By Jessica B. •
6 min read
Gamja jorim, or Korean braised potatoes, is a delightful dish that adds a touch of Korea to your table. If you’ve ever visited a Korean restaurant, you might’ve tasted these slightly sweet and savory potatoes. They’re often served as banchan, a side dish that complements the main meal. The potatoes are cooked in a soy-based sauce, making them tender and full of flavor.
What I love about gamja jorim is how easy it is to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients like soy sauce and sesame seeds, you can create this delicious side dish in no time. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it an addictive addition to any meal. Serve it with fluffy white rice or alongside other Korean dishes for a complete dining experience. Whether warm or chilled, gamja jorim is sure to be a hit at your next meal.
Ingredients & Substitutes
To make delicious gamja jorim at home, you will need the following ingredients. I’ll also suggest some easy substitutes if you can’t find the specific items.
- Baby Potatoes: 1 pound, washed and unpeeled. You can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if baby potatoes are unavailable.
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons. Tamari can be used as a gluten-free option.
- Water: 1/2 cup.
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons. Brown sugar adds a deeper flavor, but white sugar works fine too.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic powder can substitute if fresh garlic is not on hand.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon for a nutty aroma.
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon. Any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil can be used.
- Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, toasted. Substitute with sunflower seeds if needed.
- Green Onion: 2 stalks, chopped. Chives can offer a similar taste.
These ingredients form the backbone of gamja jorim. Feel free to tweak them based on what’s available in your pantry or personal taste preferences.
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing 1 pound of baby potatoes thoroughly under running water. Quarter each potato for even cooking. If using larger potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut them into similar-sized pieces. - Cook the Potatoes
In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the potatoes in a single layer. Stir them occasionally, cooking for about 5 minutes until they are browned on all sides. - Make the Sauce
While the potatoes are browning, mix 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 cloves of minced garlic in a bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. - Braise the Potatoes
Pour the sauce over the browned potatoes in the pan. Stir to coat the potatoes evenly in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to check if the potatoes are tender. - Add Finishing Touches
Once the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened, drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the potatoes. Stir gently to mix. Remove the pan from heat. - Garnish and Serve
Garnish the braised potatoes with a sprinkle of 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and chopped green onion. Serve the gamja jorim warm or chilled alongside your favorite Korean dishes or a steaming bowl of white rice.
FAQ
What type of potatoes should I use for Gamja Jorim?
I prefer using baby potatoes because they cook quickly and have a nice texture. However, if you cannot find them, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well, too. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gamja jorim gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari. It adds the same delicious umami flavor without gluten.
Is there a substitute for garlic in this recipe?
If you do not have fresh garlic, garlic powder is a great substitute. Use it to taste, and add it with the other sauce ingredients. It will still provide that garlicky aroma and depth.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, gamja jorim can be made ahead of time. It’s delicious served warm, but it also tastes great when chilled. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days, allowing the flavors to meld even more.
How do I garnish the dish?
For a perfect finish, I like to add a drizzle of sesame oil and sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onion over the top. This adds a fresh taste and a lovely crunch.
How to Make Gamja Jorim: Korean Braised Potatoes Recipe and Tips
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby potatoes, washed and quartered
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Heat Oil: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Brown Potatoes: Add the quartered potatoes to the pan. Cook and stir them until they are golden brown on all sides.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, water, sugar, and minced garlic.
- Braise Potatoes: Pour the sauce over the browned potatoes. Stir well, ensuring the potatoes are coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the potatoes cook until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add Sesame Oil: Once the potatoes are tender, drizzle the sesame oil over them. Stir gently to mix.
- Garnish: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the potatoes before serving.
Nutrition
Gamja jorim offers a delightful blend of flavors that’s sure to impress both seasoned Korean cuisine enthusiasts and newcomers alike. I hope this guide has inspired you to try making this versatile dish at home. Whether you enjoy it as a side or part of a larger meal, its adaptability and ease of preparation make it a must-try. I’d love to hear your experiences and any personal twists you add to the recipe. Feel free to share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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