Spicy Braised Potatoes
How to Make Deliciously Spicy and Sweet Braised Potatoes
My mom used to make this dish often when I was young, as it was my father’s favorite. After getting married, I really missed the home-cooked meals from my parents’ house. So, I called my mom for the recipe and now I often make this spicy braised potato dish. It’s a true rice thief!
Main Ingredients- 4 medium potatoes
- 1/2 onion
- 1 stalk green onion
Seasoning Ingredients- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (or corn syrup)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (or corn syrup)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Cutting them too large will take longer to cook, so aim for a moderate size. Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch; this will result in a cleaner braised dish.
Step 2
Next, thinly slice the onion. Layer the sliced onions at the bottom of the pot you’ll be using for braising. The sweetness from the onions will infuse into the potatoes, adding a delicious flavor, and it also helps prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom.
Step 3
Place the cut potatoes on top of the onions. Slice the green onion diagonally and scatter them over the potatoes. Layering the ingredients this way allows heat to distribute evenly, resulting in a more flavorful braised dish.
Step 4
Now it’s time to add the seasonings and braise. Pour about half a paper cup of water (approximately 100ml) into the pot. Add 4 Tbsp of soy sauce, 1 Tbsp of gochugaru, 1 Tbsp of sugar (add a little more if you like it sweeter), 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic (optional), a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Finally, add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil for a glossy finish. (You can substitute sesame oil for cooking oil if you prefer.) Cover the pot and simmer over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5
In between simmering, lift the lid occasionally to stir the potatoes gently, ensuring they don’t burn or stick to the bottom. Once the sauce has reduced to a desirable consistency and the potatoes are soft, your delicious spicy braised potatoes are ready! Serve hot over rice for a truly delightful meal. Don’t forget to mix the leftover sauce with your rice!
