Thai Sweet Potato Balls (Kanom Kai Nok Krata)
This Thai sweet potato balls recipe is deep fried until crispy and golden, naturally vegan and gluten free with a chewy fluffy center.
Equipment
- kitchen scale or measuring cups
- steamer to cook the potatoes until soft
- Mixing bowl for mashing and combining the dough
- potato masher or fork to mash the sweet potatoes
- spider skimmer to stir and press the balls while frying
- deep frying pan or work
- paper towels or wire rack
Ingredients
- 9 oz sweet potatoes, purple and/or orange
- 2 tbsp pickling lime water, see notes
- just under 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 1/4 cups tapioca flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- oil, as needed for deep-frying
Instructions
- Cut sweet potatoes into chunks and steam until fork-tender, about 20 minutes.
- Mash the potatoes, then mix in tapioca starch, sugar, salt, and baking powder until it forms a crumbly, sand-like texture.
- Gradually add coconut milk and lime water (or ice-cold water). Knead until the dough is smooth and not sticky. Let rest for 20 minutes.
- Roll the dough into small, even balls.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-low. Add balls one at a time, avoiding crowding. Stir gently after 10 seconds to prevent sticking.
- Once they float, gently press and swirl them in the oil to help them puff. Fry for 5–10 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Notes
- Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
- Pickling lime water - Made from food-grade calcium hydroxide, this clear solution helps make the balls crisp outside and chewy inside. Find it at Asian grocery stores or online.
- You may need to adjust the coconut milk depending on the moisture in your sweet potatoes.
- A mixer or food processor makes dough prep easier.
- Press and swirl the balls while frying to help them puff and stay fluffy. Important!
Calories: 22kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 35mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 724IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.1mg