Sweet and Crunchy Sweet Potato Kkakdugi (Cubed Radish Kimchi)
Sweet and Crunchy Sweet Potato Kkakdugi (Cubed Radish Kimchi)
A Delicious Seasonal Side Dish: Sweet Potato Kkakdugi
Sweet potatoes are wonderfully sweet and delicious right now! While we often enjoy them roasted or steamed, today we’re making a unique side dish. It’s Sweet Potato Kkakdugi! I recall it being quite popular the last time I made it, so I’m making it again.
Main Ingredients- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- A small bunch of sea purslane (or chives, green onions as a substitute)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, fine grind)
- 1/4 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of ginger powder
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, fine grind)
- 1/4 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of ginger powder
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare two medium-sized sweet potatoes. Peel them thoroughly. Then, dice them into approximately 1.5cm (about 0.6 inches) cubes. Rinse the cubed sweet potatoes under running water a couple of times to remove excess starch. This step is crucial for achieving a crispier texture.
Step 2
Next, prepare the vegetables to be mixed with the kkakdugi. Sea purslane offers a lovely fragrant touch, but if it’s unavailable, don’t hesitate to use chives or green onions. Wash the greens under cold running water and chop them into bite-sized pieces, about 3cm (about 1.2 inches) long.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients: 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (or soy sauce), 1 tablespoon of plum extract, 1.5 tablespoons of gochugaru, 1/4 tablespoon of minced garlic, a pinch of ginger powder, and finally, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Mix them well to create the seasoning paste.
Step 4
Add the drained sweet potato cubes and the prepared sea purslane (or alternative greens) to a mixing bowl. Pour the seasoning paste over them. Gently toss the ingredients together with a spatula or your hands, being careful not to mash the sweet potatoes. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. (Tip: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, you can lightly salt the sweet potato cubes and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes before draining the water and proceeding. However, mixing them directly as is also yields delicious results.)
Step 5
Your sweet and crunchy Sweet Potato Kkakdugi is ready! It’s delicious served immediately, but it also tastes wonderful chilled from the refrigerator. Enjoy this unique and delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with rice or can even be enjoyed as a refreshing side salad.
