- Prep Time
- 10 min
- Cook Time
- 15 min
- Total Time
- 25 min
- Servings
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spice Level
- Non-spicy
- Accessibility
- Everyday Ingredients
What is Gamja Jorim?
Gamja Jorim is a Korean potato side dish cooked gently in a savory, lightly sweet soy sauce until the potatoes are tender and glazed.
It is a practical introduction to Korean home cooking because the main ingredients are easy to find and the finished dish pairs naturally with a bowl of rice.
On the Korean Table
Background
Gamja jorim uses the jorim method of gently braising potatoes until a soy-based liquid reduces to a light glaze. It is a familiar mitbanchan, or everyday side that can be prepared ahead.
When and for Whom
Korean households often serve it with regular lunches and dinners, and it also appears in lunchboxes. Its soft texture and mild sweet-savory seasoning can appeal to both children and adults.
What to Serve With It
Serve a small portion with steamed rice, soup, kimchi, and a protein or tofu dish. Because the potatoes are mildly sweet and savory, they balance spicy or fermented foods on the same table.
Ingredients
You Need
- Potatoabout 1 pound / 450 g 2 medium
- Soy Sauce 1.5 tbsp
- Sugar 2 tsp
- Water 0.5 cup
- Cooking Oil 1 tbsp
Nice to Have
- Garlicminced 1 clove
- Green Onionthinly sliced 1 stalk
- Sesame Oil 1 tsp
- Sesame Seeds 1 tsp
Ingredient Substitute Guides
Sesame Seed Substitutes for Korean Cooking
This guide applies only when sesame seeds are an optional finishing garnish. Omission is the best option; it does not apply when ground sesame supplies flavor, texture, or body to a sauce or dressing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Step 1
Prepare the potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into even 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces so they cook at the same rate.
-
Step 2
Mix the braising sauce
Stir together the water, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic, if using, until the sugar begins to dissolve.
-
Step 3
Coat the potatoes
Warm the cooking oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the potatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally.
-
Step 4
Simmer gently
Pour in the braising sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the potatoes are nearly tender.
-
Step 5
Reduce and finish
Uncover and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce lightly coats the potatoes. Remove from the heat and finish with the optional green onion, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Gamja Jorim without sesame oil?
Yes. Sesame oil is optional in this version, so you can leave it out without changing the matching requirements.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add a small amount of gochugaru to the braising sauce and adjust it to your preferred heat level.
What type of potato works best?
An all-purpose or waxy potato that holds its shape during simmering is the easiest choice for neat, intact pieces.