Korean Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim)

Korean Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim) is a easy Korean recipe that serves 4. 184 calories per serving. Recipe by Drew Eats on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 32 min

Cost: $1.52 total, $0.38 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g Potatoes (peeled and cut into bite‑size cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (regular or low‑sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon Mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar (granulated)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 120 ml Water (room temperature)

Instructions

  1. Prep the potatoes

    Wash, peel (if desired), and cut the potatoes into uniform bite‑size cubes.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Mince the garlic

    Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Make the braising sauce

    In a small bowl combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, minced garlic, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Cook the potatoes

    Heat the saucepan over medium heat. Add the potato cubes and pour the prepared sauce over them. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10‑12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the liquid has thickened into a glossy glaze.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Finish and serve

    Remove the pan from heat. Let the potatoes rest for a couple of minutes to allow the glaze to coat the pieces fully. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy warm.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
184
Protein
3g
Carbohydrates
40g
Fat
0g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan (if using gluten‑free soy sauce)

Allergens: Soy (soy sauce), Wheat (regular soy sauce)

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Instead of Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes
  • Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free), Coconut aminos
  • Instead of Mirin: Rice vinegar + 1 tsp sugar, Sake with a pinch of sugar
  • Instead of Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup (use less)
  • Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
  • Instead of Water: Chicken broth for extra flavor

Equipment Needed

  • Medium saucepan or skillet with lid
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

  • Ensure the sauce thickens and coats the potatoes without burning; this gives the signature glossy finish.

Chef Tips from the Video

  • Add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds just before serving for extra aroma.
  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.

Troubleshooting

Sauce is too thin after simmering

Increase heat for 1‑2 minutes to evaporate excess liquid, stirring constantly.

Potatoes are still hard

Cover and continue simmering for another 3‑5 minutes, or cut potatoes slightly smaller next time.

Sauce sticks to the pan and burns

Add a splash more water and lower the heat; use a non‑stick skillet if available.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Freezer: Not recommended – texture of potatoes changes after freezing.

Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; discard if left longer.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Prepare the sauce a day ahead and store in the fridge; it melds flavors further.

Last updated: September 6, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Korean Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim)

Recipe by Drew Eats

A quick and easy Korean banchan – sweet‑savory braised potatoes cooked in a simple soy‑mirin glaze. Perfect as a side for Korean BBQ or any meal where you want a comforting, flavorful potato dish without the restaurant price tag.

EasyKoreanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
12m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
34m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.52
Total cost
$0.38
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Ensure the sauce thickens and coats the potatoes without burning; this gives the signature glossy finish.

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle hot pan and boiling liquid with care to avoid burns.