Sweet and Savory Braised Baby Potatoes (Al-Gamja Jorim)
The Best Recipe for Braised Baby Potatoes: A Delicious Side Dish
Make a delightful side dish with these adorable, bite-sized baby potatoes! When braised in a sweet and savory soy sauce glaze, the slightly chewy exterior and soft interior of the potatoes will tantalize your taste buds, making you reach for seconds of rice. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures anyone can succeed and discover a new favorite potato dish!
Main Ingredients- 1kg baby potatoes (thoroughly washed and drained)
- 2-3 sheets of dried kelp (for braising)
Sweet & Savory Glaze Ingredients- 10 Tbsp Oligodang (sweet rice syrup, adjust to taste; use less if using corn syrup)
- 10 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine for cooking)
- 4 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- Sesame Oil to taste (for finishing)
- Toasted Sesame Seeds to taste (for finishing)
- 10 Tbsp Oligodang (sweet rice syrup, adjust to taste; use less if using corn syrup)
- 10 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine for cooking)
- 4 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- Sesame Oil to taste (for finishing)
- Toasted Sesame Seeds to taste (for finishing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Since we’ll be using the skins, it’s crucial to wash the baby potatoes thoroughly. Scrub them under running water to remove any dirt or debris, ensuring they are completely clean. After washing, drain them well using a colander.
Step 2
While you can braise them directly, briefly blanching the potatoes in boiling water helps to remove any slightly bitter taste and results in a softer texture. Although an extra step, it significantly enhances the overall clean and delicious flavor of the braised dish.
Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the prepared baby potatoes and blanch them for about 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as they might break apart. Remove the blanched potatoes immediately and set aside.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the braising liquid. Pour enough water into the pot to about halfway submerge the baby potatoes.
Step 5
Place 2-3 sheets of dried kelp on top of the water. The kelp will add a wonderful umami flavor to the dish. Remember to remove the kelp once the braising is complete.
Step 6
First, add 10 tablespoons of Oligodang to enhance the sweetness and flavor. Then, add the baby potatoes and let them simmer for about 5 minutes. Since baby potatoes are small, they don’t require long cooking times. Note that the sweetness of Oligodang can decrease if cooked for too long. (If you are using corn syrup, which is sweeter than Oligodang, consider reducing the amount slightly. I personally find corn syrup too sweet and prefer Oligodang.) Adding Oligodang at this stage helps draw out moisture from the potatoes due to osmosis, leading to a chewier texture.
Step 7
After about 5 minutes, carefully remove the kelp. Now, add 10 tablespoons of soy sauce, the key to the savory flavor.
Step 8
Add 4 tablespoons of cooking oil to contribute to the savory notes and give the potatoes a lovely sheen.
Step 9
Don’t forget to add 3 tablespoons of Mirin (cooking rice wine) to eliminate any raw smell and add depth of flavor.
Step 10
Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce coats the potatoes evenly, and continue to cook until the liquid has reduced to a glaze. You’ll soon smell the delicious aroma!
Step 11
The key is to let the sauce reduce until only a small amount remains at the bottom of the pot. It’s important to stir the potatoes frequently to prevent them from burning or sticking to the bottom. This ensures the glaze coats the potatoes beautifully and evenly.
Step 12
Once the sauce has thickened and only a little is left at the bottom, reduce the heat to low. Continue to stir constantly, allowing the sauce to cling to the potatoes. This step ensures the glaze penetrates deeply into the potatoes and prevents burning or sticking. You’ll achieve a wonderfully chewy texture.
Step 13
Finally, turn off the heat. Drizzle a little sesame oil over the beautifully braised baby potatoes and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds to finish. This adds a wonderful aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
Step 14
Voilà! Your delicious sweet and savory braised baby potatoes are ready. With just soy sauce and Oligodang, anyone can easily make this fantastic potato side dish. Enjoy these flavorful Al-Gamja Jorim with a bowl of freshly steamed rice tonight!
