Crisp and Tender Gamja Bokkeum (Stir-Fried Potato Matchsticks)
A crisp side dish of thinly julienned potatoes lightly stir-fried with fragrant garlic.
Translated from Korean by AI and not yet checked by a native speaker. Amounts and numbers are taken directly from the original recipe. Read the Korean original →
This side dish features thinly julienned new-crop potatoes lightly stir-fried in garlic oil to preserve their crisp texture. Rinsing away the surface starch keeps the potato matchsticks from sticking together and helps them hold their neat shape. With mild seasoning, it is easy to enjoy by the generous mouthful.
- Servings
- 3–4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spiciness
- Not spicy
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Potato2 (large)
- Yellow and red bell peppers1/4 (each)
Seasoning
- Minced garlic1/2 tbsp
- Salt1/2 tsp
- Toasted sesame oil1 tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds1 tbsp
Steps
Prepare the ingredients
I prepared 2 new-crop potatoes and 1/4 of each bell pepper.
Slice the vegetables
Peel the potatoes and julienne them as finely as possible.
Julienning them finely allows you to stir-fry them minimally in the pan and keep their crisp texture.
Thinly slice the bell peppers just like the potatoes.
Remove potato starch
Soak the julienned potatoes in water, then rinse them under running water and drain thoroughly.
Stir-fry
Heat a pan, add cooking oil, and lightly stir-fry 1/2 tbsp minced garlic to release its aroma. Add the potatoes and stir-fry briskly.
Because the potato matchsticks are thin, they can cook quickly or scorch easily.
Add 1/2 tsp salt and stir-fry until they turn translucent throughout...
Add the bell peppers, stir-fry briefly, and turn off the heat.
Finish by mixing in 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
Finish
Slicing the potatoes thinly keeps them from breaking apart and helps retain their shape.
This stir-fried potato dish occasionally appears as a side menu item at Korean home-style diners, and it is my absolute favorite style.
It is also delicious mixed with a small bowl of rice and a generous heap of potato matchsticks.
New-crop potatoes are wonderfully fluffy and tasty right now, so stir-frying them neatly makes for a delicious meal.
Ppunwife's tips
- Julienning them finely allows you to stir-fry them minimally in the pan and keep their crisp texture.
- Slicing the potatoes thinly keeps them from breaking apart and helps retain their shape.
FAQ
How do I keep the potatoes from breaking apart while stir-frying?
Julienning the potatoes as finely and thinly as possible keeps them from breaking apart while stir-frying and preserves their neat shape.
How long should I cook the potato matchsticks?
Stir-fry briskly after adding the salt until the potato matchsticks become translucent throughout.
Why do you rinse the julienned potatoes in water?
It removes the surface starch so they do not stick to the pan or clump together, keeping them neat and tidy.
Can I use other vegetables instead of bell peppers? AI-generated
Carrots or onions, thinly julienned, are commonly added to bring extra color and sweetness.
