Crispy & Delicious Potato Pancake (Gamjachaejeon)
How to Make Perfectly Crispy Potato Pancakes
These potato pancakes are a fantastic snack for kids and an absolute must-try on a rainy day. They are wonderfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients- 4 medium potatoes
- 1/3 cup pancake mix (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- 2 Korean chili peppers (optional, for a spicy kick)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today, we’re making ‘Gamjachaejeon’, a delightful potato pancake that’s perfect for rainy days or a satisfying snack. Freshly made, these pancakes are incredibly crispy on the outside and retain the natural sweetness of the potatoes inside. I’ll share a golden recipe that uses simple ingredients for an extraordinary taste!
Step 2
Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Without peeling them, slice them into the thinnest possible julienne (matchsticks). If you find this difficult, a mandoline slicer or a julienne peeler will make it much easier. Thin slices are key to achieving maximum crispiness.
Step 3
Place the julienned potatoes into a mixing bowl. For this particular recipe, it’s important *not* to rinse the potatoes in water to remove starch, unlike when making stir-fried potatoes. The natural starch from the potatoes will act as a binder, helping the pancake hold its shape beautifully when cooked.
Step 4
To the bowl of julienned potatoes, add the pancake mix, sugar, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together with your hands until the potato strands are evenly coated. The sugar enhances the potatoes’ natural sweetness, while the salt brings out their savory flavor.
Step 5
If the mixture seems too dry, add a very small amount of water, about 1-2 tablespoons. Be careful not to add too much, as a watery batter will prevent the pancake from getting crispy. Add water gradually while observing the consistency of the potatoes.
Step 6
Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Spread the potato mixture thinly into the pan to form pancakes. Cook slowly, flipping occasionally, until both sides are golden brown and wonderfully crispy. For an added spicy flavor, you can mix in chopped kimchi or the optional Korean chili peppers.
Step 7
Once both sides are golden and crisp, your delicious Potato Pancakes are ready! Enjoy the delightful contrast of the crispy exterior and the tender, sweet interior. Serve them with a soy dipping sauce or ketchup for an extra treat. These are perfect to enjoy alongside a warm soup on a rainy day!
