Soft & Savory Braised Potatoes: Easy Korean Side Dish
Classic Korean Comfort Food: Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim)
Discover the simple joy of ‘Gamja Jorim,’ a beloved Korean side dish featuring tender, fluffy potatoes simmered in a delightful sweet and savory soy-based sauce. This recipe promises a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible accompaniment to any meal. Whether you’re a beginner cook or looking for a quick, satisfying dish, this braised potato recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1/3 medium onion
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (Guk-ganjang or Jin-ganjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp plum extract (Maesilcheong)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (Oligodang)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (Guk-ganjang or Jin-ganjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp plum extract (Maesilcheong)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (Oligodang)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of chopped green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing and peeling the potatoes. Cut them into large, bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm thick). In a pan, lightly coat the cut potatoes with a bit of cooking oil and sauté them briefly until the surfaces are lightly golden. This step helps the potatoes hold their shape and prevents them from breaking apart during simmering.
Step 2
Add 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 0.5 Tbsp plum extract, and about half a cup (100ml) of water to the pan with the sautéed potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3
Once the potatoes are nearly tender, add the thinly sliced onion and 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic. Gently stir everything together to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its fragrance. This will deepen the flavors of the potatoes.
Step 4
Now, let’s enhance the flavor profile. Stir in 0.5 Tbsp sugar and 0.5 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup) to achieve the desired sweetness. Drizzle in 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil for a nutty aroma, and add the chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Adding green onions towards the end preserves their vibrant color and fresh taste.
Step 5
Finally, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the dish for a beautiful presentation and an extra layer of nutty flavor. Your delicious and comforting braised potatoes are ready to be served!
