Bacon Braised Potatoes
Bacon Braised Potatoes
Rich & Flavorful Bacon Braised Potatoes: An Enhanced Recipe
Discover the delightful texture of these braised potatoes – slightly firm yet wonderfully chewy. This recipe elevates the classic dish by topping it with crispy, pan-fried bacon for an incredibly savory and satisfying side dish that perfectly complements rice. While potatoes are a common ingredient, this preparation offers a unique flavor profile that will have you coming back for more.
Main Ingredients- 3 medium potatoes
- 3 strips of bacon
- 3-4 Korean green chili peppers (or red chili peppers)
- A small bunch of scallions
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin your delicious potato braise by preparing 3 medium-sized potatoes. Peel them thoroughly.
Step 2
Cut the peeled potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch. This step is crucial for preventing the potatoes from breaking apart during cooking, keeping the sauce clear, and achieving a cleaner taste by reducing any starchy or chalky texture.
Step 3
Slice 3-4 Korean green chili peppers into 2-3 pieces each for a touch of spice. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute with regular green peppers or omit them entirely.
Step 4
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a deep pan or pot. Add the cubed potatoes and stir-fry over medium heat. Sautéing the potatoes until their surface is lightly coated with oil helps them absorb the braising liquid more effectively.
Step 5
Once the potatoes start to look slightly translucent, pour in 2 cups of water (using a paper cup for measurement), ensuring the potatoes are mostly submerged.
Step 6
Add 2 tablespoons of fish sauce for a rich umami flavor and 4 tablespoons of soy sauce. If fish sauce is unavailable, you can substitute with soy sauce or oyster sauce, adjusting the soy sauce quantity to your preference.
Step 7
Cover the pan and bring the liquid to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently, allowing the potatoes to absorb the flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 8
As the liquid reduces to a simmer, add 2 tablespoons of corn syrup (or oligodang) for a glossy finish and sweetness. You can also use regular syrup or sugar. Feel free to adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your liking.
Step 9
After incorporating the sweetener and stirring well, add the sliced green chilies and simmer for a little longer. The chilies add a wonderful spicy aroma.
Step 10
The potatoes are ready when they are tender when pierced with a fork and the sauce has thickened to a desirable consistency. Turn off the heat and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds over the top for a nutty aroma.
Step 11
Let’s make the crispy bacon topping! Cut 3 strips of bacon into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 cm). Place the cut bacon in a dry skillet (no oil needed) and cook over medium heat until golden brown and crispy. This crispy bacon will elevate the flavor of your braised potatoes. (This step is optional but highly recommended!)
Step 12
Transfer the finished braised potatoes to a serving dish. Generously top with the crispy fried bacon and garnish with finely chopped scallions for a beautiful presentation. Your Bacon Braised Potatoes are now complete! Enjoy this delicious dish with a warm bowl of rice.
