How Jacques Pépin Transforms Sweet Potatoes Into A Delicious Side Dish With Just 3 Ingredients

Like their culinary cousin, sweet potatoes are a standout slate for a smattering of flavors, whether simply slathered with honey mustard for a tangy side dish or transformed into a main course. While there are a myriad of ways to cook sweet potatoes, all-star chef Jacques Pépin transforms them with just three ingredients you likely already have on hand: butter, honey, and sriracha.

Pépin is not only known for his extravagant recipes steeped in French technique, but for also taking simple ingredients and elevating them into something restaurant-worthy with a few clever tips and tricks. For his killer sweet potato recipe — which is also remarkably budget-friendly — he cuts a peeled sweet potato into quarters and steams the pieces in a pan until tender. Once they're cooked, he drains the water and adds butter, salt, honey, and sriracha, cooking everything together with the sweet potatoes until the sauce reduces into a luscious glaze. Once finished, he plates the sweet potatoes and drizzles them with the remaining glaze, then garnishes with sliced scallions for a pop of color. The result is a sweet-and-salty combination with a welcome kick that comes together in a matter of minutes.

Starchy sweet potatoes contain a natural amylase enzyme that, when the potato is cooked to an internal temperature of 135 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit, converts starch to sugary maltose. This is why sweet potatoes tend to develop caramelized edges during cooking. Adding honey takes that sweetness a step further. If you prefer agave to honey, keep in mind that agave is thinner. You may need to adjust the amount to achieve the same consistency. Sriracha provides a spicy counterpoint that cuts through the sweetness and richness of the glaze, but you could also use gochujang, a pungent Korean fermented chile paste, or spicy sambal oelek for a serious kick and a hit of acidity from the vinegar in the sauce.

As for topping these sweet-and-spicy potatoes, there are plenty of options beyond sliced scallions. Crème fraîche, sour cream, or Greek yogurt add richness, along with a cooling creaminess and tang. Chili crisp brings another layer of spice while adding a satisfying textural contrast, or add some funk by way of blue cheese — you won't be disappointed.