Sizzling Korean Pancakes (Pajeon) Recipe to Try Today

Crispy, savory Korean pancakes dance with vibrant flavors that burst through every golden-brown bite.

These delectable (pajeon) showcase a perfect blend of fresh seafood and green onions nestled in a light, crisp batter.

Originating from Korean street food traditions, these pancakes offer a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to the bustling markets of Seoul.

Packed with umami-rich ingredients, each pancake tells a story of culinary heritage and comfort.

The sizzling sound of batter hitting a hot pan promises a mouthwatering experience that’s both simple and sophisticated.

Green onions add a sharp, fresh note that cuts through the richness, creating a harmonious plate you’ll want to savor again and again.

Get ready to master this classic Korean dish that promises to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 3

Korean Pancakes (Pajeon) Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the essential base for a crispy, light pancake texture with a delicate golden crunch.
• Egg: Binds the batter together, creating a smooth consistency and adding rich protein content.
• Water: Helps achieve the perfect pancake batter consistency and creates a light, airy texture.

• Green Onions: Adds a sharp, fresh flavor and vibrant green color to the pancake, bringing a classic Korean touch.
• Assorted Vegetables: Delivers crisp texture, nutritional value, and a colorful visual appeal to the Korean pancake.

• Garlic Powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the vegetables and enhances overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Balances and elevates the pancake's flavor profile with essential seasoning.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides a nutty crunch and authentic Korean garnish with a subtle toasted flavor.
• Oil: Ensures even cooking and creates a golden, crispy exterior for the pancake.

Cooking Tools for Korean Pancakes (Pajeon)

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining batter ingredients and mixing veggies.
• Cutting board: Essential for chopping and preparing vegetables safely.
• Sharp knife: Helps slice vegetables into thin, even sticks.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Non-stick pan: Key for creating crispy, golden Korean pancakes without sticking.
• Spatula: Helps flip pancakes smoothly and evenly.
• Peeler or mandoline (optional): Useful for creating thin vegetable strips.

How to Make Crispy Korean Pancakes (Pajeon)

• Veggie Preparation

Slice or shred vegetables into thin, delicate strips using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Choose ingredients like green onions, carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for vibrant flavor and color.

• Batter Creation

Mix flour with eggs and water in a mixing bowl until smooth. Gently fold chopped vegetables into the batter, creating a colorful and textured mixture. Add a pinch of salt and garlic powder for extra zest.

• Pancake Cooking

Warm a non-stick skillet with a light coating of oil over medium heat. Pour the vegetable-studded batter, spreading it into a thin, even circle. Cook until edges turn golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

• Serving Style

Transfer the sizzling pancake onto a plate. Sprinkle with fresh chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Pair with a tangy dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey for a Korean street food experience.

Flavor Adjustments for Korean Pancakes (Pajeon)

• Swap traditional green onions with zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious twist on the classic pajeon.
• Add cooked shrimp, squid, or chopped chicken to the batter for a heartier pancake that transforms the dish into a complete meal.
• Let the pancake batter rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking to help the flour absorb liquid and create a crispier, more tender texture.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces like gochujang-based spicy sauce, soy sauce with rice vinegar, or a tangy Korean chili oil to elevate the flavor profile.
• Use ice-cold water in the batter to achieve a lighter, crispier pancake that stays crunchy even after cooling down.

Serving Korean Pancakes (Pajeon) with Dipping Sauce

• Dipping Sauce Delight: Elevate your Korean pancakes with a zesty dipping sauce that combines soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform these pajeon into a weekend brunch star by pairing them with soft scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a light mixed green salad for a complete meal.
• Party Platter Perfection: Cut the pancakes into bite-sized pieces and serve as an appetizer at gatherings, accompanied by toothpicks for easy sharing and a festive communal dining experience.
• Veggie Variation Station: Experiment with different vegetable combinations like zucchini, carrots, or green onions to create unique flavor profiles and add exciting textures to your pajeon.

How to Store Korean Pancakes (Pajeon) Without Sogginess

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover Korean pancakes in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Wrap each pancake separately to maintain crispy texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Reheat Magic: Revive cold pajeon by crisping them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. Avoid microwave to keep the original crunch and flavor intact.
• Batch Prep Brilliance: Prepare pancake batter and chopped vegetables ahead of time. Keep ingredients separately in sealed containers, allowing for spontaneous cooking within 24 hours.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap uncooked pancakes between parchment paper layers before freezing. Thaw in refrigerator and cook directly from chilled state, maintaining original taste and texture.

Authentic Korean Pancakes (Pajeon) Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Savory korean pancakes (pajeon) blend green onions and seafood in a crispy, aromatic delight. Delicate batter and quick pan-frying create a satisfying snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml) panash pancake mixture (natural) or all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• 2 spring onions (cut into sticks)
• ½ zucchini (cut into sticks)
• ½ carrot (cut into sticks)
• 1 small potato (cut into sticks)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Oil for frying (or use a non-stick pan)
• 1 batch asian dipping sauce

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Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Julienne zucchini, carrots, and green onions into precise, thin strips using a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform texture and consistent cooking.
2. Create Batter: Vigorously whisk flour, egg, and water in a bowl until achieving a velvety-smooth consistency with no visible lumps, ensuring a perfect pancake foundation.
3. Combine Mixture: Gently incorporate prepared vegetable strips into the batter, thoroughly coating each strand and distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Season Blend: Infuse the batter with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, delicately stirring to harmonize the seasonings across the entire mixture.
5. Cook Pancakes: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, applying a gossamer-thin layer of oil to prevent adhesion, then pour a portion of vegetable-laden batter, spreading it into a precise circular shape with fluid motions.
6. Perfect Browning: Allow the pancake to sizzle undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, developing a burnished golden crust and slightly crisped edges, then skillfully flip using a wide spatula to cook the alternate side for 2-3 minutes until achieving a uniform, appetizing golden-brown finish.
7. Plate and Serve: Transfer the crisp Korean pancakes to a serving platter, adorning with freshly chopped spring onions and a delicate sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, accompanied by a zesty Asian dipping sauce, ensuring immediate serving while at peak crispness and temperature.

Notes

• Master Vegetable Slicing: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create uniform, thin strips ensuring even cooking and professional-looking pancakes.
• Batter Brilliance: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a silky-smooth base that guarantees a tender, delicate texture.
• Heat Control Mastery: Maintain medium heat and use a non-stick skillet with minimal oil to achieve that perfect golden-crispy exterior without burning.
• Serving Perfection: Garnish immediately with fresh spring onions and toasted sesame seeds, and pair with a complementary dipping sauce to elevate the flavor profile and dining experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg