Korean Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim)

A classic Korean banchan with sweet, savory comfort in every bite

Korean cuisine is famous for its bold flavors, comforting textures, and beautifully balanced side dishes known as banchan. Among these beloved small plates, Korean Braised Potatoes, or Gamja Jorim, hold a special place. This humble yet deeply satisfying dish transforms simple potatoes into glossy, flavor-packed bites simmered in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce.

Gamja Jorim is proof that Korean cooking doesn’t rely on complexity—it relies on balance. The potatoes are tender on the inside, lightly caramelized on the outside, and coated in a sauce that blends soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil into something far greater than the sum of its parts. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and endlessly versatile.

Whether you’re building a Korean dinner spread, looking for a make-ahead side dish, or craving something cozy and satisfying, this Korean Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim) recipe delivers every time.

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What Is Gamja Jorim?

Gamja means potato in Korean, and jorim refers to a braising technique where ingredients are simmered in a seasoned liquid until tender and glazed. Gamja Jorim is traditionally served as a banchan, a side dish that accompanies rice and main dishes in Korean meals.

Unlike Western-style braised potatoes that may rely on herbs or stock, Gamja Jorim focuses on:

• Soy sauce for savory depth
• Sugar for sweetness and caramelization
• Garlic for aroma
• Sesame oil for nutty richness

The result is a dish that’s simple, affordable, and incredibly flavorful.

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Why Gamja Jorim Is So Popular in Korean Homes

Gamja Jorim is a staple in Korean households for good reason:

• Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
• Easy to prepare with minimal equipment
• Delicious hot, warm, or cold
• Stores well and tastes better the next day
• Loved by both kids and adults

It’s commonly packed into lunchboxes, served alongside grilled meats, or enjoyed with a bowl of rice for a quick meal.

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Ingredients

Korean Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim) – Ingredients

• 1½ lbs baby potatoes (or Yukon gold, cut into chunks)
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup or honey (optional, for shine)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Each ingredient plays a role in creating the dish’s signature glossy, savory-sweet finish.

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Instructions

How to Make Korean Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim)

1. Wash and peel the potatoes if desired. Cut into evenly sized chunks if not using baby potatoes.
2. Heat neutral oil in a medium saucepan or skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the potatoes and sauté for 3–4 minutes until lightly coated in oil and slightly golden.
4. Add minced garlic and stir briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Pour in soy sauce, water, sugar, and corn syrup (if using). Stir gently to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
7. Stir occasionally, allowing the sauce to reduce and coat the potatoes evenly.
8. When the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce is thick and glossy, drizzle with sesame oil.
9. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
10. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

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Texture & Flavor Breakdown

One of the most satisfying aspects of Gamja Jorim is its texture contrast:

• Inside: Soft, fluffy, and comforting
• Outside: Slightly firm with a sticky glaze
• Sauce: Sweet, salty, garlicky, and nutty

The potatoes absorb the sauce while also becoming lightly caramelized as the liquid reduces.

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Tips for Perfect Gamja Jorim

• Use waxy potatoes: Baby potatoes or Yukon golds hold their shape best.
• Don’t rush the simmer: Slow reduction builds flavor and shine.
• Stir gently: Prevents breaking the potatoes.
• Adjust sweetness: Add more or less sugar to taste.
• Finish with sesame oil off heat: Preserves aroma.

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Variations to Try

Spicy Gamja Jorim

Add 1 teaspoon gochujang or a pinch of gochugaru for heat.

Vegan-Friendly

This recipe is naturally vegan—just ensure your sugar is plant-based.

Soy-Sauce Light Version

Replace half the soy sauce with water for a milder flavor.

Beef or Anchovy Version

Traditionally, some versions include anchovy broth or small beef pieces for added umami.

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Serving Suggestions

Gamja Jorim is incredibly versatile:

• Serve as a banchan with Korean BBQ
• Pair with rice and kimchi for a simple meal
• Add to lunchboxes—it tastes great cold
• Serve alongside grilled fish or tofu
• Include in a Korean holiday spread

It’s a dish that fits effortlessly into both everyday meals and special occasions.

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Cultural Context & Tradition

In Korean culture, banchan are not just side dishes—they represent care, balance, and hospitality. Gamja Jorim is often associated with home cooking, school lunches, and comforting family meals.

Because potatoes were introduced to Korea later than rice, dishes like Gamja Jorim reflect Korean ingenuity—adapting new ingredients into deeply traditional cooking methods.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Flavor improves after resting overnight
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or enjoy cold
• Avoid freezing, as texture may change

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-friendly
• Beginner-friendly
• Meal-prep approved
• Naturally vegan
• Deeply comforting

Korean Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim) prove that simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create unforgettable flavor.