Bang Bang Tater Tots

Deep-fried tater tots tossed in a sweet-and-spicy Thai chile-lime glaze with peanuts, herbs and fresh chiles.

Ingredients

• 2 quarts peanut oil, for frying
• 4 cups frozen tater tots

Salt

• 1 tsp red chile flakes
• 2 tsp black sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 12 slices fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp crushed peanuts
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp chopped mint
• 2 tbsp minced cilantro
• 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
• Garnish: 1 tbsp toasted crushed peanuts, small handful mint leaves, 1 tbsp sliced scallions

Directions

1. Heat the peanut oil to 385F in a large heavy pot or wok. Fry the tater tots until brown and crisp, 5 to 6 minutes, then drain and season with salt.
2. Toast the chile flakes and sesame seeds in a saute pan over medium heat for 1 minute.
3. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and stir until the sugar dissolves, then cook about 3 minutes until thickened.
4. Add the hot tater tots and toss to coat completely, about 1 minute.
5. Transfer to a plate and top with peanuts, mint and scallions.

Notes

Andrew Zimmern’s bang bang tater tots, inspired by a dish he ate while filming in Portland, Oregon.