What To Know
- Korean sweet potatoes, often referred to as “Goguma” in Korean, are a distinct variety with a vibrant orange flesh and a naturally sweet flavor.
- The sweet potato is sauteed with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, resulting in a savory and slightly sweet dish.
- Prick the sweet potato with a fork several times to prevent it from bursting in the oven.
Korean cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, bold spices, and unique ingredients. One such ingredient that often steals the show is the humble sweet potato, a staple in many Korean dishes. From savory side dishes to decadent desserts, the versatility of Korean sweet potato is truly remarkable. But if you’re wondering how to cook Korean sweet potato and unlock its full potential, you’ve come to the right place.
1. The Sweet Potato: A Culinary Star
Korean sweet potatoes, often referred to as “Goguma” in Korean, are a distinct variety with a vibrant orange flesh and a naturally sweet flavor. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal.
2. Preparing the Sweet Potato for Culinary Adventures
Before you can embark on your Korean sweet potato cooking journey, you need to prepare the potato. Here’s a simple guide:
- Washing and Peeling: Start by thoroughly washing your sweet potatoes under running water. You can peel them with a vegetable peeler, but leaving the skin on adds a delightful texture and nutritional boost.
- Cutting: Cut the sweet potatoes into the desired size and shape. For stir-fries, you can slice them into thin pieces. For oven-baked dishes, chunks or wedges work well.
3. Stir-fried Sweet Potato: A Flavorful Korean Side Dish
Stir-fried sweet potato, known as “Goguma Jorim,” is a beloved Korean side dish. The sweet potato is sauteed with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, resulting in a savory and slightly sweet dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized sweet potato, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions:
1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
2. Add the sweet potato pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
3. Add the minced garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender and the sauce has thickened.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
4. The Delectable “Goguma Matcha Latte”
For a sweet and comforting treat, try making a “Goguma Matcha Latte.” This unique blend combines the earthy sweetness of sweet potato with the vibrant green tea flavor of matcha.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized sweet potato, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Instructions:
1. Boil the water in a small saucepan. Add the sweet potato chunks and brown sugar. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.
2. Once the sweet potato is cooked, blend it with the water until smooth.
3. Heat the milk in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
4. Whisk in the matcha powder until it dissolves completely.
5. Combine the sweet potato puree with the warm milk and matcha mixture.
6. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Goguma Matcha Latte!
5. Sweet Potato Noodles: A Healthy and Delicious Option
Korean sweet potato noodles, also known as “Dangmyeon,” are a popular ingredient in various dishes. They’re gluten-free, low in calories, and have a delightful chewy texture.
How to Cook Dangmyeon:
1. Place the dried sweet potato noodles in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for about 30 minutes, or until they become soft and pliable.
2. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water.
3. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender.
4. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water again.
5. The noodles are now ready to be used in your favorite Korean recipes!
6. Baked Sweet Potato: A Simple and Versatile Treat
Baked sweet potato is a classic Korean comfort food. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly versatile, and can be enjoyed in countless ways.
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and dry the sweet potato. You can leave the skin on for added flavor and texture.
3. Prick the sweet potato with a fork several times to prevent it from bursting in the oven.
4. Place the sweet potato on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until it is tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Once baked, you can enjoy it as is, or add toppings like butter, honey, or cinnamon.
7. The Sweet and Savory “Gogumajeong”
“Gogumajeong” is a traditional Korean sweet potato jam. It’s a sweet and savory spread that can be enjoyed on bread, crackers, or used as a glaze for meats.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the sweet potato chunks, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, sesame oil, ginger, and black pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender and the sauce has thickened.
3. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to puree the sweet potato mixture.
4. Continue to cook the jam over low heat for another 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. Let the jam cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
Sweet Conclusion: A World of Sweet Potato Delights
Korean sweet potato is a culinary treasure waiting to be explored. From savory stir-fries to decadent desserts, there’s a world of delicious possibilities waiting for you. So, embrace the sweet and savory flavors of Korean cuisine and discover the magic of Goguma!
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Can I use regular sweet potatoes for Korean recipes?
A: While regular sweet potatoes can be used, Korean sweet potatoes have a distinct flavor and texture that make them ideal for traditional recipes.
Q: How do I know if a sweet potato is ripe?
A: Ripe sweet potatoes will feel firm but not hard to the touch. Avoid potatoes that are soft or have any signs of damage.
Q: Can I freeze sweet potatoes?
A: Yes, you can freeze sweet potatoes. Peel and cut them into chunks, then blanch them for a few minutes before freezing.
Q: What are some other ways to use Korean sweet potato?
A: Korean sweet potato can be used in soups, stews, salads, and even as a filling for dumplings and pastries.
Q: Where can I find Korean sweet potatoes?
A: Korean sweet potatoes can be found at Asian grocery stores or online retailers.
