a bite. To avoid skin irritation, it is recommended to wear gloves.

2. Boil a pot of water, and add 1 teaspoon of salt.

3. Introduce the slices of Chinese yam into water that is already boiling, and allow to steep for a matter of minutes less than the number 4 yet more than the number
2. When you remove them, they should be tender but still have some bite.

4. Rinse the Chinese yam under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside and allow to cool.

5. Use a zester or a grater to remove the zest from the lemon. Then use a juicer to obtain the juice.

6. In a tiny saucepan, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar, 100ml of water, juice from a lemon, and the zest of the lemon.

7. Combine the following in a saucepan over medium heat: 1 cup water, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup brown sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is slightly thickened. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

8. Take the saucepan off the heat and let the lemon syrup cool to room temperature.

9. After cooling, put the yam into a bowl suitable for mixing and to it add the syrup made from the juice of lemons that has also cooled. Gently turn everything over to coat the yam as evenly as possible with the bright, lemony liquid.

10. Refrigerate the Chinese yam that has been coated with lemon for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish.

Lemon Chinese Yam Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Peeler
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Gloves
5. Medium pot
6. Teaspoon
7. Strainer or colander
8. Zester or grater
9. Juicer
10. Small saucepan
11. Stirring spoon
12. Mixing bowl
13. Refrigerator

FAQ

• What is Chinese yam?The root vegetable known as Chinese yam—Dioscorea opposita—finds widespread use in Asian cooking, where it is prized for a texture that remains crunchy even after prolonged cooking. It is not uncommon for dishes that contain the tuber to be labeled “healthy”; in any case, it has long had that reputation.
• Can I substitute the lemon with lime?
  Yes, you can substitute lemon with lime for a slightly different tangy flavor. The dish will still retain its refreshing taste.
• Is the sugar necessary in this recipe?The sugar counteracts the acidity of the lemon and elevates the flavor beyond what you get with lemon juice alone. Yet you can adjust the amount to your taste or use a sugar substitute.
• How should I prepare the Chinese yam for this recipe?Remove the skin from the Chinese yam, rinse it well to remove any sticky material, and slice it or cube it for cooking. Thin, even slices or small cubes will ensure even cooking.
• Can I use honey instead of sugar?Certainly, honey is a viable option if one desires a natural way to sweeten a dish. However, it is imperative to acknowledge that honey will impart its unique taste to whatever it is added.
• What is the purpose of the salt in this recipe?Salt helps to bring out the natural flavors and balance the dish’s sweetness and acidity.
• Can I serve Lemon Chinese Yam hot or cold?Hot or chilled, Lemon Chinese Yam can be served. It is your preference and meal setting that dictates the serving temperature. And there are also other ways to serve it.

Lemon Chinese Yam Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita)—Replace with sweet potato or ordinary yam.
Lemon: Substitute with lime or orange.
Sugar: Swap out for honey or maple syrup.
H2O: Replace with coconut H2O for a punch of added taste.
Salt Substitute sea salt or kosher salt.

Pro Tips

1. Glove Protection When peeling the Chinese yam, wearing gloves is essential to prevent any skin irritation. Make sure the gloves fit well and cover your wrists to protect any exposed skin.

2. Perfect Timing When boiling the yam, aim to cook the pieces for around 3 minutes. This will ensure they are tender but still retain a pleasant texture, providing a good bite.

3. Zesting Technique For the lemon zest, use a microplane or fine grater and be sure to zest only the yellow part of the skin to avoid any bitter white pith, making the syrup flavor more vibrant.

4. Sugar Syrup Consistency When making the lemon syrup, ensure the sugar fully dissolves without coming to a boil. Stir constantly to achieve a smooth syrup and prevent any crystallization.

5. Chilled for Best Flavor After mixing, let the yam soak in the lemon syrup in the refrigerator for at least an hour, rather than just 30 minutes. This extra chilling time allows the flavors to meld and enhances the yam’s refreshing quality.