Chewy and Delicious Simple Gangwondo-Style Potato Pancakes (Gamjajeon)
Chewy and Delicious Simple Gangwondo-Style Potato Pancakes (Gamjajeon)
Summer Delicacy! How to Make Chewy Potato Pancakes by Grating Them by Hand
Let me share a super simple recipe for chewy potato pancakes, a beloved summer dish from Gangwondo, made with seasonal potatoes! Grating them by hand results in a unique texture and flavor that store-bought starch simply can’t match.
Main Ingredients- 5 medium-sized ripe potatoes
- 2 Tbsp pancake mix (or potato starch)
- 2 Cheongyang peppers (spicy green peppers)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gather 5 firm potatoes, 2 tablespoons of pancake mix, and 2 fragrant Cheongyang peppers. You can substitute potato starch for pancake mix, and adjust the type of chili pepper to your preference.
Step 2
Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water and peel them using a peeler. Then, carefully grate the prepared potatoes using a grater, being extremely cautious to avoid cutting your fingers.
Step 3
Be very careful not to grate your fingers, as it can be quite painful! Nowadays, many people grate potatoes using blenders or immersion blenders. However, the chewy and deep flavor of potato pancakes made with a traditional grater is hard to replicate.
Step 4
Add a pinch or two of salt to the finely grated potato mixture to enhance its savory taste. Adjust the salt according to your preference.
Step 5
While it’s delicious to separate the water and starch from the grated potatoes for a traditional method, today we’re aiming for a ‘super simple’ gamjajeon, so we’re using pancake mix. Flour (pancake mix) makes the pancakes even more savory and crisp – it’s magical! Delicious flour is the best.
Step 6
Now, simply cook this batter in a pan, and the easiest super simple potato pancake recipe is complete! Isn’t it incredibly easy?
Step 7
Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan. Plenty of oil ensures the potato pancakes won’t burn and will cook to a beautiful golden brown. Then, scoop the grated potato mixture with a ladle and spread it thinly onto the hot pan.
Step 8
Place slices of Cheongyang pepper on top of each potato pancake. If you enjoy spiciness, feel free to add more. For a colorful appearance, red chili peppers also look great. You can also enjoy the pure potato flavor without any toppings.
Step 9
Once the surface of the potato pancake starts to turn golden brown and cook, carefully flip it using a spatula or chopsticks. Be gentle, as they can break if too thin.
Step 10
After flipping, cook for another 2-3 minutes, and the other side will also turn a mouthwatering golden brown. Adjust the cooking time based on your stove’s heat.
Step 11
Grating the potatoes might be a bit tedious, but the freshly cooked potato pancakes are incredibly chewy and delicious. Congratulations on successfully making this Gangwondo-style chewy potato pancake, a true Korean summer delicacy! Enjoy your meal!
