Description
Korean Pancakes (Pajeon) are savory, crispy pancakes loaded with scallions and optional vegetables or seafood, perfect as a delicious appetizer or side dish. Cooked on the stovetop until golden brown, they are served with a tangy soy-based dipping sauce for an authentic Korean street food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pancakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 large egg
- 4–5 scallions, cut into 2–3 inch pieces and halved lengthwise
- ½ cup julienned carrots
- ½ cup thinly sliced bell pepper or zucchini (optional)
- ½ cup seafood mix or shrimp (optional)
- vegetable oil for frying
Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
- pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Add the cold water and egg, stirring until just combined to create a slightly runny batter. Fold in scallions, carrots, and any optional vegetables or seafood.
- Heat the pan: Heat 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the pan is hot enough for frying.
- Cook the pancakes: Pour about half the batter into the skillet, spreading it into a thin, even circular layer, pressing down gently. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip and cook the other side for an additional 2–3 minutes. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
- Prepare the dipping sauce: While the pancakes cook, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
- Serve: Slice the pancakes into wedges and serve warm alongside the dipping sauce for an authentic Korean experience.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the seafood.
- Make smaller pancakes for party snacks or appetizers.
- Cornstarch adds crispiness to the pancakes, but you can substitute with additional flour if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
