Korean Candied Sweet Potatoes (맛탕, Matang)

Welcome back to Chelsea’s K-Food Recipes! Today we’re making a beloved Korean sweet snack — Candied Sweet Potatoes (맛탕, Matang).

Crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and coated in a glossy caramel glaze — Matang is the perfect treat when you're craving something crunchy, sticky, and sweet. It’s incredibly simple to make at home, and always a hit with both kids and adults!

🍠 Ingredients

• 2 medium Korean sweet potatoes (고구마, goguma), peeled & cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup honey (optional)
• 1/4 cup oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks.
Soak in cold water 10–15 minutes to remove excess starch.
Drain and pat dry completely with a paper towel.

2️⃣ Fry the Sweet Potatoes

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
Fry sweet potato chunks 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp.
Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

3️⃣ Make the Syrup

In a small pan, melt sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Once light golden, add honey (optional) and mix well.
Be careful — sugar can burn quickly!

4️⃣ Coat the Sweet Potatoes

Add fried sweet potatoes to the syrup and toss to coat evenly.
Work quickly — the syrup hardens as it cools.

5️⃣ Garnish & Serve

Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

💡 Tips for Perfect Matang

• Dry the potatoes well before frying — moisture causes splatter
• Don’t walk away while melting sugar — it burns fast
• For extra shine, drizzle a little honey before serving

Matang is crunchy, sweet, and incredibly satisfying — a nostalgic Korean treat that never disappoints. Serve as a snack, dessert, or a sweet side dish to brighten any meal.

Thanks for visiting Chelsea’s K-Food Recipes — see you again soon for more tasty Korean dishes! 🇰🇷✨