Spicy and Sweet Braised Potatoes
Spicy and Sweet Braised Potatoes
Easy Spicy and Sweet Braised Potatoes Recipe – Perfect for a Home-Cooked Side Dish!
Potatoes are in season and taste absolutely delicious right now! Instead of making the usual stir-fried shredded potatoes, why not try making them into a spicy braised dish? This recipe offers a delightful balance of spicy and sweet flavors with a wonderfully chewy texture that’s perfect for a hearty meal.
Main Ingredients- 2 medium potatoes (or 3 small ones)
- 1 Tbsp minced green onion
- Cooking oil
- Sesame oil
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds
- 1 cup (200ml) water
Spicy and Sweet Sauce- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
This recipe uses 2 medium-sized potatoes. If your potatoes are small, feel free to use 3 to achieve a similar quantity. You can slightly adjust the amount of water and sauce based on the potato volume.
Step 2
Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes, about 2cm in size. Place the cut potatoes in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch. This step helps prevent the potatoes from breaking apart during braising and results in a chewier texture.
Step 3
While the potatoes are soaking, finely mince the green onions. These will add a fresh aroma towards the end of cooking.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the key ingredient for our delicious spicy and sweet braised potatoes: the sauce. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of corn syrup, 1 tablespoon of gochujang, and 1 tablespoon of gochugaru. Mix well until there are no lumps. The sugar and corn syrup will add sweetness and a glossy finish, while the gochujang and gochugaru provide a pleasant spiciness that enhances the potato’s flavor.
Step 5
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add cooking oil and sesame oil in a 1:1 ratio. Add the drained potatoes and stir-fry them until they are lightly browned and slightly seared. Searing the potatoes in oil first creates a firmer exterior, preventing them from falling apart during the braising process and helping them maintain their shape. This also infuses the potatoes with a subtle savory oil flavor.
Step 6
Once the potatoes are nicely browned, pour in 1 cup (200ml) of water. The water should come up to about half or two-thirds of the potato level.
Step 7
Add all the prepared spicy and sweet sauce to the pan, mixing it well with the potatoes. Stir to ensure the sauce coats the potatoes evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Starting with high heat helps the sauce reduce quickly.
Step 8
Once the sauce is boiling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium-low. From this point on, stir occasionally, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent the potatoes from sticking, as the sauce thickens. Continue to braise until the potatoes are fully cooked and the sauce has reduced to a thick glaze. This slow simmering process allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the potatoes.
Step 9
When the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened to a glaze consistency, turn off the heat and drizzle a little sesame oil over the dish. The nutty aroma of sesame oil will further enhance the overall flavor profile.
Step 10
Finally, garnish with the minced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Your delicious Spicy and Sweet Braised Potatoes are ready! This dish is incredibly satisfying served over a bowl of warm rice.
