Prepare the Potato Balls: Start by peeling and dicing the potato into smaller pieces. In a medium saucepan, add the diced potato and cover with 20ml of water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potato until it is soft and easily pierced with a fork (about 10-12 minutes). Drain any excess water and mash the potato until smooth.
Make the Dough: Add the 15g of unsalted butter, 3 pinches of salt, and 10g of sugar to the mashed potato and mix until the butter is fully melted and the ingredients are combined. Gradually add the 80g of glutinous rice flour, stirring it in little by little until a dough starts to form. If the dough is too dry, add a small amount of water until it reaches a smooth, pliable consistency.
Form the Potato Balls: Take a small amount of the potato dough and flatten it in the palm of your hand. If you’re using mozzarella cheese, place a small cube of cheese in the center and close the dough around it, forming a ball. Repeat this process until all the dough is used up.
Fry the Potato Balls: Heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully add the potato balls to the pan and fry, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside (about 5-7 minutes). Once cooked, remove the potato balls and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey (or sugar), starch powder, cooking wine (or mirin/water), and 120ml of water. Stir the mixture over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy (about 3-5 minutes).
Coat the Potato Balls: Once the sauce is ready, drizzle it over the crispy potato balls, ensuring they are fully coated. You can also dip the potato balls directly into the sauce for a more intense flavor. Serve immediately while hot!
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 potato ball
Calories: 150 per ball (without cheese)
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Potato balls are a common snack or appetizer in many cultures, particularly in Asian cuisines. They are typically made with mashed potatoes, rice flour, and various fillings or coatings. The sweet soy sauce used in this recipe is popular in Asian cooking, particularly in Chinese and Korean dishes. The combination of soft potato with savory and sweet elements makes this dish widely appreciated across different regions, especially as a comfort food. These potato balls are perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a satisfying snack at home.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy and Soft Texture: The exterior of the potato balls is delightfully crispy, while the inside remains soft and creamy, making each bite a satisfying contrast.
Cheese Surprise: The gooey mozzarella cheese in the center provides a wonderful surprise, adding a rich, melty texture that complements the crispy outer layer.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare and makes a great snack or appetizer.
Sweet and Savory Flavor: The sweet soy sauce provides a perfect balance of flavors, enhancing the savory taste of the potato balls.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making them for a party, family dinner, or a fun snack, these potato balls are always a hit.
Health Benefits
Good Source of Carbohydrates: Potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates, which provide energy and help keep you feeling full.
Rich in Fiber: The glutinous rice flour used in the recipe adds fiber, which is important for digestive health.
Antioxidants: The honey in the sauce has natural antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body.
Moderate Protein Content: Adding mozzarella cheese increases the protein content of the dish, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
Low in Saturated Fat: With only a small amount of butter used for the potato balls, this recipe is relatively low in saturated fats, making it a healthier snack option.
Serving Suggestions
As an Appetizer: Serve the potato balls with toothpicks for easy, bite-sized snacks at parties or gatherings.
With Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, ranch, or a garlic dip to add even more flavor.
As a Side Dish: Pair the potato balls with a simple salad or a protein-rich main dish like grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Top with chopped green onions or cilantro to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
With Rice or Noodles: Serve the potato balls over a bed of steamed rice or alongside noodles for a more filling meal.
Cooking Tips
Check the Dough Consistency: The dough should be smooth and soft but not too sticky. If it feels sticky, add a little more rice flour; if too dry, add a bit more water.
Use Fresh Mozzarella: For the best gooey texture, use fresh mozzarella cheese. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well.
Ensure Even Frying: Don’t overcrowd the frying pan to ensure that each potato ball is evenly fried. If necessary, fry in batches.
Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent: If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. If it’s too cold, the potato balls will absorb too much oil. Keep the heat on medium to achieve the perfect crisp.
Prepare the Sauce Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat before drizzling over the potato balls.
Variations to Try
Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Meat-Filled Potato Balls: For a heartier snack, add cooked ground beef, chicken, or pork to the filling for a meat-filled version.
Vegetarian Version: Fill the potato balls with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a vegetarian alternative.
Sweet Potato Version: Swap out the regular potato for sweet potato for a different flavor and extra nutrients.
Different Sauces: Experiment with other sauces like teriyaki or hoisin sauce to create different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
These Potato Balls with Sweet Soy Sauce are the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and cheesy, making them a fun and delicious treat for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With a crispy outside, soft inside, and a flavorful glaze, these potato balls will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or gouda.
Can I make these potato balls without cheese? Yes, you can skip the cheese if you prefer a simpler version of the potato balls.
Can I freeze the potato balls before frying? Yes, you can freeze the potato balls after shaping them. Fry them directly from the freezer, but increase the cooking time slightly.
Can I make these potato balls without glutinous rice flour? You can use regular rice flour or all-purpose flour as a substitute, but the texture may vary slightly.
Can I make these potato balls in the oven? Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. However, they may not be as crispy as when fried.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat before using.
Can I add meat to the filling? Yes, cooked ground meat such as pork, chicken, or beef can be added to the filling for extra flavor.
How do I store leftovers? Store leftover potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for best results.
Can I use mirin instead of cooking wine? Yes, mirin is a great substitute for cooking wine in this recipe.
How can I make these potato balls spicier? Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a bit of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy version of the dish
ADVERTISEMENT
