1½ pounds Russet potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes), scrubbed
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup all-purpose flour
canola oil, for frying
1 scallion, sliced, for garnish (optional)
1 teaspoon black sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Heat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place the potatoes in the oven and bake for 35 - 40 minutes - you should be able to pierce them easily with a fork when they're done. When cool enough to handle, but still hot, peel the skin using a pairing knife (the skin should peel away easily). Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the potatoes into a large bowl. Add the salt, garlic powder, and mix to combine.
Using a teaspoon, scoop some of the potato mixture into the palm of your hand. Form into a small cylinder - it's less about rolling and more about gentle compression to make each tot. Place them on a sheet pan and repeat with the remaining potato mixture. (I found I didn't need flour in the mix, but If you're having difficultly with the tots taking shape, try stirring in 1 teaspoon of flour). Once completed, gently roll each tot in flour and place back onto the plate. Allow them to rest while you heat the oil.
Line another baking sheet with paper towels. Add ½ inch of oil to a frying pan and heat over medium-high heat. To check to see if the oil is hot enough, submerge a chopstick or wooden spoon into the oil until it touches the bottom - little bubbles should fizz up. When hot enough, carefully add the tots, about 8 - 10 at a time. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Do not stir them right away, or they will break apart. At the one minute mark, give them a gentle stir. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the tots to the paper towel lined baking sheet.
Serve with the spicy Asian dipping sauce and garnish with scallions and sesames. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
* If you prefer, you can use frozen tater tots. Simply add a 16 ounce bag of frozen tater tots to a large bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Toss to coat and bake according to the package directions.
*For a semi-homemade alternative, a reader suggested using 'Simply Potatoes, Shredded Hash Browns'. If you find that they're not sticking together to form a little tot, try giving a rough chop if the shreds are too long and adding a teaspoon of flour to the mix to help it bind together.
* If you would like to freeze the homemade tots, cool to room temp, and freeze in a single layer. Then store in an air-tight container or freezer bag. When ready to use, heat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake for 15 - 20 minutes, until crispy and warmed through.
Recipe by at https://hapanom.com/garlic-tater-tots-spicy-asian-dipping-sauce/