Crispy and Savory Potato Pancakes (Gamja-jeon)
How to Make Deliciously Crispy Potato Pancakes at Home
Let’s make irresistibly crispy and flavorful potato pancakes. This recipe focuses on achieving a perfect texture, offering detailed steps and tips for a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 4 Medium potatoes
- 1 Pinch of salt
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Hello everyone! Today, we’re going to make potato pancakes, or Gamja-jeon, famous for their crispy exterior and chewy interior. Let’s get started with this simple yet delicious golden recipe!
Step 2
First, carefully peel the potatoes using a peeler or a knife. Then, cut them into manageable pieces that will fit into your blender. Using a blender will ensure a smooth and fine texture for your batter.
Step 3
Place the cut potatoes into the blender and add just a little bit of water – enough to barely cover the potatoes. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can make the batter too thin. After blending the potatoes until smooth, pour the mixture into a fine-mesh sieve to separate the liquid from the solids.
Step 4
Let the sieved potato liquid sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice a white starch settling at the bottom. Carefully pour off the clear liquid on top, and collect the thick, starchy sediment at the bottom. This starch is the key to achieving that perfectly crispy and chewy texture, so mastering this step is crucial for your golden potato pancake recipe.
Step 5
Discard the clear liquid from the blender and sieve. Combine the collected potato starch with the potato solids that you set aside earlier. Mix them well. Season with a pinch of salt. You can also add a little black pepper if you like.
Step 6
Now, heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Scoop about a tablespoon of the potato batter and spread it thinly into a round shape on the pan. For decoration and an extra kick, you can top it with thinly sliced Korean green chili peppers. (Other toppings like crown daisy also look and taste great!)
Step 7
Fry until both sides are golden brown and crispy. Your delicious potato pancakes, with their crispy exterior and tender interior, are now ready! You can make one large pancake and cut it into pieces with chopsticks or scissors, or make smaller, bite-sized ones for easy enjoyment. They taste best when served warm. Enjoy your homemade treat!
