Sweet & Savory Braised Potatoes (Gan-jang Gamja Jorim)
Easy Korean Braised Potatoes Recipe – A Perfect Side Dish for Kids
Introducing Gan-jang Gamja Jorim, a beloved side dish that’s a hit with all ages! These tender, melt-in-your-mouth braised potatoes are coated in a delicious sweet and savory soy sauce glaze, making them the ultimate accompaniment to any meal, especially for picky eaters. Potatoes are not only nutritious but also known to help with fat breakdown, making them a great ingredient for those watching their diet. Let’s learn how to make these delightful braised potatoes!
Ingredients (Serves 4)- 2 medium potatoes
- 1/2 medium onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup (or honey)
- 2 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (perilla oil)
- 1.5 Tbsp cooking oil
- 100ml water
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the ingredients needed for the recipe. This quantity is sufficient for a side dish for a family of four.
Step 2
Wash the 4 cloves of garlic and slice them thinly into about 0.3cm thick pieces. Infusing the oil with garlic flavor will enhance the taste of the braised potatoes.
Step 3
Peel the 1/2 onion and dice it into approximately 1.5cm cubes. Cutting it to a similar size as the potatoes will ensure they cook evenly together.
Step 4
Finely chop the green onion. You’ll use about 2 tablespoons, and it will be added at the end for a fresh aroma.
Step 5
Peel the potatoes and cut them into roughly 1.5cm cubes. Be careful not to cut them too small, as they might break apart while cooking.
Step 6
Cutting the potatoes too small will not only increase the cooking time but also make it difficult for the sauce to penetrate the inside thoroughly during the braising process. Ensure you cut them to an appropriate size.
Step 7
Rinse the cut potatoes under running water. Removing excess starch will result in a cleaner and smoother braised dish. Soaking them in cold water for about 10 minutes will help remove even more starch.
Step 8
Heat about 1.5 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pot or deep pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté.
Step 9
Sauté the garlic gently over medium heat, being careful not to burn it, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Once the garlic is aromatic, add the potatoes to proceed to the next step.
Step 10
Add the cubed potatoes to the garlic-infused oil and stir-fry over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. The potatoes will start to look slightly translucent as they absorb the oil, which helps them soak up the sauce better later.
Step 11
When the potatoes begin to turn translucent, add the diced onion and stir-fry with the potatoes for another 2 minutes. The sweetness of the onion will add a lovely depth of flavor.
Step 12
Pour in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, drizzling it along the edges of the pan. Allowing the soy sauce to slightly caramelize can enhance its flavor.
Step 13
Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the savory flavor and add a touch of sweetness. This ensures the dish is palatable, especially for children.
Step 14
Carefully pour in 100ml of water and stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Step 15
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer until the potatoes are fully cooked, becoming tender and fluffy inside. Check occasionally and stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 16
When the potatoes are almost cooked through, add 1.5 tablespoons of corn syrup (or honey) to give the dish a nice sheen and additional sweetness. Corn syrup adds both flavor and a beautiful glossy finish.
Step 17
Finally, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds evenly over the top. Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a visually appealing texture.
Step 18
Add the chopped green onions and gently mix them in. The mild aroma of the green onions will further enhance the overall flavor of the braised potatoes.
Step 19
And there you have it – delicious Gan-jang Gamja Jorim is ready! Serve it over hot rice and enjoy this delightful Korean classic.
