Quick Answer: How Do You Bake Korean Sweet Potatoes?
Korean sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy side dish that not only tastes divine but are also super easy to prepare in the oven. For optimal results, Korean sweet potatoes should be baked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how thick your potatoes are. Korean sweet potatoes taste great on their own, but for extra flavor can also be candied for added sweetness or combined with soy sauce for a savory touch.
If you’re a fan of American sweet potatoes, then Korean sweet potatoes are a must.
Like the ones you find in North America, the Korean sweet potato variation (also known as “goguma”) oozes with delicious hints of sweetness. In fact, they are even sweeter!
It’s important to note that there are several different types of Korean sweet potatoes, all of which possess their own unique flavors and textures.
- Bam Goguma (Chestnut Sweet Potatoes): as the name implies, this variation contains a chestnut flavor. When baked in the oven, bam goguma turns golden-yellow on the interior and red/purple on the exterior. It is also more dense and dry than what you may be used to and has a crispy outer layer when cooked.
- Mul Goguma (Water Sweet Potatoes): in terms of appearance, the mul goguma resembles chestnut sweet potatoes. The difference lies in the texture. Water sweet potatoes are significantly more moist. They also tend to be thinner and longer.
- Hobak Goguma (Pumpkin Sweet Potatoes): the appearance of the hobak goguma is similar to American sweet potatoes as it has light brown skin and orange flesh. This variant is sweet and creamy.
Regardless of what type you choose, Korean sweet potatoes always make for a delicious side dish in any meal- or even just as a snack if you’re craving a little something sweet.
Plus, goguma is full of health benefits as it is high in carbohydrates as well as fiber and important vitamins such as A, B2, potassium, iron and copper.
Oh, and did we mention Korean sweet potatoes are one of the key ingredients in many Korean skincare products?
If that’s not enough to convince you to try these starchy, sweet bundles of joy, we don’t know what will- especially when prepping them is so easy.
Although, like any other potato, you can boil goguma, Korean sweet potatoes are best made in the oven. Cooking them this way will give them a delectable roasted flavor as well as provide the skin with a lovely crispy, caramelized texture.
Honestly, these babies are so good they could be eaten as a dessert.
For more details on how to bake Korean sweet potatoes to perfection and what you can do to achieve an even sweeter or savory version of the original, make sure to check out the following sections.
How To Bake Basic Korean Sweet Potatoes?
For a simple and delicious approach to making Korean sweet potatoes, there’s nothing better than roasting them.
The skin on sweet potatoes is edible, so all you have to do is wash them, pop them in the oven and let the magic happen!
Check out this table for more details
Pro Tips
- In case you didn’t read the intro to this section, we mentioned that the skin on Korean sweet potatoes is actually edible, so if desired, you can simply leave it on. Otherwise, peel it as you would any other potato.
- The skin can also be removed after it is done baking and out of the oven.
- Poking a hole in the potatoes before putting them in the oven is important so that the steam can vent while they are roasting.
- Depending on the size of your potatoes, you will need to bake them for anywhere between 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Your potatoes will be done when you can slide a fork or toothpick into the thickest part effortlessly.
- The skin will also appear wrinkly and separate from the flesh easily when they are ready.
- In addition, the potatoes will let you know they’re done when a sugar liquid starts coming out of the puncture holes.
How To Bake Candied Korean Sweet Potatoes?
When you’re craving dessert but are trying to eat healthily, candied Korean sweet potatoes, or “Goguma Mattang,” are a great option.
This recipe only contains 4 ingredients and uses a sugary coating to enhance the sweetness of the sweet potatoes even more.
Here’s how to make it
Recipe Source: https://veggiekinsblog.com/2021/05/24/candied-korean-sweet-potato/
Pro Tips
- Depending on the size of your potatoes, you will need to bake them between 20-25 minutes.
- Your potatoes will be done when you can slide a fork or toothpick into the thickest part effortlessly.
- Transferring the potatoes to parchment paper is crucial for removing any excess oil (kind of like when you make bacon), so don’t skip this step!
- Serving the potatoes with water and ice isn’t necessary, but dipping them into cooler temperatures will help them to firm up, giving you a delectably crunchy experience.
How To Bake Korean Sweet-Soy Glazed Potatoes?
If you’re more of a savory person, don’t worry because we’ve got something for you, too.
Korean sweet-soy glazed potatoes, or “gamja bokkeum,” mixes the sweetness of the potatoes as well as additional sugar along with soy sauce for a perfect sweet and savory snack.
They’re super easy to make and are so good you’ll be addicted.
Like the previous recipe, this dish requires both the oven and the stovetop, so make sure to check out the following instructions for more details.
Recipe source: https://www.seriouseats.com/korean-soy-glazed-potatoes-gamja-bokkeum-recipe
Pro Tips
- Like the previous two recipes, depending on the size of your potatoes, you will need to bake them between 20-25 minutes.
- Your potatoes will be done when you can slide a fork or toothpick into the thickest part effortlessly.
- Using the oven provides your potatoes with a lovely roasted and crispy texture, however, if you prefer to prepare them in the saucepan with the glaze, this is also an option.
- To do this, simply add in your diced potatoes with a little oil in a pot and cook on medium-high heat until they are golden brown (approx. 5-6 minutes). After this, add in the ingredients for the glaze and continue as directed in the instructions.
- You may feel like your glaze is never going to thicken- it will. Just be patient!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between Korean And Japanese Sweet Potatoes?
The Japanese consume a sweet potato that is very similar to the chestnut sweet potato found in Korea. For this reason, they are often mixed up with one another.
Like the “bam goguma,” Japanese sweet potatoes contain a chestnut flavor and are also yellow on the inside and purple on the outside.
In terms of flavor, they are virtually the same, which is why they can be used interchangeably in recipes (in the grocery store, Korean sweet potatoes may even be called “Japanese sweet potatoes” or “Japanese yams”).
What Is The Difference Between American And Korean Sweet Potatoes?
Like the ones you find in North America, the Korean sweet potato variation oozes with delicious hints of sweetness. In fact, they are even sweeter!
There are several different types of Korean potatoes (check out the beginning of this article for more details). The one that is consumed most often and is most popular in terms of flavor is the “bam goguma,” which resembles the taste of chestnuts.
When it comes to texture, Korean sweet potatoes tend to be more dense and dry than the American variation and can be roasted at higher temperatures in the oven without becoming overly mushy.
How Do You Store Leftover Korean Sweet Potatoes?
Like American sweet potatoes, if you have any Korean sweet potato leftovers, you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
What Can You Serve With Korean Sweet Potatoes?
To stick with traditional American foods, you can serve Korean sweet potatoes with a variety of dishes, including roasted veggies and meat/fish (or tofu/seitan, if you’re vegan).
For a more unique experience that speaks to Korean cuisine, serve it with rice, cabbage and kimchi.
Or, if you would like it for dessert, you can even try it with ice-cream! (Check out the video below for more details).
Can You Eat The Skin Of Korean Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, regardless of the type or color, the skin of all Korean sweet potatoes is perfectly safe to eat!
How To Bake Basic Korean Sweet Potatoes?
Korean sweet potatoes are washed and placed in the oven on a baking sheet with small punctures on top for 45 minutes to 1 hour at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or until the texture is soft and fluffy.
Materials
- Sweet potatoes
Tools
- Oven
- Fork
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Set your oven to a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Retrieve your Korean sweet potatoes and wash them thoroughly under water
- Dry the potatoes
- Using a fork, poke 4-5 holes in the top of the potatoes
- Retrieve a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper
- Place the potatoes on the baking sheet
- Put the potatoes in the oven and cook for 45 minutes-1 hour
- When they are soft and fluffy, remove them and enjoy!
How To Bake Candied Korean Sweet Potatoes?
Potatoes are diced and then placed in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit before being coated in a sweet sauce that is prepared in a skillet on the stovetop. The sweet potatoes are then sprinkled with sesame seeds and, if desired, served with water and ice to increase the crunch factor.
Materials
- 1 large Korean sweet potato
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- ¼ cup cane sugar
- Black sesame seeds
- Salt
- Ice cubes (optional)
Tools
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife
- Skillet
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
- Set your oven to a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Wash and dry your potatoes thoroughly
- Cut your potato into small cubes (dice it), ensuring to leave the skin on
- Apply oil to the cubes generously
- If desired, also add some salt to the potatoes
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Place the potatoes on the baking sheet and then in the oven on the middle rack
- Cook for 20-25 minutes
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool
- Set a skillet on low heat
- Pour 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of sugar into the skillet
- Allow the sugar to melt fully
- Once the sugar begins to brown, swirl the mixture either using a spoon or by moving the pan in circular motions
- Once the mixture is golden brown, turn the heat off
- Place the potato cubes in the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated
- Prepare a piece of parchment paper
- Transfer the potatoes to the parchment paper
- Separate any chunks that are stuck together
- After a minute or so add sesame seeds to the potatoes
- If desired, serve with a bowl of water and ice cube chunks
How To Bake Korean Sweet-Soy Glazed Potatoes?
Potatoes are diced and roasted in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit before being coated in a stove-top-prepared sweet and savory glaze.
Materials
- Korean sweet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 medium grated clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Tools
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife
- Saucepan
- Heat-safe spoon
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
- Set your oven to a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Wash and dry your potatoes thoroughly
- Cut your potato into small cubes (dice it), ensuring to leave the skin on
- Apply oil to the cubes generously
- If desired, also add some salt to the potatoes
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Place the potatoes on the baking sheet and then in the oven on the middle rack
- Cook for 20-25 minutes
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, sugar, fish sauce and garlic
- Allow the mixture to rest until the sugar is dissolved (approx. 30 seconds)
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and allow it to cook on medium-high until it has developed into a thick, sticky, caramel-like consistency (stirring often)
- Add in the potatoes and make sure they are fully coated with the glaze
- Remove from heat and place in a bowl
- Sprinkle potatoes with sesame oil and sesame seeds and enjoy!
Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.
I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!
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