Description
Crispy Korean Potato Pancakes, known as Gamjajeon, are savory and crunchy delights made from grated russet potatoes paired with green onions and melted mozzarella cheese. Lightly seasoned and pan-fried to golden perfection, these pancakes offer a deliciously cheesy twist on a classic Korean street food favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Pancakes
- 400 g (14 oz) russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 large green onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup (120 g) mozzarella cheese, grated (or cheddar/pecorino)
- Oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and grate the russet potatoes using a fine grater. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible to ensure a crisp texture.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes with the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Add the finely chopped green onions and mozzarella cheese, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Heat the Pan: Add a thin layer of oil to a non-stick skillet or frying pan and heat it over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Form and Cook Pancakes: Scoop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the pan, pressing them down gently to form flat pancakes roughly 3-4 inches in diameter. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown and crisp.
- Flip and Cook Other Side: Carefully flip each pancake and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until equally golden and the cheese is melted inside.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
Notes
- Pressing out the moisture from grated potatoes is critical to achieving crispiness.
- You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or pecorino cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- For extra crispness, you can add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Serve these pancakes as an appetizer or side dish with soy sauce or a spicy dipping sauce.
