Name: Easy Gamja Jorim (Korean Braised Potatoes) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb baby potatoes; 2 tbsp vegetable oil or any neutral oil; 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; Green onions for garnish; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 tbsp honey or your choice of sweetened syrup; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or red pepper flakes, optional; 1/2 cup water

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If you have ever wanted to bring a burst of authentic Korean home cooking to your table, then this Easy Gamja Jorim (Korean Braised Potatoes) Recipe is just the ticket. These tender baby potatoes glazed in a savory-sweet soy sauce create a mouthwatering side dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures. Each bite offers a subtle sweetness with a hint of garlic and a touch of heat if you choose, making it a favorite that turns humble potatoes into a star of any meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to for adding warmth and comfort to your dinner lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a metal pot filled with small, round golden potatoes covered in a shiny, thick caramel-colored sauce sprinkled with white sesame seeds. The sauce glistens over the potatoes, giving them a glossy texture. A wooden spoon coated with the same sauce rests inside the pot on the right side. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, with just a handful of everyday ingredients coming together to create a flavor-packed experience. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the silky soy sauce providing umami depth, or the honey bringing that perfect sweet contrast to the savory elements. The baby potatoes absorb all these flavors while staying delightfully tender inside and soft yet slightly glossy on the outside.

Baby potatoes, 1 1/2 lb: Choose similar-sized potatoes to ensure even cooking and uniform texture.
Vegetable oil, 2 tbsp: A neutral oil helps give the potatoes a slight crispness without weighing down the sauce.
Toasted sesame seeds, 1 tbsp: Adds a nutty aroma and a subtle crunch as a finishing touch.
Green onions for garnish: Fresh and vibrant, these brighten the dish with their mild onion flavor and pop of color.
Soy sauce, 1/4 cup: The salty backbone that infuses the potatoes with deep, rich savory notes.
Honey or sweetened syrup, 3 tbsp: Balances the soy sauce with a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during braising.
Minced garlic, 4 cloves: Provides aromatic warmth and enhances the overall complexity of the sauce.
Gochugaru or red pepper flakes, 1 tsp (optional): Add a subtle kick of heat if you like a bit of spice in your dish.
Water, 1/2 cup: Helps the potatoes cook through and creates the luscious braising sauce.

How to Make Easy Gamja Jorim (Korean Braised Potatoes) Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Parboil the Potatoes

Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt since their skins will remain on for texture and flavor. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a gentle boil. Parboil the potatoes for about 8 to 10 minutes so they’re just tender but not falling apart, which helps them absorb the sauce better later on.

Step 2: Saute the Potatoes

Heat your vegetable oil over medium heat in a deep skillet or frying pan. Drain the parboiled potatoes and add them to the oil, turning frequently. Sauté until the outsides start to develop a light golden crust, which adds a pleasant textural contrast to the softness inside.

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, gochugaru (if using), and water. Pour this sauce mixture over the potatoes in the pan, making sure they’re evenly coated. This step is where the magic happens as the potatoes soak in all of those delicious flavors.

Step 4: Braise Until Glazed

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the potatoes braise for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help the sauce thicken and caramelize into a gorgeous glaze. You’ll know it’s done when the liquid has mostly reduced and clings to the potatoes in shiny, sticky layers.

Step 5: Final Touches

Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the finished potatoes and give them one last gentle toss. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions to bring freshness and a bit of color right before serving.

How to Serve Easy Gamja Jorim (Korean Braised Potatoes) Recipe

A round tray with a natural wood weave texture holds seven small clear glass bowls and one white bowl. The white bowl is filled with whole yellow potatoes, smooth and round, piled high on the left side. Surrounding it are small clear bowls arranged in a loose circle: one with dark brown soy sauce at the top, one with golden honey to the right of it, and another with light golden oil near the bottom right. At the bottom left, a clear bowl has deep red chili flakes, next to it a bowl with pale tan sesame seeds. In the center is a bowl with finely chopped pale yellow garlic, and to the right of it is a bowl with chopped bright green scallions. A white cloth and bright green leaves partially frame the tray on the left and top sides. The surface under the tray is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions as garnishes not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a lovely textural contrast and a mild nutty flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully. Feel free to add a sprinkle of toasted seaweed flakes for an extra umami punch.

Side Dishes

Easy Gamja Jorim shines as a traditional Korean side dish alongside staples like steamed rice, grilled meats, or kimchi. It also pairs wonderfully with simple vegetable dishes or can even be part of a larger banchan spread for a family feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch things up, try serving these braised potatoes atop a bed of lightly dressed greens for a warm potato salad, or chop them into smaller pieces and fold into fried rice or savory pancakes. Their mild, sweet, and savory flavor makes them incredibly versatile in Korean-inspired meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These braised potatoes keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze Easy Gamja Jorim in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw fully in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a non-stick skillet over low heat to avoid drying them out. Stir occasionally until warmed through and glistening with the sauce’s lovely glaze.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Absolutely! Just cut larger potatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking, and adjust the parboiling time accordingly to ensure they’re tender all the way through.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply choose a vegan sweetener like maple syrup instead of honey, and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free and vegan if needed. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness depends on whether you add gochugaru or red pepper flakes. Using them is optional, so you can keep it mild for kids or spice it up to your preference.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?

Definitely. Easy Gamja Jorim tastes great at room temperature and can be made a day ahead to let the flavors meld even more. Just warm gently before serving if you prefer it heated.

What is gochugaru and can I substitute it?

Gochugaru is Korean chili flakes that provide mild heat and a subtle smokiness. If unavailable, red pepper flakes or a mild chili powder work fine as substitutes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about this Easy Gamja Jorim (Korean Braised Potatoes) Recipe that’s hard to beat. It’s an incredible way to savor the humble potato with a wonderful Korean twist that’s easy enough for everyday dinners but special enough to impress guests. I hope you enjoy this dish as much as I do—once you make it, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Easy Gamja Jorim (Korean Braised Potatoes) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need