Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
Korean Sweet Potatoes are sweet, healthy, and filling. It’s a common winter snack in Korea but you can make this ahead and consume it anytime!
Korean Sweet Potatoes or Gungoguma are what we used to eat during winter. As kids, would play outside in the snow and a bike with a big “drum can” would come along. What we do is get one each and despite the frozen fingers we have, it warms up in the steam of the roasted goguma.
Every time I eat these sweet potatoes, I remember all that good stuff. Apart from that, when I uploaded my video I saw people sharing that their Korean workmates or uncles and aunts would bring these to their workplaces to share with them. It’s a very simple food with a very simple way of cooking, but the togetherness it brings among family and friends is so valuable so I’d love to share this recipe with everyone!
Korean Sweet Potatoes vs American Sweet Potatoes
Right off the bat, there are a lot of sweet potato variations in different places especially in Asia. And even in Korea, there are already four variations of it that are local in our country.
Nevertheless, Korean Sweet Potatoes are smaller, purple on the outside, and yellow on the inside when cooked. It has a lower water content which makes it perfect as a roasted or baked snack because it retains a dry but fluffy interior when cooked. It is also sweeter than American sweet potatoes.
On the other hand, American Sweet Potatoes are almost as big as regular potatoes with beige-orange skin and orange flesh. It has a higher water content which makes its texture very similar to pumpkins. It’s perfect for mashing which can then be used in many different ways like casseroles, side dishes, desserts, or drinks.
Where to Buy Korean Sweet Potatoes?
Korean Sweet Potatoes are actually very similar in appearance and taste to Japanese Sweet Potatoes so they commonly become interchangeable. You can commonly find these in your local Asian groceries, farmer’s markets, or even Whole Foods. This is actually a very healthy carbohydrate in Korea and is a staple when people go on a diet.
When choosing sweet potatoes, make sure that the skin is smooth and there are no deep holes on the outside. The color should be bright purple and is not discolored. There’s no preparation needed for this that’s why we need the “prime” sweet potatoes available.
Different Methods to Cook Korean Sweet Potato
Disclaimer: I get a small commission at no additional cost to you when you make a qualified purchase under the affiliate links.
While this kind of potato is versatile and can be turned into fries or a candied side dish, we will be focusing on the baked or roasted means of cooking it.
Generally, you can use the air fryer or the oven to make this. No need to poke or cover them, just clean them and place them in the oven for 500F for 25 minutes or 400F for 40 minutes.
Higher temperatures will roast the sweet potatoes and will result in lesser cooking time and a more crispy exterior. On the other hand, the lower temperature will bake it resulting in a longer cooking time and caramelized exterior. Either way, the burnt or caramelized skin makes it extra good!
Once it is cooked, let them rest for a couple of minutes so that the skin naturally separates from the flesh allowing you to peel without breaking its form.
How to Eat Korean Sweet Potatoes?
There are a variety of ways you can eat this:
- Consume it as it is. Honestly, it’s good on its own. It doesn’t need any salt or sugar, but of course, that depends on you. This is naturally sweet and filling and you won’t need anything to enhance its flavor. You can eat the skin or not, that’s up to you too. Either way, just clean them before baking or roasting.
- Eat it with Kimchi. This is quite an unlikely combo, but it works. Put a piece of kimchi on top of the sweet potato and take a big bite. You honestly just have to try to know. The sweetness perfectly complements the spice.
- Make Gamjajeon with Sweet Potato. This is a recipe I made accidentally and turned out so good! It’s kind of like a honey butter pancake and it’s a perfect snack for kids and adults alike.
Generally, these are best when consumed hot, but you can also leave them on the countertop and eat them at any time. You can place them in a clean container and store them in the fridge for a week too. Perfect snack every time!
Other snacks you may like:
- Sriracha Chicken Wings
- Soy Garlic Chicken Wings
- Loaded Kimchi Fries
- Korean Potato Pancake
- Spicy Dried Squid
Make sure to leave a rating, a comment, or tag me onFacebook,Instagram, orTiktokwhen you chop them up! Yeobosayo!
Print Recipe
Korean Sweet Potatoes (Gungoguma)
Korean Sweet Potatoes are sweet, healthy, and filling. It’s a common winter snack in Korea but you can make this ahead and consume it anytime!
Cook Time40 minutes mins
Total Time40 minutes mins
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Korean
Keyword: Gungoguma, Korean Sweet Potatoes
Servings: 1
Author: Chef Chris Cho
Equipment
Air Fryer or Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pc Korean Sweet Potato
Instructions
Rinse the potato, making sure there’s no dirt remaining on the skin.
Cook in the air fryer or oven for 400F for 40 minutes or 500F for 25 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Video
Posted By: Chef Chris Cho · In: Non-Spicy, Snack, Vegetables and Fruits
