Caramelized Sweet Potatoes (Goguma Mattang)

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 30g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and peel them. Cut them into bite-sized chunks.
3. 3.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the sweet potato chunks. Boil for about 5-7 minutes until they are slightly tender but still firm.
4. 4.
   Drain the sweet potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel.
5. 5.
   In a non-stick skillet, heat the sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn it.
6. 6.
   Add the soy sauce and sesame oil to the melted sugar, stirring continuously until well combined.
7. 7.
   Add the boiled sweet potatoes to the skillet and coat them evenly with the caramel glaze.
8. 8.
   Transfer the sweet potatoes to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and the glaze has caramelized.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
10. 10.
    Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sweet potatoes — Make sure to choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free from any blemishes. Boiling them before baking ensures they are cooked evenly and have a soft texture.
• Soy sauce — Opt for a low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty flavor.
• Sesame oil — Use toasted sesame oil for a more pronounced nutty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crunch, you can sprinkle some crushed roasted peanuts over the caramelized sweet potatoes before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the caramel glaze.
• Make sure to keep an eye on the sugar while it's melting to prevent it from burning.
• Serve the Caramelized Sweet Potatoes as a side dish or as a delicious snack.

Serving advice

Serve the Caramelized Sweet Potatoes hot or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed as a side dish with Korean BBQ, rice, or as a standalone snack.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Caramelized Sweet Potatoes on a serving platter, drizzle any remaining caramel glaze over them, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an attractive presentation.