Discover a quick and delightful 15-minute sautéed Chinese yam recipe that will captivate your taste buds with its crunchy texture and savory flavor.
About Chinese Yam
Chinese yam is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine, often featured in soups and stir-fries. Renowned for its health benefits, this nutritious root vegetable is packed with fiber. In traditional Chinese medicine, white foods—including Chinese yam, radish, and lotus root—are believed to promote lung health. Our family enjoys these foods, especially on chilly winter days, for their health benefits as well as their delightful textures and flavors. For instance, in a pork bone soup, you can easily substitute radish with Chinese yam.
Taste and Texture of Chinese Yam
While Chinese yam may not have a distinctive flavor compared to other root vegetables, its texture varies significantly depending on the cooking method. When pan-fried or stir-fried, Chinese yam offers a satisfying crunch. Conversely, when simmered in soups for an extended period, it becomes starchy yet retains its fibrous quality. This recipe is my go-to method for preparing yams while preserving their delightful crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This quick and easy recipe can be prepared in just 10 minutes, making it the perfect side dish for larger meals. Start by cutting the Chinese yam into thicker slices, using an oblique angle to create larger cross-sections.
Oil Choice: I recommend using regular vegetable oil, but butter or other animal fats can enhance the flavor significantly.
Heat the oil in a pan, then add the yam slices. Sauté over medium to low heat until they are nicely seared, stirring frequently for even cooking.
Once seared, this should take about 6-7 minutes. Add light soy sauce, cumin powder, and chopped scallions. And that’s it!
