Crispy Korean Potato Dish with Zesty Shallot-Lime Sauce

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Aniela Recipes Team

There s something about the sound of potatoes crackling in the oven that brings me pure joy almost like a welcoming hug from the kitchen. You know those evenings when fast food just won t cut it? That s when I turn to this Crispy Korean Potato Dish, which satisfies those crunch cravings while packing in tons of flavor. One bite of the tender, smashed potatoes drenched in a zesty shallot-lime sauce, and you ll feel like you ve discovered a hidden gem right at home.

After a long week, I found myself reconnecting with my love for cooking. I wanted to escape the monotony of takeout and create something vibrant and exciting. This dish, with its fusion of Korean spices and creamy elements, became my go-to hero. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these smashed potatoes can easily elevate your weeknight meals or impress guests at gatherings. Plus, they re surprisingly simple to whip up! Let s dive into the recipe and transform your potato game forever.

Why is this Crispy Korean Potato Dish irresistible?

Jaw-dropping crunch: These smashed potatoes deliver a satisfying crispy exterior, making every bite a delightful crunch.
Zesty flavor explosion: The shallot-lime sauce adds a fresh, tangy twist that elevates the dish to new heights.
Easy to make: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time perfect for busy weeknights!
Vegan-friendly delight: This recipe caters to plant-based diets without sacrificing flavor, ensuring all your guests can enjoy it.
Crowd-pleaser: Serve it as an appetizer or side dish, and watch it disappear from the table in seconds!
For even more exciting home-cooked goodness, check out my other popular recipes that transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals.

Crispy Korean Potato Dish Ingredients

Get ready to indulge in a flavor-packed feast with these delightful ingredients!

For the Potatoes

• 500 g small, waxy potatoes These are perfect for achieving that signature crispy texture.
• 1 teaspoon fine salt Enhances the flavor of the potatoes while cooking.
• 1 tablespoon melted plant-based butter or plain vegetable oil Provides a rich flavor and helps achieve the crispiness.
• ½ teaspoon powdered garlic Adds a subtle garlic note that complements the dish.
• 1 teaspoon Korean chili powder (gochugaru) or crushed red chili flakes Brings a mild heat and a beautiful color.

For the Shallot-Lime Sauce

• 2 small shallots, finely chopped and peeled Imparts a lovely sweetness and slight sharpness to the sauce.
• Juice from half a lime Adds a zesty brightness that elevates the flavor profile.
• 8 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise Creates a creamy base for the sauce without using eggs.
• 1-2 tablespoons Korean chili paste (gochujang) For those who want a spicy kick, this ingredient is essential for a depth of flavor.
• 2 teaspoons plant-based fish sauce substitute Introduces umami without the animal products.

For Garnishing

• A handful fresh cilantro leaves, roughly broken apart Adds freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
• A small handful fresh chives, finely sliced Provides a mild onion flavor and beautiful contrast when sprinkled on top.
• 1 teaspoon toasted black sesame seeds (optional) Adds an attractive finish and nutty crunch to your dish.

This Crispy Korean Potato Dish makes use of simple yet impactful ingredients to deliver an experience that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds!

How to Make Crispy Korean Potato Dish

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C with the fan on, or prepare the air fryer at 180 °C. This ensures your potatoes will crisp up beautifully.

2. Rinse the potatoes under cold water, then place them into a pot of boiling salted water. Simmer for around 10 minutes until fork-tender, then drain and transfer them to a mixing bowl.

3. Combine melted plant-based butter, garlic powder, gochugaru, and a pinch of salt with the potatoes. Toss gently to ensure they re nicely coated in the flavorful mix.

4. Smash the potatoes by placing them on a baking tray and pressing them down with the flat base of a jar or glass until they are mostly smashed but still intact.

5. Roast the potatoes for about 20 minutes in the oven, or cook in the air fryer for the same duration until they are golden and crunchy.

6. Mix together the chopped shallots and lime juice in a bowl and let them sit for 5 minutes to soften the flavors.

7. Whisk in vegan mayonnaise, chili paste, vegan fish sauce, and cilantro into the shallot-lime mixture until it s smooth and creamy.

8. Cool the cooked potatoes for about 5 minutes before serving to allow for perfect plating and flavor melding.

9. Serve the potatoes on a lovely plate, drizzling half of the sauce over them. Finally, sprinkle with chives and optional sesame seeds for that extra flair. Enjoy the remaining sauce on the side!

Optional: Garnish with extra cilantro for a vibrant finish.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Crispy Korean Potato Dish?

When planning to indulge in this delightful crispy creation, consider adding vibrant companions to create a full meal experience.

• Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed with a touch of ginger, these tender green beans add freshness and crunch that balances the potatoes. The light garlic flavor echoes beautifully with the shallot-lime sauce.

• Lemongrass Tofu: Marinated in zesty lemongrass and grilled until crispy, this tofu introduces a savory protein that complements the potatoes textures and flavor profile.

• Spicy Kimchi Salad: A vibrant and tangy accompaniment, kimchi provides a fermented zing that cuts through the richness of the mayo sauce, making every bite more exciting.

• Sesame Cucumber Slaw: Crisp cucumbers tossed with sesame oil, vinegar, and a hint of sugar create a refreshing crunch that brightens any plate.

• Coconut Rice: Cooked in creamy coconut milk, this fragrant rice adds a delightful sweetness that harmonizes with the bold spices in the crushed potatoes.

• Chilled Sake or Soju: These traditional Korean beverages offer clean and crisp flavors that pair perfectly with the spice and heat of the dish, enhancing your dining experience.

• Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this luscious sweet treat introduces soft textures and tropical flavors that round off the meal with a delightful finish.

Mix and match these options for a well-rounded meal experience that makes your Crispy Korean Potato Dish shine even brighter!

How to Store and Freeze Crispy Korean Potato Dish

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the cooked potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight bag after they re frozen. Use within 2 months for best quality.

Reheating: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C until hot and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain that delicious crunch.

Sauce Storage: The shallot-lime sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before serving with your crispy Korean potato dish.

Make Ahead Options

These Crispy Korean Potato Dish smashed potatoes are perfect for meal prep and can save you precious time during busy weeknights! To prepare ahead, you can cook and smash the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the cooking directions, allow them to cool, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the shallot-lime sauce, you can mix the ingredients and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, keeping the flavors fresh and vibrant. When you re ready to serve, just reheat the potatoes in the oven at 200 °C for 10-15 minutes until crispy again, and drizzle the sauce over them. This way, you ll achieve that delightful crunch and rich flavor without the last-minute rush!

Expert Tips for Crispy Korean Potato Dish

• Perfect Potato Choice: Always opt for small, waxy potatoes. They hold their shape better and create that desired crispiness.

• Smash Gently: Don t over-compress the potatoes when smashing; you want them to crack open without turning into mush for peak texture.

• Watch the Time: Keep an eye on your potatoes as they roast. Cooking times can vary based on your oven or air fryer, so adjust if needed!

• Chili Content: Adjust the amount of gochujang to fit your spice tolerance. Start slow, as you can always add more but you can t take it away!

• Fresh Garnish: Don t skip the fresh herbs and sesame seeds! They not only add beautiful color but also enhance the flavors in your Crispy Korean Potato Dish.

Crispy Korean Potato Dish Variations

Feel free to mix it up and make this dish your own let your creativity shine in the kitchen!

• Sweet Potato Delight: Swap small waxy potatoes for sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter flavor and a vibrant color twist.

• Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the roasting potatoes for an aromatic twist that complements the shallot-lime sauce beautifully.

• Spicy Garlic: Increase the garlic powder or add minced fresh garlic to the sauce for an extra punch that garlic lovers will adore.

• Cheesy Option: Sprinkle nutritional yeast or vegan cheese over the potatoes for a cheesy flavor that adds richness and umami. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!

• Crispy Toppings: For an extra crunch, top with crushed nuts or seeds before serving, providing a delightful contrast to the tender potatoes.

• Flavor Variety: Experiment with different chili pastes or sauces like Sriracha or sambal oelek to customize heat levels according to your taste preferences.

• Mediterranean Touch: Include ingredients like olives or sun-dried tomatoes in the sauce for a Mediterranean twist this unexpected fusion brings a fresh and exciting flair.

• Creamy Avocado: Replace the vegan mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a creamy, avocado-rich sauce that adds healthy fats and a unique flavor profile.

Crispy Korean Potato Dish Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right potatoes for my crispy Korean potato dish?
Absolutely! When selecting potatoes, look for small, waxy varieties like Baby Yukons or Red Potatoes. They re ideal because they hold their shape well during cooking, ensuring that delightful crispy exterior while remaining fluffy inside. Aim for potatoes with smooth skins and no blemishes.

How can I store leftovers of the crispy Korean potato dish?
For leftover smashed potatoes, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing! Properly stored, they ll maintain their best quality for about 2 months.

What is the best way to freeze the crispy Korean potato dish?
Great question! To freeze, allow the cooked potatoes to cool completely. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and pop them into the freezer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for 10-15 minutes until crispy.

Can I adjust the spices for dietary preferences or allergies?
Very much so! Feel free to adjust the gochugaru or gochujang depending on your spice level preference. If you have allergies, you can substitute the vegan mayonnaise with a homemade version of cashew cream or another nut-free alternative. Just ensure whatever substitution you make still aligns with your dietary needs.

What should I do if my potatoes aren t crisping up as expected?
If your potatoes aren t achieving that desired crispiness, don t worry! Firstly, ensure they were well drained after boiling, as excess moisture can hinder crisping. Consider giving them a more generous drizzle of oil before roasting, and make sure they re spread out on the baking tray without overlapping. You can also try increasing the cooking time slightly while keeping an eye on their color to prevent burning.

How should I store the shallot-lime sauce?
The flavor-packed shallot-lime sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Before serving, just give it a good stir to blend the flavors again. It s perfect for drizzling or dipping alongside your crispy Korean potato dish!