Chinese yam, also known as Dioscorea opposite Thunb or Chinese water yam, is a popular root vegetable cherished for its unique texture and nutritious value. Its slightly sweet and sticky flavor makes it a versatile ingredient in various cuisines, particularly in traditional Chinese dishes. Whether you’re looking to make a hearty soup, a crispy stir-fry, or a sweet jam, this guide will provide you with detailed steps to prepare Chinese yam perfectly.
Selecting Fresh Chinese Yam
The first and foremost step in preparing Chinese yam is selecting fresh, high-quality roots. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best:
Appearance: Choose yams that are firm and have a smooth skin without any brown stains, cracks, or soft spots.
Size: While size doesn’t significantly affect the taste, larger yams may have a coarser texture. Medium-sized yams are often preferred.
Freshness: Ensure the yams are freshly harvested. Avoid those that have been sitting in the market for too long, as they may lose moisture and freshness.
Preparing the Yam for Cooking
Once you have your fresh Chinese yams, the next step is to prepare them for cooking. This involves cleaning and cutting the yams into the desired shapes and sizes.
Cleaning: Rinse the yams thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, surface mud, and root hairs. Use a vegetable brush if necessary to scrub off any stubborn dirt.
Peeling: Use a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Be careful not to cut into the flesh too deeply, as the outer layer can be quite thin.
Cutting: Depending on your recipe, cut the yams into slices, cubes, or sticks. For stir-fries and soups, uniform slices or cubes are ideal. For steaming or frying, thicker sticks might be preferred.
Basic Cooking Methods
Chinese yams can be cooked in various ways, each bringing out different textures and flavors. Here are some basic methods:
Boiling: Boiling is a quick and easy way to cook Chinese yams. Place the cut yams in boiling water and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and use as needed.
Steaming: Steaming preserves the natural flavors and nutrients of the yams. Place the cut pieces on a steaming tray and steam for about 15-20 minutes or until tender.
Stir-Frying: Stir-frying gives the yams a crispy exterior and tender interior. Heat oil in a pan, add the yams, and stir-fry over medium-high heat until golden brown. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Soup Making: Chinese yams are a popular ingredient in soups, adding creaminess and nutrition. Simply add the cut yams to your soup base and simmer until tender.
Special Recipes
Now, let’s dive into some delicious recipes that highlight the versatility of Chinese yams.
Chinese Yam with Sliced Perch in Tomato Sauce
This Shanghai-style dish is crispy and tender, with a rich tomato sauce that brings out the natural sweetness of the yams.
Ingredients:
- Chinese yam: 1 medium, sliced into thin pieces
- Perch fillets: 200g, sliced
- Tomato sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic and ginger: finely chopped (optional)
- Green onions: chopped for garnish
Steps:
- Heat oil in a pan and add garlic and ginger (if using). Stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the perch slices and stir-fry until lightly browned on both sides.
- Add the sliced Chinese yams and stir-fry for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, and salt. Mix well and cook until the yams are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Chinese Yam Jam
This sweet and sticky jam is perfect on its own or as a filling for pastries. It requires a bit more effort but is well worth it.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Chinese yams: 1 kg, peeled and cut into small cubes
- Sodium erythorbate solution (0.1% concentration): enough to cover the yams
- Salad oil: for frying
- Soybean paste: 2 tablespoons
- White granulated sugar: 100g
- Chicken powder: 1 teaspoon
- Gourmet powder: 1 teaspoon
Steps:
- Blanch the yam cubes in the sodium erythorbate solution at 90°C for 4-7 minutes to protect their color.
- Dehydrate the blanched yam cubes in a centrifugal dehydrating machine for 4-6 minutes.
- Heat salad oil to 180°C in a deep fryer.
- Add spices to the hot oil and fry for 1 minute.
- Add the dehydrated yam cubes and fry for 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Add soybean paste and continue frying for 10 minutes.
- Add sugar, chicken powder, and gourmet powder. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and keep the jam at a temperature higher than 90°C.
- Quantitatively fill the jam into glass bottles, screw on the bottle covers, and let them cool to form a vacuum.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking Time: Overcooking can turn the yams into a mushy mess. Always test for doneness with a fork or knife.
Seasoning: Chinese yams have a subtle flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory ingredients. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Storage: Cooked yams can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. For longer storage, freeze them in airtight containers.
Conclusion
Chinese yams are a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal. With their unique texture and subtle sweetness, they can be prepared in countless ways, from savory stir-fries and soups to sweet jams and desserts. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to cook Chinese yams perfectly, bringing out their natural flavors and creating dishes that are sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, Chinese yams offer a versatile and satisfying ingredient that’s worth exploring. So, get your yams ready and start cooking!
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