I wish I knew this Sweet Potato recipe earlier, kids love it too

I wish I knew this Sweet Potato recipe earlier, kids love it too is a easy Korean recipe that serves 4. 215 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking Sky on YouTube.

Prep: 34 min | Cook: 28 min | Total: 1 hr 12 min

Cost: $25.58 total, $6.40 per serving

Ingredients

  • 400 g Sweet Potatoes (peeled and cut into small bite‑size pieces)
  • 100 g Glutinous Flour (also called sweet rice flour; gives a chewy texture)
  • 20 g Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 120 ml Milk (whole or 2% milk; can use plant‑based milk)
  • 10 g Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish; toast until golden)
  • 30 ml Vegetable Cooking Oil (for shallow frying; use a neutral oil)

Instructions

  1. Cut Sweet Potatoes

    Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into small, uniform pieces so they steam evenly.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Steam Sweet Potatoes

    Place the cut sweet potatoes in a steamer basket, cover, and steam over boiling water for about 20 minutes, or until fork‑tender.

    Time: PT20M

  3. Mash Hot Sweet Potatoes

    Transfer the hot potatoes to a large bowl and crush them while still hot using a dough roller (or a potato masher) until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add Dry Ingredients

    Sprinkle the glutinous flour and sugar over the mashed potatoes and stir briefly to combine.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Incorporate Milk and Knead

    Slowly pour the milk into the mixture while stirring. Knead the dough by hand for 5–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Shape the Cakes

    Roll the dough into a flat sheet, cut into small portions, roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into circles about 1 cm thick.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Add Sesame Garnish

    Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds evenly over the top of each flattened cake.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Heat Oil

    Add cooking oil to a frying pan and heat over low heat until it reaches 140 °C (use a thermometer).

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 140°C

  9. Fry the Cakes

    Place the cakes in the pan, fry for about 3 minutes on the first side, then flip and fry another 3 minutes until both sides are golden brown.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: 140°C

  10. Serve

    Remove the cakes with a spatula, let them rest a minute, then serve warm.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
215
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑free if using rice flour

Allergens: Milk, Sesame

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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I wish I knew this Sweet Potato recipe earlier, kids love it too

Recipe by Cooking Sky

Soft, flexible sweet potato cakes made with glutinous flour, lightly fried and topped with toasted sesame seeds. Perfect as a snack or side dish.

EasyKoreanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
29m
Prep
33m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 12m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$25.58
Total cost
$6.40
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Steam sweet potatoes until just tender (about 20 minutes).
  • Mash the potatoes while hot for a smooth puree.
  • Knead the dough until smooth; under‑kneading leads to a crumbly cake.
  • Heat oil to exactly 140 °C; too hot will burn the exterior.

Safety Warnings

  • Steam can cause severe burns – handle the steamer basket with oven mitts.
  • Hot oil at 140 °C can splatter – keep a lid nearby and never leave unattended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Sweet Potato Cakes in Korean cuisine?

A

Sweet potato cakes, known as goguma‑jeon, are a traditional Korean street‑food snack that dates back to the early 20th century when sweet potatoes became a staple crop. They are enjoyed as a light bite during market days and festivals, valued for their chewy texture and subtle sweetness.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Sweet Potato Cakes in Korean cuisine?

A

In the southern provinces, the cakes are often made thinner and fried crispier, while in the north they may be thicker and sometimes mixed with mung bean starch. Some regions add a hint of ginger or green onion for extra aroma.

cultural
Q

How is Sweet Potato Cake traditionally served in Korea?

A

Goguma‑jeon is typically served hot, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds, and accompanied by a light soy‑vinegar dipping sauce or a drizzle of honey. It is commonly eaten as a snack with tea or as a side dish with a larger Korean meal.

cultural
Q

During which Korean celebrations or occasions are Sweet Potato Cakes commonly enjoyed?

A

Sweet potato cakes are popular during harvest festivals, winter street markets, and family gatherings in colder months because the warm, sweet flavor is comforting. They also appear at school fairs and community events.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Sweet Potato Cakes, and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include sweet potatoes, glutinous (sweet rice) flour, a small amount of sugar, and toasted sesame seeds. Substitutes can be pumpkin or butternut squash for the potatoes, regular rice flour for glutinous flour (though texture changes), and honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with Sweet Potato Cakes?

A

Goguma‑jeon pairs nicely with kimchi‑jigae (kimchi stew), a simple bowl of doenjang‑jjigae (soybean paste stew), or a fresh cucumber‑mint salad. A cup of barley tea (bori‑cha) balances the sweetness beautifully.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Sweet Potato Cakes at home?

A

Common errors include over‑steaming the potatoes (making the puree watery), not kneading the dough enough (resulting in a crumbly cake), and frying at too high a temperature, which burns the exterior before the interior cooks through.

technical
Q

Why does this Sweet Potato Cake recipe use low‑heat oil at 140 °C instead of higher frying temperatures?

A

Low‑heat oil allows the interior of the cake to set and become soft while the outside slowly turns golden, preserving the cake’s characteristic chewiness. Higher heat would crisp the exterior too quickly and leave the inside undercooked.

technical
Q

Can I make Sweet Potato Cakes ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can steam and mash the sweet potatoes a day ahead, keep the puree refrigerated, and shape the cakes the next day. Uncooked cakes can be frozen on a tray and fried directly from frozen when needed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking Sky specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cooking Sky focuses on simple, home‑cooked Asian comfort foods, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize easy techniques and everyday ingredients for beginner to intermediate cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking Sky's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

A

Cooking Sky emphasizes minimal equipment and quick preparation, often using common household tools like a dough roller, whereas many Korean channels showcase more elaborate techniques or specialty cookware. Sky’s style is geared toward busy home cooks seeking authentic flavor with convenience.

channel

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