How to Make Pajeon: Korean Vegetable Pancake

Pajeon, often referred to as Korean savoury pancakes, is a delightful and versatile dish that has captivated food lovers around the world. This traditional Korean dish is known for its crispy exterior and soft, flavourful interior, making it a perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course. The name “Pajeon” comes from “pa,” which means green onion in Korean, and “jeon,” which refers to any dish that is pan-fried in a batter.

Pajeon is beloved for its simplicity and the way it highlights the natural flavours of its ingredients. The main component, green onions, provides a mild, sweet flavour that pairs beautifully with the savoury pancake batter. Additional vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and sometimes seafood like prawns or squid, can be added to enhance the texture and taste, creating a harmonious blend of flavours and colours.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to explore Korean cuisine or add a new favourite to their cooking repertoire. It’s straightforward enough for beginners but can also be adapted by seasoned cooks looking to experiment with different ingredients.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, Pajeon is sure to impress with its balance of flavours and satisfying crunch. Serve it with a soy dipping sauce for an authentic experience, and enjoy a taste of Korea right in your own home.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious Korean vegetable pancake!

Ingredients:

•   1 bunch of green onions (about 6-8), cut into 2-inch pieces
•   Julienned mixed vegetables of your choice - carrots, potato, red peppers, cabbage
•   Minced garlic
•   1/2 cup seafood (optional: shrimp or squid), chopped
•   1 cup all-purpose flour
•   1/2 cup rice flour (optional, for extra crispiness)
•   1 egg
•   1 cup cold water
•   Salt and pepper
•   Vegetable oil for frying

For the dipping sauce:

•   1/4 cup soy sauce
•   1 tablespoon rice vinegar
•   1 teaspoon sesame oil
•   1 teaspoon sugar
•   1 clove garlic, minced
•   1 teaspoon sesame seeds
•   1 green onion, finely chopped

Method:

1.  Prepare the Ingredients:
•   Wash and cut the green onions into 2-inch pieces.
•   Julienne the vegetables.
•   If using seafood, chop it into small pieces.
2.  Make the Batter:
•   In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rice flour (if using), and salt.
•   Add the egg and cold water, stirring until you have a smooth batter.
•   Add the green onions, vegetables and seafood (if using) to the batter. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
3.  Cook the Pajeon:
•   Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
•   Once the oil is hot, pour half of the batter into the pan, spreading it out to form a thin, even layer.
•   Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
•   Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden and crispy.
•   Remove the pancake from the pan and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining batter.
4.  Make the Dipping Sauce:
•   In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and finely chopped green onion. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
5.  Serve:
•   Cut the pajeon into wedges or bite-sized pieces.
•   Serve hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Pajeon, a delicious taste of Korea that’s perfect for any meal or occasion!

Calories per Serving (assuming 4 servings):

•   Without seafood: ~363 calories per serving
•   With seafood: ~380 calories per serving

Please note that these values are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portions used.