Korean-style fries: A new twist on the classic favorite

French fries are one of the most popular dishes worldwide, but every cuisine has its unique version of this snack. In Korea, fries are prepared in a way that gives them a unique flavor and texture – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a secret sauce that sets them apart. The combination of a sweet and spicy marinade with the addition of garlic, ginger, and gochujang makes these fries unparalleled.

Korean-style fries are a quick and delicious snack that works great for parties, as a side dish for dinner, or simply as a tasty treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 4 potatoes
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 1.4 ounces of gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1.4 tablespoons of honey
• 1.4 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1.4 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 0.8-inch piece of fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon of light sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• Half a bunch of chives

Preparation:

1. Wash and peel the potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into thin strips, like classic French fries. If you want your fries to be crispier, you can soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes and then dry them with paper towels.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F. Fry the fries in batches until they are golden and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
3. Mix gochujang, honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, rice vinegar, finely chopped garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Mix everything well so the ingredients combine properly.
4. Transfer the hot fries to a large bowl and pour the prepared sauce over them. Gently mix to ensure the fries are evenly coated with the sauce. You can use kitchen tongs to make mixing easier.
5. Serve the Korean-style fries immediately, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and chopped chives. They are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with additional sauces like wasabi mayonnaise, garlic aioli, or sriracha.

Why try Korean-style fries?

Korean-style fries combine tradition and modernity—familiar fries in a completely new version. Thanks to gochujang and other Korean ingredients, they acquire a unique flavor that combines sweetness, spiciness, and umami. This dish will surprise your guests and surely become a favorite snack in your home. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, Korean-style fries are a perfect treat for any occasion!

Additional tips:

• Choosing potatoes: For fries, it's best to use type B or C potatoes, which have more starch and less water, making them crispier after frying.
• Alternative to frying: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the fries in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through baking to ensure they are evenly crispy.
• Experiment with toppings: Korean-style fries are great with various toppings, such as pickled vegetables, kimchi, or avocado slices.