Charred Daepa Gamja Doenjang Salad (Charred Leek Potato Salad)

Quick answer

Total time: 33 min
Level: Easy
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients: 9

About this dish

Charred daepa gamja doenjang salad combines boiled potatoes with large green onion segments that have been seared until deeply caramelized and smoky.

The high heat strips away the raw onion bite and replaces it with a concentrated sweetness and char aroma. A dressing made from doenjang, lemon juice, honey, and olive oil layers fermented depth with bright acidity and a touch of sweetness, drawing out the mild flavor of the potato. Tossing the potatoes while still warm allows the dressing to absorb into the starchy flesh rather than sitting on the surface. Red chard adds color and a faint bitterness that gives the bowl a sense of direction, while black sesame seeds contribute a final nutty accent.

Ingredients

servings

IngredientAmountUnit

potatoes250 gg

large green onion120 gg

red chard60 gg

doenjang1 tbsptbsp

olive oil2 tbsptbsp

lemon juice1 tbsptbsp

minced garlic½ tsptsp

honey1 tsptsp

black sesame seeds1 tsptsp

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Instructions

Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.

6 steps

1

Control

Scrub 250g potatoes, leave the skin on, and cut them into 2cm pieces.

Place them in cold water and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.
2

Step

When a toothpick slides through without resistance, drain the potatoes in a sieve.

Let them steam dry for about 2 minutes, because surface water will thin the doenjang dressing and weaken its cling.
3

Control

Cut 120g leek into 5cm lengths.

Coat the pan very lightly with a small amount of the 2 tablespoons olive oil and cook the leek over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, turning as it browns.
4

Step

Remove the daepa when the outside is deep brown and the inside has softened.

If the smell turns harsh instead of sweet and toasted, lower the heat slightly and turn the pieces right away.
5

Prep

Mix 1 tablespoon doenjang, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, and 0.5 teaspoon minced garlic in a small bowl.

Gradually whisk in the remaining olive oil.
6

Step

Add the warm potatoes, charred daepa, and 60 g red chard to a bowl, then drizzle over the dressing.

Fold gently from the bottom to keep the potatoes intact, scatter 1 tsp black sesame seeds, and rest 3 minutes before serving.

Practical Cooking Checks

The cues that matter most while cooking.

Key technique: Charring daepa leeks until browned removes their pungency and unlocks a concentrated, sweet onion flavor.
Finish cue: Coat the pan very lightly with a small amount of the 2 tablespoons olive oil and cook the leek over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, turning as it browns.