Description
Crispy Korean Pancakes (Pajeon) with Scallions are savory, thin, and golden-brown pancakes featuring a light batter mixed with fresh scallions and optional seafood. Perfect as a delightful appetizer or snack, these pancakes balance crispiness with a tender inside and are best enjoyed hot with a soy-based dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Add-ins
- 1 bunch scallions, trimmed and cut into 3-inch lengths
- Optional: 1/2 cup seafood (such as shrimp or squid), sliced thin
For Frying
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. Gradually add the cold water and beaten egg, whisking until the batter is smooth and thin without lumps.
- Add Scallions and Seafood: Gently fold the scallions and optional seafood into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated and distributed.
- Heat the Pan: Place a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, swirling it around to evenly coat the pan surface.
- Cook the Pancake: Pour half the batter into the skillet, spreading it evenly into a thin layer. Cook the pancake for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom becomes golden brown and crisp.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula and cook for another 3 minutes until the other side is crisp and the pancake is cooked through.
- Repeat: Transfer the cooked pancake to a cutting board, add the remaining oil to the skillet, and repeat the process with the remaining batter to make the second pancake.
- Serve: Slice the pancakes into wedges and serve hot, ideally accompanied by a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of chili flakes.
Notes
- Use very cold water in the batter to enhance crispiness of the pancakes.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking and crisp texture.
- Serve the pancakes with a dipping sauce combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes for authentic flavor.
- Optional addition of seafood like shrimp or squid adds an extra dimension of taste and texture.