Crispy Potato Pancake (Gamja-chaejeon)
How to Make Ultra-Crispy Potato Pancakes at Home
Let’s make incredibly crispy and textured potato pancakes that are even better than your favorite fast-food fries! This recipe offers a delightful crunch and satisfying chew. Perfect for a quick snack or a delightful appetizer.
Ingredients- 7 medium-sized potatoes
- 7 tablespoons pancake mix (buchim garu)
- A tiny pinch of salt (less than 1/4 teaspoon recommended)
- Ketchup (for dipping)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing 7 medium-sized potatoes. Wash them thoroughly and peel off the skin using a knife. This ensures a clean and smooth texture for your potato strands.
Step 2
Once peeled, use a mandoline slicer or a julienne peeler to cut the potatoes into thin strands. This method is much faster and ensures consistent thickness compared to hand-cutting. (Tip: Cutting by hand can be strenuous and result in uneven strands, so a mandoline is highly recommended for ease and perfection!)
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the julienned potatoes with 7 tablespoons of pancake mix. Add a very small pinch of salt – less than a quarter of a teaspoon is a good starting point. The amount of salt may vary slightly depending on the potato quantity, so be cautious not to add too much initially. (Tip: Aim for a roughly 1:1 ratio of potatoes to pancake mix for the best consistency.) Mix everything well to form a cohesive batter.
Step 4
Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over low heat. Spread the potato batter thinly and evenly in the heated pan. Cook the potato strands slowly over low heat until they turn golden brown. Once one side is nicely browned, carefully flip the pancake.
Step 5
Now, increase the heat slightly to medium. Continue to cook, flipping occasionally, until the edges of the potato pancake become wonderfully crispy. Avoid flipping too frequently; instead, let each side develop a golden-brown crispness before turning.
Step 6
Voilà! Your delicious and incredibly crispy potato pancake is ready. While delicious on its own, dipping it in sweet and tangy ketchup creates a divine combination. (Tip: While soy sauce is a classic pairing, ketchup offers a unique and delightful twist, reminiscent of your favorite fast-food fries but with a homemade charm!)
