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Gamja jorim
감자조림 · Baby potatoes braised in a sweet, glossy soy glaze
Gamja jorim (감자조림) are cubes or small potatoes simmered in soy sauce and sugar until the liquid reduces to a sticky, shiny glaze. They are a lunchbox and home-cooking favourite across Korea, loved by children for their sweet-salty taste. The potatoes turn soft inside but keep their shape, and they taste just as good cold the next day, so they are ideal to make ahead. Rice syrup gives the traditional shine; sugar alone works too. Chef's tip: add the syrup only at the end, when the potatoes are already tender. Added early it scorches and makes the potatoes tough on the outside.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
- 1 ⅛ lb baby potatoeshalved, or larger potatoes cut into 2.5 cm cubes
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 2 cloves garlicsliced
- 1 cup water
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice syrupor 2 tsp more sugar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 green chilli (optional)sliced
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Soak 1 ⅛ lb baby potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes to rinse off the surface starch, then drain and pat dry. This stops them sticking and helps them keep their shape.
10 minStep 2: Heat 1 tbsp neutral oil in a wide pan over a medium-high heat and fry the potatoes for 4–5 minutes, turning, until lightly golden at the edges.
5 minStep 3: Add 2 cloves garlic, 1 cup water, 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Bring to the boil, then cover and simmer over a medium-low heat for 10 minutes, until a knife slides into the potatoes easily.
10 minStep 4: Uncover, add 1 tbsp rice syrup and 1 green chilli and turn up the heat to medium-high. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring gently, until the liquid has reduced to a thick glaze that coats the potatoes.
5 minStep 5: Take off the heat and toss with 1 tsp toasted sesame oil and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve warm or cold; it keeps for 4 days in the fridge.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 150 kcal
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbs
- 28 g
- Fat
- 4 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
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Good to know
- How long does gamja jorim take?
- About 30 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Can I make it ahead?
- Yes. It keeps well, so you can cook it earlier in the day or the day before and reheat it.
- What can I use instead of baby potatoes?
- Sweet potato, same weight (sweeter, cooks a little faster).
- What can I use instead of garlic?
- ½ tsp garlic paste or ⅛ tsp garlic powder per clove.
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