Gamja jorim is a much-loved Korean side dish that transforms simple potatoes into something deeply savory, sweet, and comforting. Slowly simmered in a soy-based sauce, the potatoes soak up rich flavor and develop a beautiful, glossy finish. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like home, whether it’s served warm with fresh rice or tucked into a bento box the next day.
What is Gamja Jorim?
In Korean, “gamja” means potato and “jorim” refers to foods that are braised or simmered in seasoned liquid. Gamja jorim is a popular banchan, or side dish, that appears in many Korean home meals. Its texture is soft but not mushy, with a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with soy sauce and garlic. Some people like to add a chili pepper for a bit of kick, but it’s just as delicious without.
Tips and Variations
- You can substitute oligodang with corn syrup, honey, or brown rice syrup if needed.
- For a more colorful dish, try adding carrots or chopped green onion near the end of cooking.
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold if you prefer a firmer texture.
Gamja Jorim (Korean Braised Potatoes)
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prep the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and chop them into large, even-sized cubes. This helps them cook evenly and hold their shape during simmering.
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Simmer the Base
Place the potato cubes in a medium pot and add the water, soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, and sesame oil. Bring everything to a boil over medium heat.
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Add Spice
If you want to add a little heat, chop up a chili pepper and toss it in about halfway through the cooking time. Simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the potatoes cook evenly and don’t stick to the bottom.
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Finish with Sweetness
Once the liquid has mostly reduced and the potatoes are tender, drizzle in the oligodang. This helps glaze the potatoes and adds a mild sweetness. Stir gently to coat the potatoes well, then turn off the heat.
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Garnish and Serve
Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Enjoy warm with rice or let it cool and pack it up for lunch the next day.
User Reviews
I am known by my family, friends and loved ones as a person who CANNOT COOK! But, I love korean food and I decided to tryout this recipe after seeing in on TikTok. Saemmul-nim! I can say your recipe was very beginner friendly and I managed to not burn anything! Thank you for making these recipes!
So glad they turned out good! Thanks for your comment!
Just made these and they’re absolutely incredible!!!
Yay!
Love this dish, but my sauce came out runny.
Thanks for your comment! If the sauce is runny, you can try braising for a bit longer with the lid off (a wider and shallower pot might help), or adding some more syrup to thicken it. ♥️