Umami GuruRecipes

Gamjajeon (감자전)

Korea

Gamjajeon

Thin, crispy potato pancakes fried to a golden crust and served with a simple soy sauce. If desired, onion and garlic chives are added to the batter, preserving the light color of the potatoes and adding aroma.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. Gamjajeon step 1

    If using onion, grate it on a coarse grater (about 2‑3 tbsp) and transfer to a large bowl.

  2. Gamjajeon step 2

    Peel the potatoes and grate them on a coarse grater, collecting the released juice.

  3. Gamjajeon step 3

    Transfer the grated potatoes to a bowl lined with a colander and drain the juice, setting it aside in a separate container.

  4. Gamjajeon step 4

    Immediately combine the grated potatoes with the grated onion, mix well – this prevents the potatoes from darkening.

  5. Gamjajeon step 5

    Let the collected juice stand for about 10 minutes. The starch will settle at the bottom, then carefully pour off the water, leaving the settled starch.

  6. Gamjajeon step 6

    Add the settled starch to the grated potatoes, along with salt and, if using, garlic chives. Mix thoroughly to obtain a homogeneous batter.

  7. Gamjajeon step 7

    Heat a skillet over medium heat and pour in 2 tbsp of vegetable oil.

  8. Gamjajeon step 8

    Pour half of the batter onto the skillet, spreading it into a round patty. Reduce the heat to medium‑low and fry until a light golden crust forms on the bottom, about 2‑3 minutes, then flip and fry the other side for the same time.

  9. Gamjajeon step 9

    Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more oil if necessary.

  10. Gamjajeon step 10

    While the pancakes are cooking, prepare the sauce: in a small bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, water, sugar, and a pinch of black pepper until the sugar dissolves.

  11. Gamjajeon step 11

    Serve the hot pancakes with the prepared sauce.