Crispy & Sweet! Sweet Potato Candy (Goguma Mattang) Recipe
Sweet Potato Candy, Steamed Sweet Potato Dish, Goguma Pass, Recommended Kids Snack, Easy Mattang Making
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of homemade sweet potato candy (Goguma Mattang), a beloved treat for all ages! Using freshly harvested sweet potatoes, let’s recreate this classic Korean dessert, often called the original ‘K-candy apple’. A clever tip to make it even easier and crispier: steam the sweet potatoes first! This reduces frying time, minimizes oil absorption, and results in an exceptionally crunchy texture. Discover the benefits of using the peel and secrets to achieving perfect crispiness. Let’s get started!
Main Ingredients
- 4 Sweet Potatoes (approx. 474g after preparation)
- 4 Tbsp Cooking Oil (for frying)
- 3 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Oligosaccharide)
Optional Add-ins
- Cashew nuts (crushed)
- Black sesame seeds
- Cashew nuts (crushed)
- Black sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s wash our star ingredient, the sweet potatoes, thoroughly. If you’re wondering whether to peel them, remember that the skin is rich in beneficial compounds that aid digestion and are packed with antioxidants, contributing to anti-aging effects. Dietary fiber is also concentrated near the skin, so consuming sweet potatoes with their peel on is healthier.
Step 2
Using a dedicated kitchen brush, gently scrub away any dirt from the sweet potatoes. Since we’ll be keeping the peel on, carefully cut away any blemishes or bruised spots. Now, cut the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. While uniform shapes are nice, I personally find that rustic, unevenly cut pieces make for a more delightful mattang experience. Feel free to cut them as you please!
Step 3
After cutting, soak the sweet potato pieces in cold water for about 10 minutes. This step helps prevent browning and removes excess starch, leading to a cleaner taste and texture in the final dish.
Step 4
Rinse the sweet potato pieces thoroughly under running water after they have soaked for 10 minutes.
Step 5
Place the rinsed sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high (700W) for about 4 minutes, or until slightly tender. This pre-cooking step significantly reduces frying time, allowing the sweet potatoes to absorb less oil and become wonderfully crispy. When microwaving, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, poking a few holes in the wrap to allow steam to escape.
Step 6
For an added nutty flavor, consider incorporating some nuts. I’ll be using crushed cashew nuts to enhance the taste. Feel free to use any nuts you have on hand, like walnuts or almonds.
Step 7
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan – enough to cover the sweet potato pieces about halfway. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the pre-cooked sweet potato pieces. Fry them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. Since they are already partially cooked, this won’t take long. Remove the fried sweet potatoes and place them on a wire rack for 2-3 minutes to drain excess oil. This step further enhances their crispiness.
Step 8
In the same frying pan, add 4 tablespoons of cooking oil and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Heat over medium-low heat without stirring. The key here is to let the sugar melt naturally. Gently swirl the pan by moving the handle, allowing the heat to distribute evenly. Watch carefully as the sugar melts and turns a beautiful caramel color. The moment it reaches this stage, quickly add the fried sweet potatoes, crushed cashew nuts, and black sesame seeds. Toss everything vigorously to coat evenly. Turn off the heat immediately to prevent the sugar syrup from burning – this is crucial for a perfect mattang!
Step 9
My syrup may have gotten a tad darker than intended, but I’ll mix it in quickly! (Speed is key!) If you see the syrup stretching like threads, it’s a sign of success. Before the syrup hardens, quickly transfer the sweet potato candy onto a serving plate that has been lightly greased with oil. Arrange them with a little space between each piece. This prevents them from sticking together as they cool and harden. As the syrup cools, it will create a satisfyingly crisp coating.
Step 10
After a short while, your wonderfully crispy and delicious sweet potato candy (Goguma Mattang) will be ready to enjoy! It’s the perfect dessert for special occasions, a delightful treat for kids, or a satisfying snack anytime.
