Crispy Korean Potato Dish Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that balances perfectly crispy edges with tender, flavorful potatoes, you have to try this Crispy Korean Potato Dish. It takes humble waxy potatoes and transforms them into a golden, crunchy treat bursting with spicy, tangy Korean flavors. The combination of gochugaru and gochujang with creamy vegan mayo, fresh herbs, and a hint of lime creates a mouthwatering experience that feels both comforting and exciting. This Crispy Korean Potato Dish is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress friends, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of essential ingredients that work together like a dream to deliver incredible texture, bold flavor, and vibrant color. Each element is straightforward but plays a pivotal role in making your Crispy Korean Potato Dish sing.

• 500 g small, waxy potatoes: Waxy potatoes hold their shape well and get wonderfully crispy when smashed and roasted.
• 1 teaspoon fine salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes, both in boiling and seasoning stages.
• 1 tablespoon melted plant-based butter or plain vegetable oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully while adding richness.
• ½ teaspoon powdered garlic: Adds a subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
• 1 teaspoon Korean chili powder (gochugaru) or crushed red chili flakes: Brings that signature gentle heat and smoky depth.
• 2 small shallots, finely chopped and peeled: Pickled briefly in lime juice, these add a fresh, tangy bite.
• Juice from half a lime: Brightens the dish and balances the richness of the sauce.
• 8 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise (such as vegan kewpie): Creates a creamy, tangy sauce that ties all the flavors together.
• 1-2 tablespoons Korean chili paste (gochujang): Adds a deep, umami-packed heat that complements the potatoes perfectly.
• 2 teaspoons plant-based fish sauce substitute: Provides savory, salty complexity to the sauce.
• A handful of fresh cilantro leaves, roughly broken apart: Offers herbal freshness and a pop of color.
• A small handful of fresh chives, finely sliced: Adds a mild onion note and vibrant green garnish.
• 1 teaspoon toasted black sesame seeds (optional): A nutty, decorative touch for added texture and visual appeal.

How to Make Crispy Korean Potato Dish

Step 1: Heat Up

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C with the fan on, or if you’re using an air fryer, get it warmed to 180°C. This initial step is key to ensuring your potatoes will turn out perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.

Step 2: Cook Potatoes

Rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt, then toss them into a pot of boiling water with one teaspoon of salt. Simmer gently until the potatoes are just soft enough to pierce easily with a fork—usually around 10 minutes. Drain them well and transfer to a medium bowl. This boiling method helps soften the potatoes but stops short of making them mushy.

Step 3: Flavor the Potatoes

While the potatoes are still warm, add the melted plant-based butter, garlic powder, Korean chili powder (gochugaru), and a pinch more salt. Toss everything together so that each potato gets evenly coated with this delicious seasoning mix, developing both flavor and a slight kick early on.

Step 4: Crush

Place the seasoned potatoes on a baking tray in a single layer. Grab the flat base of a sturdy jar or glass and gently press down on each potato until it is mostly smashed but still holds together. This crushing step increases the surface area that will get irresistibly crispy during roasting.

Step 5: Get Crispy

For oven cooking, pop the tray into the preheated oven and roast for about 20 minutes, until golden and crunchy around the edges. If you’re air-frying, arrange the potatoes in the basket and cook them for the same amount of time at 180°C, until they develop that signature crisp crust. Keep an eye on them near the end to avoid burning.

Step 6: Pickle Shallots

While the potatoes brown, prepare the pickled shallots by tossing the finely chopped shallots with lime juice in a small bowl. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to soften slightly and develop a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish perfectly.

Step 7: Mix Your Sauce

In the same bowl with pickled shallots, stir in vegan mayonnaise, Korean chili paste (gochujang), plant-based fish sauce substitute, and roughly torn cilantro leaves. Whisk everything well until smooth, creating a creamy sauce that’s both spicy and refreshing.

Step 8: Let Them Rest

Allow the crispy potatoes to cool for about 5 minutes once out of the oven or air fryer. This brief rest lets their texture set so the fries don’t become soggy when the sauce is added.

Step 9: Put Together Your Crispy Korean Potato Dish

Transfer the rested potatoes to a serving plate or bowl and drizzle half of your vibrant sauce over the top. Garnish with the finely sliced fresh chives and, if you like, a sprinkle of toasted black sesame seeds. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping or extra flavor boosts. Your Crispy Korean Potato Dish is now ready to wow!

How to Serve Crispy Korean Potato Dish

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like cilantro and chives add a lovely burst of color and herbal brightness, elevating the dish’s flavors and presentation. Toasted black sesame seeds bring an elegant nutty crunch, while a wedge of lime lets everyone customize the acidity to taste.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Korean Potato Dish pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides such as a crisp cucumber salad, steamed greens, or a simple kimchi for more Korean flair. It also stands out alongside grilled or pan-fried tofu or tempeh for a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the potatoes in small individual bowls drizzled with sauce and garnishes for a casual party appetizer. Or layer them in a glass casserole dish topped with extra sauce and herbs for a shareable centerpiece. These presentation ideas make the Crispy Korean Potato Dish even more inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The potatoes can lose some crispiness but will still taste fantastic when reheated.

Freezing

While this Crispy Korean Potato Dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked potatoes by flash-freezing them on a tray first, then transferring to freezer bags. Freeze for up to 1 month but note that the texture may change upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, use an oven or air fryer on medium-high heat to bring back as much crispness as possible without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that coveted crunchy texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of waxy potatoes?

You can, but waxy potatoes hold their shape better during boiling and smashing, helping achieve the crisp, golden exterior that defines this Crispy Korean Potato Dish.

What if I don’t have gochugaru or gochujang?

Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes for heat and a bit of miso paste mixed with chili powder to mimic the umami richness, though the authentic Korean flavor might be milder.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! All ingredients can be plant-based, including vegan mayonnaise and fish sauce substitutes, making this Crispy Korean Potato Dish perfect for vegans.

How spicy is this Crispy Korean Potato Dish?

The dish has a gentle to moderate heat level, which you can adjust by varying the amount of chili powder and chili paste according to your spice preference.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure any store-bought sauces like vegan mayonnaise or fish sauce substitutes are gluten-free. Potatoes naturally contain no gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Korean Potato Dish is an absolute gem to add to your cooking repertoire. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and full of character without being complicated. Whether you want a standout side dish or a snack to share, this recipe hits the spot every time. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite at your table—it’s hard to resist those perfectly crispy, spicy potatoes loaded with creamy sauce and fresh herbs!

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