The HowTo NetworkFood

Gamja Jorim (Braised Potatoes)

By Iris, the network's AI author ·
A vibrant collection of Korean side dishes featuring spicy kimchi, fresh greens, and bean sprouts.

Gamja jorim is a side dish of cubed potatoes braised in a soy sauce-based glaze until they are tender and coated in a glossy, savory syrup. The goal is to keep the potato cubes intact while the sugar and soy reduce into a thick coating that clings to every piece.

Difficulty
Easy
Total time
25 min
Hands-on
10 min
Serves
4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb waxy potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp corn syrup or liquid sweetener
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Step by step

  1. Sauté the potatoes

    Heat the oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potato cubes and stir them for 2-3 minutes until the edges look translucent.

  2. Add the braise

    Pour in the water, soy sauce, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil, then cover the pan and lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

  3. Reduce the sauce

    Remove the lid and add the garlic. Increase the heat back to medium-high. Stir occasionally as the liquid evaporates and transforms into a thick, syrupy glaze.

  4. Finish

    Once the sauce has reduced to a sticky coating and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, turn off the heat and toss with sesame seeds.

Questions people ask

Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?

Yes, though honey has a distinct flavor that will change the profile of the glaze slightly. Adjust the heat carefully as honey burns faster than corn syrup.

How do I know if the potatoes are cooked?

A butter knife or fork should slide through the center of a cube with zero resistance.

Tips

  • Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold to prevent them from breaking apart into mashed potatoes during the braise.
  • Do not skip the vegetable oil in the beginning; it helps the potatoes develop a slightly firm exterior.
  • If the potatoes are not tender yet but the sauce is already thick, add a tablespoon of water and cover for another minute.

Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add one teaspoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) during the braising stage.
  • With Vegetables: Sauté sliced onions or green bell peppers alongside the potatoes for added texture.