dry stir-fry potato chips

How to Make Crispy Stir-Fried Potato Strips (Gan Bian Tu Dou Tiao)

Stir-fried potato strips, or *gan bian tu dou tiao*, is a beloved Sichuan dish known for its crispy exterior, tender interior, and savory, spicy flavor. Here’s a simple yet authentic recipe to recreate it at home.

Ingredients: 2 large potatoes (peeled and cut into thin strips), 2-3 dried red chilies (sliced), 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp ginger (minced), 2 tbsp cooking oil, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce (for color), 1/2 tsp sugar, and salt to taste.

Steps:

1. Prep the potatoes: Soak cut potato strips in cold water for 20 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat dry thoroughly. This ensures crispiness.

2. Stir-fry: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies, stir-frying until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Remove half the spices for later use to avoid burning.

3. Crisp the potatoes: Increase heat to high. Add potato strips and stir-fry for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. Adjust heat as needed to prevent sticking.

4. Season: Return reserved spices to the wok. Add garlic, ginger, soy sauces, sugar, and salt. Toss quickly to coat evenly. Cook for 1 more minute.

Serve hot as a snack or side dish. For extra flavor, sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped scallions. Enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, numbing, and savory notes in every bite!