Here’s a recipe for Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancakes), a savory and crispy pancake filled with scallions and optionally seafood. It’s perfect as an appetizer or snack!
Ingredients:
For the Pancake:
- 1 bunch of scallions (about 6-8), cut into 2-3 inch lengths
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or Korean pancake mix)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup seafood (shrimp, squid, or oysters), cut into small pieces
- 1 small carrot, julienned (for color and texture)
- ½ zucchini, julienned (optional)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or crushed red pepper (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, egg, and cold water until smooth. The batter should be slightly thin but coat the scallions well.
- Add the scallions and any optional ingredients (seafood, carrots, zucchini) to the batter and mix to coat everything evenly.
2. Heat the Pan:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, pour in half of the batter, spreading it out evenly in the pan. Make sure the scallions and any other ingredients are spread out.
3. Fry the Pajeon:
- Cook the pancake for 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the pancake and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, adding more oil if needed.
- Both sides should be crisp and golden. If making more than one pancake, repeat the process with the remaining batter.
4. Make the Dipping Sauce:
- While the pancakes are cooking, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, gochugaru, garlic, and sesame seeds in a small bowl.
5. Slice and Serve:
- Once the pancakes are cooked, transfer them to a cutting board and slice into wedges or squares.
- Serve hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy with:
- As a snack, appetizer, or side dish with a Korean meal.
- It pairs well with a cold drink like makgeolli (Korean rice wine) for a more traditional experience.
These Pajeon are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with the fresh flavor of scallions, making them an irresistible Korean comfort food!