Khoai lang chiên
Ẩm thực đường phố • Việt Nam
Về Khoai Lang Chiên
Fried sweet potato wedges with chili salt — golden and crispy street snack
How to Make Khoai Lang Chiên (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Khoai Lang Chiên, or Vietnamese crispy fried sweet potatoes, is a beloved street food snack enjoyed throughout Vietnam. This delightful dish showcases the naturally sweet flavors of local sweet potatoes, thinly sliced, lightly battered, and fried until golden perfection. The result is a snack that's irresistibly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a perfect balance between texture and taste. Khoai Lang Chiên is commonly found at vibrant street markets, often served hot and fresh to locals and visitors alike. In Vietnamese culture, sweet potatoes have been a dietary staple for generations, prized for their affordability, nutrition, and satisfying flavor. This dish is not only a nostalgic childhood treat but also a vegan and vegetarian-friendly option that appeals to all ages. Its popularity stems from its simplicity, natural sweetness, and the communal joy of sharing crispy bites with friends or family. By making a healthier version at home, you can enjoy this authentic taste of Vietnam with less oil and more wholesome ingredients, bringing a piece of Vietnamese street food culture right to your kitchen.
Ingredients(for About 8-10 pieces per serving)
- 2 medium Vietnamese sweet potatoes (khoai lang) (Orange or purple flesh for color and sweetness)
- 1/2 cup Rice flour (Bột gạo)
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Bột bắp)
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour (Bột mì)
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Sugar (Optional, for extra sweetness) - optional
- 2/3 cup Water (Adjust for batter consistency)
- For shallow frying Vegetable oil (Use a neutral oil like soybean or sunflower)
Instructions
- 1
Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into thin, even sticks or rounds (about 1/4 inch thick) for even cooking.
5 minutes
Soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch and improve crispiness.
- 2
In a bowl, whisk together rice flour, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using). Gradually add water and mix until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter.
5 minutes
Do not over-mix; lumps are okay for extra crispiness.
- 3
Drain and pat the sweet potato slices dry using a clean kitchen towel.
2 minutes
Removing moisture helps prevent oil splatter and ensures a crispier result.
- 4
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
3 minutes
Test the oil by dropping a little batter in — it should sizzle immediately.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This healthy version of Khoai Lang Chiên uses minimal oil and nutrient-dense sweet potatoes, offering a guilt-free snack or side dish. The inclusion of rice flour and cornstarch creates a lighter, crispier coating while keeping the dish accessible for those sensitive to gluten. With no animal products or additives, this vegan street food is packed with vitamins, minerals, and slow-release carbohydrates, promoting better satiety and energy levels. It's a wholesome, plant-based take on a Vietnamese classic.
Khoai Lang Chiên is rich in complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, thanks to the sweet potatoes, which also provide vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Using a combination of rice flour and cornstarch makes the batter light and gluten-free for most, while shallow frying reduces oil absorption compared to deep frying. This dish is naturally vegan and cholesterol-free, making it suitable for plant-based diets. Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index than regular potatoes, supporting steady energy release.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Slice sweet potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking and crispiness.
- 💡Tip 2: Rest the batter for 5-10 minutes before using to allow the flours to hydrate.
- 💡Tip 3: Use a wire rack to drain fried pieces instead of paper towels for extra crispness.
Storage & Serving
Khoai Lang Chiên is best enjoyed fresh and hot for maximum crispiness. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore some crispness before serving.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 195.0 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30.0 g |
| Total Fat | 8.0 g |
| Fiber | 3.0 g |
