Choosing the Right Potatoes
Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to stir-frying. To avoid mushy potatoes, opt for:
– Golden potatoes (with yellow flesh) as they have a moderate starch content and won’t turn too soft during cooking.
– Firm potatoes with smooth, unwrinkled skins and no sprouts to ensure the best quality.

Soaking Potatoes the Right Way to Prevent Stickiness
After slicing the potatoes, don’t rush into stir-frying them. Instead, soak them in cold water for 5-10 minutes. This trick helps with:
– Removing excess surface starch, preventing the potatoes from sticking together during stir-frying.
– Firming up the potatoes, reducing the chances of them falling apart.
Note: Don’t soak them for too long, or they’ll turn dark. After soaking, rinse them again and let them dry before stir-frying.
Using White Vinegar to Keep Potatoes Intact
A little-known secret to stir-frying potatoes is to add a touch of white vinegar to the wok or pan. This will:
– Preserve the potatoes’ beautiful golden color, preventing discoloration.
– Keep the potatoes firmer, preventing them from turning soft and mushy even after multiple stirs.
– Add a subtle, balanced flavor to the dish.
– Just a teaspoon of white vinegar is enough to enhance the potatoes’ color and maintain their structure.
Avoiding Overcooking the Potatoes
– Potatoes cook quickly, so avoid stir-frying them for too long, or they’ll turn soft and mushy. The ideal cooking time for perfectly cooked potatoes is around 5-7 minutes.
Important notes:
– When stirring the potatoes, use gentle movements with your spatula or chopsticks to avoid breaking them.
– Don’t cover the wok or pan during cooking, as the steam will make the potatoes soggy.
Creating a Flavorful Sauce for Enhanced Taste
Instead of simply seasoning with salt, create a flavorful sauce by mixing soy sauce, oyster sauce, a pinch of salt and sugar, and some water. This sauce will:
– Infuse flavor into the potatoes without the need for prolonged cooking.
– Add a glossy shine to the dish, making it more appealing.
Tip: Pour the sauce into the wok or pan when the potatoes are almost done, give it a quick stir, and turn off the heat.
By following these tips, you’ll end up with stir-fried potatoes that are perfectly cooked, buttery, and delicious. Remember to soak the potatoes properly, add a touch of white vinegar during cooking, go easy on the stirring, and create a flavorful sauce. With these tricks, your stir-fried potatoes will surely impress!”