RECIPE: Spicy Cilantro Tater Tots

There’s a special place in my heart for tater tots. Those crispy, light, starchy (yeah yeah) little wonders that you can smother in cheese, cilantro, sriracha, and ketchup…are sent from heaven. I’m convinced.

On a slightly bored day, I decided to recreate these in my home. Forget the lingering smell of golden frying oil…anything was worth getting these bits made. And yes, many photos ensued. They’re cheap, cheerful, and astoundingly easy to make.

INGREDIENTS:

• Yukon Gold Potatoes – you don’t need too many, so I used about 5 medium sized ones
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp white all purpose flour
• 1 cup (or more) of corn oil / veggie oil / your choice for frying
• 2 tsp of chopped cilantro
• 2 tsp of ketchup
• 1 tsp of sriracha

METHOD:

1. Rinse and peel potatoes
2. Boil them in salted water until a little tender
3. Let cool, then grate with a medium grater size (I use a regular grater, not box)
4. Dry them out with a paper towel
5. Mix in garlic powder, paprika, flour, salt and pepper
6. Shape into small tots and fry! I heat the oil up in a cast iron pan. Make sure it’s hot enough when you get them in there, otherwise you’ll end up getting soggy tots 😭😭😭  Careful not to crowd the tots – fry and give them some individual love. Should be 3-4 minutes in total
7. Fry, drain on a paper towel lined plate / bowl, merchandise with cilantro, and ENJOY.