Pan Roasted Korean Sweet Potato

Roasted Korean sweet potatoes (gun goguma) are easy to make with this pan-roasting method. Get that perfect charred skin and caramelization, just like the ones from Korean street food vendors.

Korean sweet potatoes, known as goguma (고구마), are a tasty and wholesome snack that keeps you full for hours. They’re a favorite snack among Koreans.

When I was growing up in Korea, roasted sweet potatoes (gun-goguma, 군고구마) were my go-to snack, especially in winter. You’ll find street vendors all over Korea roasting them in wood-fired or hot pebble ovens.

The smell is irresistible, and they’re roasted to perfection—soft and caramelized inside with a crispy, charred skin. While not everyone has access to these special ovens at home, you can still replicate that flavor, texture, and aroma with simple methods!

If you love Korean sweet potatoes, don’t miss out on Mattang (caramelized sweet potatoes)—the deep-fried version with a sticky, sweet glaze. It’s another favorite Korean snack!

Oven-Baked vs. Pan-Roasted

While oven baked Korean sweet potatoes are common, I highly recommend pan roasting instead. Baking in the oven often results in a slightly dry interior and less caramelization.

Pan roasting at a low, steady temperature enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potato by breaking down starches into sugar. The direct contact with the hot pan helps the natural sugars caramelize, creating thin sugar threads on the skin for that perfect charred look.

All you need is a Dutch oven, heavy-bottom pan, or cast iron skillet with parchment paper. The steam trapped inside keeps the sweet potato flesh moist and honey-like.

Korean Sweet Potatoes vs. American Sweet Potatoes

Korean sweet potatoes have purplish skin with yellow or white flesh that is dense, dry, and starchy, depending on the variety. In contrast, American sweet potatoes have orange flesh with a higher water content. Korean varieties are generally much sweeter in flavor. Both work well for roasting or making desserts.

Varieties of Korean sweet potatoes

• Bam goguma (Chestnut sweet potatoes): These have a reddish-purple skin with white flesh that turns golden yellow when roasted. Named after chestnuts (“bam”), they have a dense, dry texture and a nutty flavor similar to Japanese sweet potatoes.
• Honey Sweet Potatoes (Kkul- Goguma): Recognizable by their deep yellow interior, these sweet potatoes are long, thin, and have reddish-purple skin. They are extremely sweet with a higher moisture content, making them soft and almost creamy when roasted.
• Pumpkin Sweet Potatoes (Hobak-Goguma): These have a juicier texture than chestnut sweet potatoes, with light brown skin and a more orange-colored flesh. When cooked, they become golden brown and develop a creamy texture.

Where to Buy: You can find them at Korean or Asian grocery stores, often labeled as Japanese sweet potatoes, Asian sweet potatoes, or Korean yams. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods usually carry them in late fall or winter. Choose firm, smooth-skinned potatoes of similar size for even cooking, and avoid overly large ones, as they take longer to roast.

How to pan-roast Korean sweet potatoes

Curing sweet potatoes

It’s best to let sweet potatoes cure before eating. Simply store them at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, placing them on newsprint in a cardboard box. This process converts starches to sugars, making them sweeter and more moist when cooked.

Pan-Roasting

Rinse the sweet potatoes and place them in a braiser or heavy-bottom pan lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat (or medium-low if needed) for 40-60 minutes, turning every 20 minutes for even roasting.

The sweet potatoes are ready when the skin looks slightly charred and the natural sugars have caramelized. When you lift them, you’ll notice a sticky residue, like thin sugar threads, on the surface.

To test if the sweet potatoes are done, insert a chopstick or toothpick. If it slides in smoothly without resistance, they are ready. Carefully use oven gloves to remove them from the pan and serve hot. Be cautious—they will be very hot!

Serving Suggestion: Sweet Potatoes with Kimchi

In Korea, roasted sweet potatoes are often paired with kimchi. The mix of sweet and savory flavors is incredibly delicious. Give it a try—enjoy!

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