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Sour and Spicy Shredded Potato Salad

Sour and Spicy Shredded Potato Salad (凉拌土豆丝 Liangban Tudou Si)

Lin
A crunchy, refreshing, and addictive Chinese potato salad that's ready in 15 minutes! This authentic Sichuan appetizer features crisp potato slivers tossed in a savory, spicy, and tangy dressing. The perfect easy side dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Chinese, Sichuan
Servings 4 appetizer servings
Calories 185 kcal

Equipment

  • Mandoline (Optional)
  • Large Pot (for blanching)
  • Small Saucepan (for oil)
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 1.5 lbs Russet potatoes (about 3 medium) approx 680g
  • 1 small green bell pepper
  • 1 small red bell pepper or 1 fresh red chili, for more heat
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped approx 20g
  • 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil like canola or vegetable

For the Dressing

  • 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp Chinese chili powder or coarse flakes
  • 2 tbsp Chinkiang vinegar Chinese black vinegar
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 0.5 tsp chicken bouillon powder or MSG, optional

Instructions
 

  • Prep Potatoes: Peel the potatoes. Julienne them into thin, 2-inch matchsticks using a knife or mandoline.
  • Wash Starch: Immediately place the potato slivers into a large bowl of cold water. Swish, drain, and repeat 2-3 times, until the water is no longer cloudy. This is essential for a crunchy texture. Keep the potatoes submerged in fresh cold water.
    Mise en Place
  • Prep Other Veggies: Julienne the green and red bell peppers to match the potatoes. Chop the cilantro.
  • Make Dressing Base: In a large mixing bowl (the one you'll toss the salad in), combine the Chinkiang vinegar, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and optional chicken bouillon powder.
  • Make Fragrant Oil: In a small, heat-proof bowl, add the white sesame seeds and Chinese chili powder. Set aside.
    Cooking Process
  • Infuse Oil: Add the neutral oil and Sichuan peppercorns to a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Strain the hot oil over the chili powder and sesame seeds (discard the peppercorns). It will sizzle and bloom.
  • Combine Dressing: Pour the sizzling fragrant oil mixture into the larger bowl containing the sauce base. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
  • Blanch Vegetables: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Drain the potato slivers and add them, along with the bell pepper slivers, to the boiling water. Cook for 60-90 seconds *only*.
  • Shock: Immediately drain the vegetables and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Drain *very* thoroughly, shaking off all excess water.
  • Toss and Serve: Add the well-drained potatoes and peppers to the large bowl with the dressing. Add the chopped cilantro. Toss well to combine. Serve immediately or chilled.
    Sour and Spicy Shredded Potato Salad

Notes

Allergen Information: Contains Soy, Gluten, Shellfish (Oyster Sauce). For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce and use a certified gluten-free oyster sauce. For a vegan version, omit the oyster sauce (you may need to add 1/4 tsp salt).
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Nutrition (Estimated per serving)
  • Calories: 185kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Fiber: 3g
Keyword chinese potato salad, cold tossed potatoes, liangban tudou si, sichuan shredded potato, sour and spicy potato salad