Perfectly Boiled Potatoes
How to Boil Potatoes Deliciously in a Pot (Easy & Flavorful Recipe)
Potatoes are incredibly versatile, used in stir-fries, pancakes, stews, and more! However, when stored for too long, they can sprout or become mushy. This recipe will guide you on how to boil potatoes to perfection, preserving their fresh taste and achieving a wonderfully tender texture. (Tablespoon measurement is based on a standard Korean rice spoon).
Ingredients
- 6 small potatoes (approx. 448g)
- 700ml water
- 0.8 Tbsp coarse salt (for flavor and to prevent mushiness)
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar (for tenderness and a touch of sweetness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing 6 small, firm potatoes. Peel them thoroughly and then rinse them under cold running water to remove any dirt.
Step 2
Place the prepared potatoes into a pot. Add 700ml of water, ensuring the potatoes are fully submerged. It’s good to add a little extra water as some will evaporate during cooking.
Step 3
In the empty space within the pot, add 0.8 Tbsp of coarse salt. Coarse salt not only enhances the potato’s flavor but also helps prevent them from becoming overly soft and mushy during boiling.
Step 4
In the same empty space, add 1 Tbsp of brown sugar. Sugar contributes to a tender texture and adds a subtle sweetness, making even simply boiled potatoes delicious. Now, place the pot over high heat on the stovetop.
Step 5
Once the water comes to a rolling boil, you’ll notice foam rising to the surface. This is impurities from the potatoes. Use a spoon to skim off and discard this foam for a clearer and cleaner cooking liquid.
Step 6
After removing the foam, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium. Let the potatoes simmer gently for about 25 minutes. While 25 minutes is a good guideline, cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and type of potatoes.
Step 7
After 25 minutes, carefully lift the lid and pierce a potato with a chopstick or fork. If the chopstick or fork goes in smoothly and easily all the way to the center, the potatoes are perfectly cooked. If they still feel firm, cover and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 8
Transfer the deliciously boiled, hot potatoes to a plate. Your perfectly boiled potatoes using the pot method are now ready! (Tip: When I boiled them for 25 minutes, the water had almost completely evaporated, leaving very little behind. You can use this as a reference for adjusting the water level.)
