Sweet Potato Fries with Plum Powder
Experience a delightful fusion of sweet and savory with these crispy Sweet Potato Fries, elevated by a unique Chinese-inspired plum powder seasoning. Perfectly golden and tender, they offer an addictive tangy kick that transforms a simple side dish into an unforgettable culinary treat.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 45 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 271 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
- 900 gsweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick fries
- 2 tbspcornstarch
- 2 tbspvegetable oil
- 1 tbspplum powder
- 0.5 tspsalt
Equipment
Oven · 2× Large baking sheet · Parchment paper · 2× Large mixing bowl · Small bowl · Chef's knife · Cutting board · Vegetable peeler · Spatula
The method
Step by step
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and position an oven rack in the middle. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier, ensuring your fries don't lose their crispy coating.
- 2
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into uniform 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick sticks, similar to traditional french fries.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Consistent sizing is crucial for even cooking; thinner fries will become crispier, while thicker ones will remain softer inside.
- 3
Place the cut sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over them. Toss thoroughly until each piece is lightly and evenly coated.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: The cornstarch creates a thin, starchy layer that helps achieve a super crispy exterior when baked, preventing the fries from becoming soggy.
- 4
Drizzle the vegetable oil over the cornstarch-coated sweet potatoes in the bowl. Toss again until every fry is lightly and uniformly coated with oil.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the oil is evenly distributed to promote browning and crisping; too little oil can lead to dry fries, while too much can make them greasy.
- 5
Arrange the sweet potato fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each fry. If necessary, use a second baking sheet to avoid overcrowding.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Overcrowding the pan traps steam, which will prevent the fries from crisping up and instead cause them to steam and become soft.
- 6
Bake the sweet potatoes for 15 minutes.
About 15 min
- 7
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and use a spatula to flip each sweet potato fry. Return the baking sheet to the oven.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Flipping ensures even browning and crispness on all sides. Use a thin metal spatula for best results.
- 8
Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown, tender on the inside, and crispy on the outside.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, as oven temperatures can vary, and sweet potatoes can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly.
- 9
While the fries are baking, combine the plum powder and salt in a small bowl and stir them together.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Plum powder, or 'li hing mui powder,' offers a unique sweet, sour, and salty flavor profile that is characteristic of many Asian snacks.
- 10
Once the fries are cooked, immediately transfer them to a clean, large mixing bowl.
About 1 min
- 11
Sprinkle the plum powder mixture evenly over the hot fries.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Seasoning the fries while they are hot allows the powder to adhere better and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- 12
Gently toss the fries to ensure they are thoroughly and evenly coated with the seasoning.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Use a light hand when tossing to avoid breaking the crispy fries.
- 13
Serve the Sweet Potato Fries with Plum Powder immediately while they are still warm and crispy.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 270.6kcal
- Protein
- 3.6g
- Carbs
- 48.6g
- Fat
- 7.2g
- Fibre
- 6.8g
- Sugar
- 9.5g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
These fries are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a simple grilled chicken or fish. For an extra kick, try dipping them in a sriracha mayo or a sweet chili sauce. You can also experiment with other spice blends, like a smoky paprika or a garam masala, for different flavor profiles.
Store cooled leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat in a single layer on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-8 minutes, or until crispy again. Avoid microwave reheating, as it will make them soggy.