Stir-fried Shredded Potatoes (Gamjachae Bokkeum)
A True Comfort Food: Deliciously Crispy Stir-fried Shredded Potatoes
While its presence might be minimal when there are many side dishes, on days when your banchan selection is scarce, a bowl of rice with stir-fried shredded potatoes and kimchi is all you need to finish your meal with satisfaction. It’s a simple side dish to make, but with a little extra care, you can elevate its flavor. Let’s make this delicious stir-fried shredded potato dish together!
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium potatoes
- 1/2 medium carrot
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
- Salt, to taste
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- A sprinkle of whole sesame seeds
- A drizzle of sesame oil
- Braised burdock root (optional, for added flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the potatoes and carrot using a vegetable peeler. Carefully cut out any potato eyes with a knife.
Step 2
After peeling, thinly slice the potatoes into matchsticks. Immediately place the sliced potatoes into a bowl of cold water. This step removes excess starch, preventing them from sticking together and ensuring a crisp texture when stir-fried.
Step 3
Thinly slice the carrot to a similar thickness as the potatoes. Finely mince the garlic and chop the green onions. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a wide pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped green onions and minced garlic, and sauté slowly until fragrant. It’s important to bring out the aroma of the onions and garlic fully.
Step 4
Once the aromatic scent of the green onions and garlic rises, add the drained potato shreds to the pan and begin to stir-fry. Season with a pinch of salt when the potatoes start to turn slightly translucent. This pre-seasoning helps meld the sweetness of the potatoes with the saltiness.
Step 5
When the potatoes are about halfway cooked and appear translucent, add the sliced carrots and continue to stir-fry. Adding carrots not only enhances the visual appeal with their vibrant color but also contributes a delightful crunch.
Step 6
If you have prepared it, finely chopped braised burdock root can be added at this stage and stir-fried with the vegetables. The savory depth and aroma of the burdock will add a sophisticated touch to the dish.
Step 7
To add a nutty flavor, lightly crush some whole sesame seeds and add them to the pan. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Finally, sprinkle a few whole sesame seeds on top for garnish.
Step 8
Turn off the heat. Transfer the stir-fried potatoes to a serving plate. Drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the dish, similar to how you would add olive oil to pasta. Using too much sesame oil can make it greasy, so a light drizzle at the end is key to adding a wonderful aroma.
