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When the craving for something crispy and comforting hits, my thoughts immediately go to this Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad. Imagine the satisfying crunch of perfectly roasted new potatoes, tossed in a vibrant, spicy-sweet gochujang sauce that dances on your taste buds. Each bite delivers a delightful burst of flavor, making this dish feel indulgent while remaining completely plant-based.

I stumbled upon this gem one evening while contemplating dinner options that would excite both my palate and my guests. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this salad quickly became my go-to for potlucks, weeknight dinners, and everything in between. Whether you’re a busy professional seeking a quick meal or just someone bored of the same old takeout, this salad promises to inject some excitement back into your dining routine. Join me as we embark on this delicious and easy culinary adventure!

Why is this Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad a must-try?

Flavor Explosion: The bold combination of spicy-sweet gochujang and creamy vegan mayonnaise creates an unforgettable taste that keeps you coming back for more.
Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, this dish is quick to whip up—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, it transcends dietary preferences, impressing both vegans and meat-lovers alike.
Crunchy Satisfaction: The crispy exterior of the potatoes adds a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce, making each bite a joyful experience.
Versatile Pairing: Serve it alongside grilled veggies or sesame noodle salad for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a standout side dish at any gathering!

Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad Ingredients

• Get ready to create a flavor-packed dish with these essentials!

For the Potatoes

New Potatoes – Their creamy interior and crispy exterior make them perfect for this salad. Substitution Note: Yukon Gold potatoes also work well.
Fine Sea Salt – Elevates the natural flavor of the potatoes during cooking.
Vegan Butter – Adds richness and aids in achieving a golden crispiness.

For the Spices and Flavorings

Garlic Powder – Delivers a savory depth and aroma to the potatoes.
Gochugaru – Introduces a mild smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the gochujang.
Eschallion Shallots – Their sweet crunch adds fresh, delightful layers to the dish.

For the Dressing

Lime Juice – Imparts zesty brightness that balances the richness of the sauce.
Vegan Kewpie Mayonnaise – Provides a creamy base while keeping it plant-based.
Gochujang Paste – The star ingredient that brings the authentic spicy-sweet kick to the salad.
Vegan Fish Sauce – Adds umami depth and elevates the flavor profile of your dressing. Substitution Note: Use soy sauce for non-vegan options.

For the Garnish

Fresh Coriander Leaves – Contributes a burst of freshness to tie all flavors together.
Fresh Chives – Adds mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Toasted Black Sesame Seeds – Offers a nutty finish and appealing visual contrast.

Dive into your kitchen equipped with these divine ingredients and let the magic happen! Enjoy your Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad adventure!

How to Make Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad

Preheat Oven: Start by setting your oven to 200 °C (fan) or your air fryer to 180 °C. This temperature will ensure your potatoes get that perfect crispy texture!
Boil Potatoes: Wash your new potatoes thoroughly and place them in a pot of salted water. Boil until fork-tender, around 10 minutes. This will help achieve that creamy interior.
Prepare Coating: Once boiled, drain the potatoes and toss them gently with vegan butter, garlic powder, gochugaru, and salt until evenly coated. This mix will add flavor and help with browning.
Crush Potatoes: Spread the coated potatoes on a baking sheet. Using a jar or glass, gently press down to crush them slightly until they burst but remain intact. This creates the delightful crispy surface!
Bake/Air Fry: Now, cook those beauties for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and take them out when they are golden brown and crispy.
Soak Shallots: While the potatoes bake, combine the eschallion shallots with lime juice in a small bowl. Let them soak for 5 minutes to enhance their flavor and tenderness.
Mix Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, gochujang, vegan fish sauce, and the soaked shallots until smooth and combined. This will be the creamy, spicy dressing for your salad.
Serve: Finally, transfer the crispy potatoes to a serving plate. Dress them with half the sauce and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives and toasted black sesame seeds for a pop of flavor and color!

Optional: Add a squeeze of lime juice just before serving for an extra zing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad Variations

Ready to make your Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad even more delightful? Here are some fun twists and substitutions you can try!

Extra Spicy: Increase the gochujang paste for a bolder kick that will awaken your taste buds.
Spice lovers rejoice! This simple adjustment can create an entirely new experience.
Smoky Flavor: Add smoked paprika to the potato coating for a warm, smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the gochujang.
This change gives your salad a unique character that adds an enticing aroma.
Herb Twist: Swap fresh coriander with dill or parsley for a refreshing herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
Each herb brings its unique flair, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Protein Boost: Mix in chickpeas or edamame for a satisfying protein punch, transforming your salad into a more filling meal.
This not only adds texture but gives you a balanced dish perfect for lunch.
Creamy Variation: For a creamier dressing, blend in a touch of silken tofu to the sauce for added richness without compromising the plant-based aspect.
It adds a smooth texture while keeping your dish light and healthy.
Tangy Touch: For an extra zing, squeeze in a bit more lime juice or add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the dressing.
This introduces a beautifully bright note, making the flavors pop even more.
Crunch Factor: Incorporate toasted almonds or walnuts for an added crunch that beautifully contrasts with the creamy sauce.
This textural element creates a delightful surprise in every bite.
Sweet Surprise: Add diced mango or pineapple to the salad for a hint of sweetness that complements the spicy gochujang.
This variation plays off the sweet and spicy, creating a balance that’s hard to resist!

Expert Tips for Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad

Potato Selection: Choose new or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture; they hold their shape and provide creaminess. Avoid starchy varieties like Russets.
Gentle Crushing: Be gentle when crushing the potatoes to ensure they become crispy without turning mushy—this technique makes all the difference in the final result.
Flavor Soak: Don’t skip soaking the eschallion shallots in lime juice; this step enhances their flavor and adds freshness to the salad.
Baking Monitor: Keep an eye on your potatoes while they bake—they can quickly go from crispy to burnt. The goal is golden brown perfection!
Sauce Balance: Adjust the spicy-sweet profile by adding more gochujang according to your taste. Just a bit more can elevate your Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad to a whole new level!

What to Serve with Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad?

Elevate your meal by pairing this delightful salad with complementary dishes that enhance its vibrant flavors.

Grilled Veggies: Juicy, smoky grilled vegetables provide a fresh contrast and balance the spice of the salad beautifully. Try zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for an easy, colorful dish.
Sesame Noodle Salad: The cool, nutty flavors of sesame noodles make a perfect sidekick, bringing a refreshing crunch that pairs wonderfully with the warm, crispy potatoes.
Spicy Tofu Skewers: Marinated grilled tofu infused with spicy seasonings offers a protein-packed option that echoes the gochujang’s heat, creating a cohesive meal experience.
Chilled Beverages: Light, crisp drinks like sparkling water or a pale ale can refresh your palate between bites and complement the dish’s bold flavors.
Crispy Spring Rolls: These delightful rolls filled with fresh vegetables add a crunchy texture and can be dipped in a tangy sauce, making for a fun appetizer.
Coconut Rice: The creamy sweetness of coconut rice balances the sharp spice of the salad while adding a hearty component, making every bite a delight.
Brownie Bites: End your meal on a sweet note with fudgy brownie bites; their richness contrasts with the salad’s crispiness, creating a delightful finish.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad garnished with mint provides a refreshing and bright counterpoint, cleansing your palate while enjoying the spiced potato goodness.

Make Ahead Options

Busy home cooks will love how easy it is to prepare components of this Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad ahead of time! You can boil and season the new potatoes up to 24 hours in advance—just follow the initial steps and store them in the refrigerator to maintain their flavor and texture. Additionally, the creamy dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead; simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake or air fry the potatoes until crispy, dress them in the sauce, and garnish. This makes for a delightful meal with minimal effort on busy weeknights!

How to Store and Freeze Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will keep your crispy gochujang potato salad fresh and tasty.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the un-dressed crispy potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To revive the crispy texture, reheat in the oven at 200 °C (fan) or air fryer for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the potatoes by boiling and seasoning up to 24 hours in advance and keep the dressing in the fridge for up to 3 days for optimal flavor!

Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture in your Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad, opt for new potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes. These varieties provide a creamy interior and hold their shape well when cooked. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they can become mushy during baking.

What is the best way to store leftovers?
Very! Store any leftovers of your Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating them in the oven or an air fryer can help maintain that delightful crispy texture—simply heat at 200 °C (fan) or air fry for around 10 minutes until they’re heated through.

Can I freeze the potato salad?
Of course! To freeze your un-dressed crispy potatoes, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that once dressed, the salad is not suitable for freezing, as it may alter the texture of the creamy sauce.

What should I do if my potatoes are getting too mushy?
If you find your potatoes becoming mushy while trying to achieve that crispiness, here’s a step-by-step to salvage the situation:

After boiling, ensure you gently crush the potatoes just enough to create surface area without completely breaking them down.
If they are already too soft, consider reducing the boiling time next time to about 8 minutes instead of 10.
If you’ve already baked them and they’re not crispy enough, place them back in the oven at a higher temp (220 °C) for a few minutes to help crisp them up—watch closely so they don’t burn!

Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
Absolutely! While this Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad is plant-based and vegan, it’s important to note that the gochujang paste may contain gluten and soy. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they fit your dietary restrictions. If you have any specific allergies, I always recommend consulting your doctor or a nutritionist for the best advice tailored to you.

How do I add more spice to this dish?
If you crave extra heat in your Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad, simply increase the amount of gochujang paste used in the dressing. Start by adding an extra teaspoon, then taste and adjust further if desired. If you really want to amp up the heat, you can sprinkle some chili flakes or additional gochugaru over the top before serving!