Chewy and Unbreakable Braised Potatoes
How to Make Delicious Braised Potatoes That Won’t Fall Apart / Potato Braising Recipe / How to Make Braised Potatoes / How to Prevent Braised Potatoes from Breaking
Learn the secret to making delicious braised potatoes that are perfectly chewy and never fall apart! This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a deep, savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with Korean chili peppers (gwari gochu). Elevate your side dish game with this foolproof method for perfect braised potatoes, a beloved staple in Korean home cooking. Say goodbye to mushy potatoes and hello to a satisfying texture and irresistible sweet and salty taste!
Main Ingredients- 4 small potatoes (approx. 300-320g)
- 12 Korean green chili peppers (gwari gochu) (approx. 50-60g)
Potato Marinating Ingredients- 1/10 tsp table salt (approx. 1g)
- 5 Tbsp corn syrup (mulyeot) (approx. 60g)
Braising Sauce- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (jin ganjang) (approx. 24g)
- 1/10 tsp table salt (approx. 1g)
- 5 Tbsp corn syrup (mulyeot) (approx. 60g)
Braising Sauce- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (jin ganjang) (approx. 24g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
It’s best to use small potatoes, around 100g each, if possible. Smaller potatoes tend to have less moisture and are firmer than larger ones, which helps them hold their shape better during braising. Of course, you can use larger potatoes if that’s what you have. Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes, about 2-3 cm in size. Cutting them too small can cause them to break apart easily while cooking, so aim for a consistent, medium size.
Step 2
Place the cut potatoes in a bowl and generously cover them with cold water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch. This step helps to create a smoother surface and prevents the potatoes from falling apart during cooking.
Step 3
Wash the Korean green chili peppers (gwari gochu) thoroughly and remove their stems. Cut them into 3-4 segments. Their slightly spicy and chewy texture complements the potatoes beautifully, so be sure to include them!
Step 4
Drain the potatoes well after soaking, shaking off any excess water. Add the table salt and corn syrup (mulyeot) to the potatoes and mix thoroughly to coat. This step draws out moisture from the potatoes. By removing this internal moisture beforehand, the potatoes are less likely to boil vigorously from the inside while braising, which significantly helps prevent them from breaking apart.
Step 5
Let the seasoned potatoes sit and marinate for 1 hour. Every 10 minutes, gently stir the potatoes to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed and to aid in moisture release. This resting period is crucial for firming up the potatoes.
Step 6
After 1 hour, you’ll notice a good amount of liquid has been drawn out from the potatoes. Don’t discard this liquid! It contains the flavors from the salt and syrup and will be used later to add depth to the braising sauce.
Step 7
In a wide, shallow pan, combine the marinated potatoes and all the liquid they’ve released. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the soy sauce and stir gently for about 4-5 minutes, making sure the potatoes don’t stick to the bottom. This step allows the potatoes to start absorbing the savory flavor.
Step 8
If the liquid in the pan starts to evaporate too quickly before the potatoes are cooked, add 3-4 tablespoons of water at a time to maintain a gentle braising environment. The goal is to cook the potatoes until tender without them sticking or burning.
Step 9
Once the potatoes are almost cooked through, add the prepared Korean green chili peppers (gwari gochu) to the pan. Stir and cook for about 1 minute, just enough to incorporate them. This will keep the peppers crisp-tender and retain their fresh flavor.
Step 10
Optionally, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra nutty flavor and visual appeal. While optional, sesame seeds add a lovely finishing touch.
Step 11
Your delicious braised potatoes, with their chewy texture and perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce, are ready! Serve them hot over a bowl of rice for a satisfying and comforting meal. This dish is a guaranteed hit for everyone, from kids to adults!
