Perfectly Seasoned Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim) – A Mother’s Secret Recipe
Perfectly Seasoned Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim) – A Mother’s Secret Recipe
Flavorful Korean Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim)
Learned from my mother, this Gamja Jorim recipe yields delicious potatoes that are tender on the inside and slightly firm on the outside, without falling apart. It’s a wonderfully satisfying side dish!
Main Ingredients- 7 medium potatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 2 green or red chilies (optional, for a touch of heat)
Seasoning Ingredients- 5 Tbsp soy sauce (approx. 50ml)
- 2 Tbsp sugar (approx. 20g)
- A little sesame oil (for finishing)
- A little cooking oil (for stir-frying)
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce (approx. 50ml)
- 2 Tbsp sugar (approx. 20g)
- A little sesame oil (for finishing)
- A little cooking oil (for stir-frying)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by peeling the potatoes and soaking them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step is crucial for preventing the potatoes from becoming mushy and sticking together during braising. Drain them thoroughly. Heat about 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat and stir-fry the potatoes for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly coated with oil and slightly seared. Keep stirring to prevent sticking.
Step 2
While the potatoes are stir-frying, prepare the braising liquid. Add about 1.5 times the volume of water to the pan (around 100-120ml), followed by the soy sauce and sugar. Instead of adding all the seasoning at once, it’s best to add half initially, and then gradually add the remaining seasoning as the potatoes cook and absorb the flavors. This helps develop a deeper taste. Cover the pan and let the potatoes simmer over medium-low heat until they are tender.
Step 3
Once the potatoes are almost cooked through (easily pierced with a fork), add the sliced onion and chopped chilies. The onion will add sweetness, and the chilies will provide a subtle hint of spice and aroma. Stir everything together and continue to cook for a few more minutes. Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in a little sesame oil for added fragrance. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and texture.
Step 4
For this recipe, I prefer my onions to retain a slight crispness, so I didn’t overcook them after adding them. This way, the sweetness and texture of the onions complement the potatoes beautifully. However, feel free to cook the onions longer if you prefer them very soft.
