Grilled Sweet Potatoes: Korean Honey Butter | Arteflame

Introduction

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when butter meets a hot griddle. For me, the scent of these Korean-inspired sweet potatoes sizzling away brings back memories of cozy street markets on crisp evenings. The skin gets impossibly crisp and caramelized, while the inside transforms into a fluffy, golden cloud soaked in honey butter. It is not just a side dish; it is a warm hug on a plate, perfect for a chilly autumn night or a summer evening when you want something comforting yet unique.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This dish is the ultimate example of the popular "swicy"—sweet and savory—trend. I love how the direct heat of the grill locks in moisture that traditional baking simply cannot replicate, creating a texture that is dense yet creamy. It is incredibly versatile, too. You can serve it as a stunning side for savory BBQ ribs or top it with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It requires minimal prep but delivers maximum impact for your guests.

Kitchen Wisdom

• Watch the Heat: Sugar burns quickly. Keep the potatoes moving from the hot center to the cooler outer edges of the grill to caramelize the glaze without scorching it.
• The Fork Test: Don't guess on doneness. The potatoes are ready only when a fork slides through the thickest part with absolutely zero resistance.

Make It Your Own

If you are cooking for a dairy-free crowd, swap the butter for a high-quality plant-based butter or coconut oil. Can't find Korean sweet potatoes? Garnet yams are a fantastic substitute, offering that same vibrant color and high sugar content necessary for a good char.

Ingredients

• 4 Medium Korean Sweet Potatoes (or Garnet Yams if unavailable)
• 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, melted
• 1/4 Cup Honey (high quality preferred)
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
• 1/2 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (optional, for a cheesy crust)
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 Tablespoon Black Sesame Seeds (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold water, scrubbing the skins to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
2. Cut the sweet potatoes lengthwise into 1/2 inch thick slabs or wedges. Keeping the skin on helps hold the structure together during grilling and adds a nice textural chew.

Step 2: Create the Honey Butter Glaze

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, honey, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and sea salt.
2. Whisk the mixture vigorously until the sugar has mostly dissolved and the liquids are well emulsified. This mixture will serve as both a marinade and a basting sauce.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

1. Fire up your Arteflame grill. You want to establish a medium-heat zone on the flat cooktop. Aim for a temperature range of 350°F to 400°F.
2. Lightly oil the surface of the cooktop with a high-smoke point oil (like avocado or grapeseed oil) to ensure the potatoes do not stick initially.

Step 4: Grill the Sweet Potatoes

1. Brush both sides of the sweet potato slices generously with the honey butter mixture.
2. Place the potatoes directly onto the flat cooktop. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side. You are looking for a deep golden-brown sear and caramelized grill marks.
3. Test for doneness by piercing the thickest part with a fork; it should slide through easily with no resistance.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve

1. If you are opting for the popular cheesy variation, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top of the potatoes during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Cover with a basting dome to melt the cheese rapidly.
2. Remove from the grill, drizzle with any remaining honey butter sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley and black sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Tips

Achieving the perfect Korean Grilled Honey Butter Sweet Potato requires a little bit of insider knowledge regarding produce selection and heat management. First and foremost, try to source authentic Korean sweet potatoes, often labeled as "Goguma" in Asian markets. These have purple skin and yellow flesh that is denser and sweeter than the standard orange American yam. If you cannot find them, Garnet yams are a suitable substitute due to their high moisture content. Avoid starchy white potatoes, as they lack the necessary natural sugars to caramelize effectively.

When grilling with sugar-heavy ingredients like honey and brown sugar, heat management is critical. The sugars can go from caramelized to burnt very quickly. Keep the potatoes moving on the flat top grill, utilizing the different heat zones of the Arteflame. Start them closer to the center to sear, then move them to the outer edges to finish cooking through without scorching the glaze. If you prefer a softer skin, you can wrap the potatoes in foil for the first half of the cooking process before finishing them directly on the griddle for that signature char.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various palate preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• The Cheesy Delight: As mentioned in the instructions, adding a mound of mozzarella is a very traditional Korean twist. The saltiness of the cheese cuts through the sweetness of the honey perfectly.
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) to the butter mixture. This creates a "swicy" (sweet and spicy) profile that is very popular in modern Korean cuisine.
• Nutty Crunch: Top the finished potatoes with crushed pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and an earthy flavor profile.
• Vegan Option: Simply swap the dairy butter for a high-quality plant-based butter and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Herb Garden: For a more savory approach, reduce the sugar and add chopped rosemary and thyme to the butter mixture.

Best pairings

These sweet potatoes are rich enough to stand on their own as a heavy appetizer or a dessert, but they truly shine when served as a side dish (Banchan) alongside savory main courses. The sweetness of the potatoes acts as a perfect palate cleanser for spicy or salty grilled meats. They are the ideal companion for Korean BBQ staples like Galbi (marinated short ribs) or Bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated beef).

If you are looking for beverage pairings, the richness of the butter and honey calls for something crisp to cut through the fat. A cold, light lager or a crisp pilsner works wonders here. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling yuzu lemonade or barley tea provides a refreshing contrast. If you are serving this as a dessert, pair it with a warm cup of cinnamon tea or a glass of Makgeolli (Korean rice wine) for an authentic dining experience.

Conclusion

Korean Grilled Honey Butter Sweet Potatoes are more than just a side dish; they are an experience in comfort dining. The combination of the smoky char from the grill, the rich creaminess of the butter, and the floral sweetness of the honey creates a flavor profile that is addictive and satisfying. It is a simple recipe that yields impressive results, making it perfect for novice grillers and seasoned pitmasters alike.

By using the Arteflame grill, you elevate a standard roasted vegetable into a gourmet treat with textures that you simply cannot achieve in a kitchen oven. Whether you enjoy them topped with gooey cheese or kept simple with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, these potatoes are sure to become a requested favorite at your next outdoor gathering. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious street food secrets the world has to offer.