There’s something oddly satisfying about food on a stick, especially when it’s fried, crispy, and shaped like a spiral. Enter the Tornado Potato. If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram or TikTok and paused at that mesmerizing spiral of golden-brown potato being stretched and spun, you know exactly what I mean.
Originally popularized as a Korean street food, Tornado Potatoes (also called Spiral Potatoes or Twist Potatoes) have taken over the global street snack scene. They’re crunchy, customizable, and surprisingly easy to make at home with a few tools and some patience.
Let’s dive into this viral snack that’s perfect for impressing your friends or treating yourself to a flavorful, crunchy delight.
What is a Tornado Potato?
Tornado Potatoes are whole potatoes cut into a continuous spiral, skewered onto a stick, spread apart slightly, then seasoned and deep fried until golden and crisp. Think of them as the hybrid between potato chips and fries, crispy on the edges but fluffy on the inside.
They became famous in Korean night markets, often seasoned with cheese powder, chili, or garlic butter. But they’re now a staple in food trucks and street food stalls worldwide.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2–3 medium-sized russet potatoes
- Wooden skewers (about 10–12 inches long)
- Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional seasonings:
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cheese powder
- Peri-peri or Korean BBQ seasoning
- Optional garnish:
- Chopped parsley
- Grated parmesan
- Spicy mayo or cheese sauce for dipping
Tools
- A sharp knife or spiral cutter
- A wooden skewer
- Deep fryer or a deep pot
- A pair of tongs
Step-by-Step Tornado Potato Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly.
- Leave the skin on for extra crispiness and texture.
- Insert a wooden skewer straight through the center of the potato, lengthwise.
Step 2: Slice the Tornado
- If using a spiral cutter, simply rotate the potato along the blade.
- If using a knife:
- Hold the potato steady and slice diagonally at a slight angle while rotating it slowly. This will create a spiral effect.
- Once fully sliced, gently pull apart the layers to stretch the spiral along the skewer. Be careful not to break it.
Step 3: Soak (Optional but Recommended)
- Soak the skewered spirals in cold water for 15–20 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps them crisp up during frying.
- Pat dry with paper towels before frying.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 170–180°C (340–360°F).
- Ensure the oil is deep enough to submerge the full potato spiral.
Step 5: Fry
- Gently lower the skewered potato into the oil.
- Fry for 4–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Step 6: Season
- While hot, sprinkle with salt and your choice of seasoning.
- You can even brush with melted butter or add cheese powder for that authentic street-food flavor.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Cheese-Lovers’ Twist: Dust with cheddar powder + grated parmesan.
- Spicy Korean: Sprinkle with gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) + garlic powder.
- Garlic Herb: Toss with garlic butter and chopped parsley.
- Taco Twist: Season with taco spice mix + lime zest.
Tips for Tornado Success
- Use firm potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold hold their shape best.
- Don’t skip soaking: It truly helps with crispiness.
- Be gentle when expanding the spiral: Stretch slowly to avoid tearing.
- Season right after frying: So the flavors stick well.
- Try baking for a healthier version: Brush with oil and bake at 220°C (430°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Did You Know? (Korean Street Food Fun Facts)
- Tornado Potatoes became viral at Myungdong Street Market in Seoul. Vendors there pioneered fun toppings like squid ink, melted mozzarella, and even chocolate sauce!
- In Korea, they’re often sold alongside other creative snacks like cheese-filled corn dogs, tteokbokki, and egg bread (gyeranppang)—all perfect companions to your spiral treat.
- Many Korean stalls serve them with a powdered seasoning mix of cheddar, onion, and sugar, sweet and savory in one bite.
- Spiral cutting isn’t limited to potatoes. You’ll find zucchini, sausage, and even squid twisted on sticks too!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re throwing a snack party, craving a late-night crunch, or just want to try a viral food trend, Tornado Potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re fun to make, fun to eat, and open to endless flavor experiments.
So go ahead—grab some potatoes, twist them up, fry them golden, and enjoy a little piece of Korean street food magic at home!
Try this also
5 Korean Snacks That Are Perfect for Late‑Night Cravings
5 Mexican Street‑Style Snacks Ready in Minutes
Also check outh this Potato Tornado recipe from Delish
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