Here’s a recipe for Gamja Jorim (Korean Braised Potatoes), a popular banchan (side dish) that’s sweet, savory, and a bit sticky, with tender potatoes braised in a soy-based sauce.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium potatoes (Yukon gold or russet), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp honey or corn syrup
- 2 tbsp rice syrup (or an additional 1 tbsp honey)
- 1 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch and set aside.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
- In a large pan, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn golden brown on the outside.
3. Make the Braising Sauce:
- In the same pan with the potatoes, add soy sauce, sugar, honey (or rice syrup), and 1 cup of water.
- Stir in the minced garlic and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer:
- Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and make sure the sauce is evenly coating the potatoes.
- Remove the lid and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to reduce the sauce until it becomes glossy and slightly sticky.
5. Add Sesame Oil and Seeds:
- Stir in the sesame oil and give it a final toss to coat the potatoes in the sticky sauce.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serve:
- Serve hot or at room temperature as a side dish with rice, other banchan, or alongside a Korean BBQ meal.
Enjoy with:
- Korean BBQ or other traditional Korean dishes like Bibimbap or Kimchi.
- This dish also pairs well with simple grilled meats or fish.
Gamja Jorim is comforting, savory, and slightly sweet, making it a perfect addition to any meal!