Crispy & Chewy! Authentic Korean Potato Pancake (Gamjajeon) Recipe
Crispy & Chewy! Authentic Korean Potato Pancake (Gamjajeon) Recipe
Making the Real Deal: Delicious Potato Pancakes with Freshwater Snails
This is the potato pancake we loved to eat during the summer. A potato pancake generously filled with freshwater snails (daseulgi) was so incredibly delicious… this is what a true potato pancake is. Enjoy a wonderfully crispy exterior and a satisfyingly chewy interior.
Ingredients- 6 medium potatoes
- A little bit of carrot (finely minced)
- A little bit of onion (finely minced)
- A little bit of chives (chopped)
- A little bit of freshwater snails (cleaned)
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or soy sauce/salt)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
We’ve prepared plenty of potatoes. When you grate them and pan-fry them, the volume significantly reduces, so it’s wise to have extra on hand.
Step 2
Grate the potatoes. This is crucial for preserving the authentic texture when pan-frying the potato pancake.
Step 3
Squeeze the grated potatoes firmly through a cheesecloth (or a fine sieve) to prepare the solid mixture. Let the liquid squeezed from the potatoes sit undisturbed for about 30 minutes. The starch will settle at the bottom. Carefully pour off the water and add the settled starch back into the potato mixture. This starch is key to achieving a crispy and chewy pancake.
Step 4
Finely mince the onion, chives, and carrot, then add them to the mixture. If you enjoy a bit of heat, finely minced chili peppers can also be added.
Step 5
I took out a pack of freshwater snails from my freezer and added them. Adding snails to potato pancakes is an absolute game-changer for incredible flavor.
Step 6
Season lightly with salt or soy sauce and mix everything thoroughly. A touch of tuna extract (or soy sauce) enhances the umami.
Step 7
Heat a pan over medium heat. Scoop spoonfuls of the batter and place them onto the hot pan to form pancakes.
Step 8
Pan-fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Enjoy immediately while warm for the best texture.
