Korean Potato Cheese Pancakes (Gamjajeon) Recipe
Korean Potato Cheese Pancakes, or Gamjajeon, are crispy, golden fried pancakes made from shredded russet potatoes combined with cheddar cheese, scallions, and aromatic seasonings. Lightly seasoned and pan-fried to perfection, these savory pancakes offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Mixture
- 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3-4 green scallions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp white sesame seeds
- 2 large eggs
- 0.25 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Cooking
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and then grate them finely. After grating, squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible using a kitchen towel or cheesecloth to ensure the pancakes are crispy and not soggy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped scallions, white sesame seeds, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. Crack in the eggs and mix thoroughly to form a batter.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large frying pan to cover the bottom generously and heat it over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Form and Fry Pancakes: Scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of the potato mixture and flatten it gently into a pancake shape in the hot oil. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain heat consistency.
- Drain and Serve: Once fried, transfer the pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm as a delicious snack or side dish.
Notes
- Squeezing out excess moisture from the potatoes is essential for crispy pancakes.
- You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella or a mild melting cheese for variation.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like soy sauce mixed with a bit of vinegar and chili flakes for extra flavor.
- These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a toaster oven or skillet to regain crispiness.
- Use a non-stick pan to minimize oil usage and sticking.