Sweet & Crispy! Super Easy Homemade Sweet Potato Candies (Matang)
Nostalgic Snack: Sweet Potato Candies (Matang)
A burst of sweetness! Craving some sweet potato candies? I’ll show you the simplest way to make them at home. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, sweet interior! These are perfect as a snack for kids or a trip down memory lane for adults.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes (medium size), 2-3 pieces
- Cooking oil (for frying), ample amount
- Oligosaccharide, 2 Tbsp
- Brown sugar, 2 Tbsp
- Cinnamon powder (optional, for extra flavor!) a pinch
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes that will be the star of your matang. Scrubbing with a brush to remove any remaining soil is recommended for cleanliness. Then, peel the sweet potatoes using a peeler or a knife.
Step 2
Cut the peeled sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. If they are too small, they might break apart easily, and if too large, they may not cook through. Aim for pieces about 2-3 cm, which are perfect for a single bite. This size is also convenient for children to eat.
Step 3
Soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps prevent oil splattering when frying and contributes to a crispier texture. For added sweetness and to prevent browning, you can add 1 Tbsp of brown sugar to the soaking water.
Step 4
Drain the sweet potatoes and place them in a separate bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid, and microwave for about 5 minutes. This pre-cooks the sweet potatoes, reducing frying time and ensuring a tender interior.
Step 5
After microwaving, carefully pat the sweet potatoes dry with paper towels. It’s crucial to remove any remaining moisture, as this can cause dangerous oil splattering when frying. Pay close attention to this step for safety.
Step 6
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot enough, carefully add the dried sweet potato pieces and fry them. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and fry until they are golden brown and look deliciously cooked on all sides.
Step 7
Check if the sweet potatoes are cooked through by piercing them with a chopstick or fork; they should be tender. Remove the cooked sweet potatoes and drain them on a rack. Pour out most of the oil from the frying pan, leaving only about 2 Tbsp. (You can save the drained oil to use for frying eggs later!)
Step 8
Now, let’s make the delicious syrup! Add 2 Tbsp of brown sugar and 2 Tbsp of oligosaccharide to the remaining oil in the pan. Stir gently over low heat until the sugar dissolves and forms a syrup.
Step 9
Once the syrup starts to bubble, carefully add the fried sweet potatoes back into the pan. Stir and toss them gently over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the syrup to coat each piece evenly. Continue cooking until the syrup thickens into a glaze, being careful not to burn it. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon powder at this stage.
Step 10
Your sweet and delightful sweet potato candies (Matang) are ready! Making them at home adds an extra touch of love and deliciousness. Enjoy these classic Korean snacks, which are delightful whether served warm or at room temperature. Share them with your family!
