Yam and meat stir fry is a popular dish that originated from the cuisines of West Africa and Southeast Asia. It is a simple, yet flavorful and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of yams, meat, and vegetables creates a delightful harmony of textures and flavors that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we will take you through the process of preparing a delicious yam and meat stir fry, and we will also provide you with some helpful tips and variations to make the dish even more enjoyable.
What You Need to Know About Yams
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk a bit about yams. Yams are a type of root vegetable that is often confused with sweet potatoes. While both yams and sweet potatoes are starchy vegetables, they are not the same thing. Yams are generally larger and starchier than sweet potatoes, with a drier, rougher skin that is often brown or black in color. They have a nutty, earthy flavor and a firm, starchy texture that makes them perfect for boiling, roasting, or frying.
Choosing the Right Meat
The type of meat you choose for your yam and meat stir fry is entirely up to you. You can use beef, pork, chicken, or even lamb, depending on your personal preferences. If you are using beef or pork, it’s best to use thinly sliced cuts, such as ribeye or sirloin, to ensure that they cook evenly and quickly. If you are using chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Lamb is also a great option, as it adds a rich, gamey flavor to the dish.
Preparing the Ingredients
- 2 large yams, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound of meat (beef, pork, chicken, or lamb), cut into thinly sliced pieces
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Cooking the Yams
Before you start stir-frying the yams and meat, you need to cook the yams until they are tender. You can do this by boiling them in water or by roasting them in the oven. If you are boiling the yams, place them in a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the yams are tender when pierced with a fork. If you are roasting the yams, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the yams on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned.
Stir-Frying the Yams and Meat
Once the yams are cooked, it’s time to stir-fry them with the meat and vegetables. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it is translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Next, add the sliced meat to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside.
Add the cooked yams to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and crispy. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil to the skillet and stir-fry for another minute, until the yams are coated in the sauce.
Finally, add the cooked meat back into the skillet and stir-fry for another minute, until everything is well combined.
Seasoning and Garnish
Once the yam and meat stir fry is cooked, remove it from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- Use different types of meat, such as shrimp or tofu, to change up the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli, to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
- Use different seasonings, such as cumin or coriander, to give the dish a unique flavor.
- Serve the yam and meat stir fry with rice, noodles, or bread to make it a more filling meal.
READ MORE: Why Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry?