Welcome back to Chelsea's K-Food Recipes! Today, we’re making a popular Korean snack—Candied Sweet Potatoes (맛탕, Matang). These crispy, caramelized sweet potato chunks are coated in a light syrup and have a delightful crunchy exterior with a soft, creamy center. Matang is perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, and it’s super easy to make at home. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium Korean sweet potatoes (고구마, Goguma), peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup honey (optional)
- 1/4 cup oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch thick.
- Soak the sweet potato chunks in cold water for about 10-15 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Fry the Sweet Potatoes
- In a frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure there is enough oil to submerge at least half of the sweet potato chunks.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the sweet potato chunks and fry for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove the sweet potatoes from the oil and drain on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
3. Make the Syrup
- In a small pan, melt the sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and turns a light golden brown.
- If you want a richer syrup, add honey and mix until combined.
- Be careful not to overcook the sugar, as it can burn quickly.
4. Coat the Sweet Potatoes
- Add the fried sweet potato chunks into the pan with the syrup and toss them gently until fully coated with the caramelized sugar mixture.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the candied sweet potatoes to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious snack or dessert.
Tips for Perfect Matang:
- Be sure to pat the sweet potatoes dry before frying to prevent the oil from splattering.
- Work quickly when coating the sweet potatoes with syrup, as the sugar will harden once it cools.
- For a softer version, you can drizzle a little honey over the top right before serving.
Matang is a crispy and sweet snack that’s perfect for any occasion. The balance between the caramelized coating and the soft sweet potato makes it a delightful treat for both kids and adults.
Thank you for visiting Chelsea's K-Food Recipes—stay tuned for more easy and delicious Korean dishes!