Pajeon

Name: Pajeon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: South Korea
Ingredients: 1 cup All-purpose flour (Provides structure to the pancake.); 1/2 cup Rice flour (Contributes to the characteristic crispiness. Glutinous rice flour can also be used for extra chewiness.); 1 cup Cold water (Using very cold water is key for a crispier pancake.); 2 bunches Scallions (Trim off the root ends and cut into 4-5 inch lengths. Keep the white and green parts separate if desired for visual appeal.); 150 g Seafood (e.g., squid, shrimp, mussels) (Cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces. Optional, but adds great flavor and texture. Can be raw or lightly blanched.); 1 Egg (Lightly beaten. Acts as a binder.); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (To season the batter.); 3-4 tablespoons Vegetable oil or other neutral oil (For pan-frying. Use more if needed to maintain crispiness.); for serving Soy dipping sauce (Typically a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, and sometimes chili flakes or sesame seeds.)

Korean Scallion Pancake

South KoreaRev 1 · view history

A savory and crispy Korean pancake loaded with fresh scallions and optional seafood. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, especially on a rainy day.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

20-25 minutes

Total Time

40-45 minutes

Difficulty

Easy

Per serving

280-350 kcal

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Ingredients

4 servings

Instructions

1
Prepare the batterIn a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rice flour, and salt. Gradually whisk in the cold water until a smooth, thin batter forms. It should be the consistency of heavy cream. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon more water at a time. If too thin, add a tablespoon more flour. Set aside.
⏱ 5 minutes
2
Prepare the fillingsTrim the scallions to about 4-5 inches long. If using seafood, ensure it's cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces. If the pieces are large (like shrimp), consider cutting them in half. Lightly beat the egg in a small bowl.
⏱ 5 minutes
3
Combine and cook the first sideHeat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat (around 190°C / 375°F). The oil should shimmer but not smoke. Pour about half of the batter into the hot pan, swirling to create a thin, even layer. Immediately arrange half of the scallions and half of the seafood (if using) evenly over the batter. Cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, and the edges start to lift.
⏱ 6-8 minutes
4
Flip and cook the second sideCarefully slide a spatula under the pancake and flip it over. If the pancake seems to be falling apart, don't worry; it will hold together. Drizzle another tablespoon of oil around the edges of the pancake. Cook the second side for another 4-6 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. You can gently press down on the pancake with the spatula to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
⏱ 4-6 minutes
5
Add egg and finishOnce the second side is golden, pour the beaten egg evenly over the top of the pancake. This helps bind everything together and adds a nice finish. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the egg is just set.
⏱ 1-2 minutes
6
Repeat and serveSlide the cooked pajeon onto a cutting board. Repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining batter, scallions, seafood, and oil to make the second pancake. Cut each pajeon into wedges and serve immediately with the soy dipping sauce on the side.
⏱ 10 minutes

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💡 Pro Tips

✓For extra crispy edges, ensure the pan is hot enough and don't overcrowd it. Add a little more oil around the edges as it cooks.
✓Using very cold water for the batter is crucial for achieving a light and crispy texture.
✓Don't overmix the batter; a few small lumps are okay.
✓Adjust the amount of scallions to your preference. For a more intense scallion flavor, use more.
✓The dipping sauce is essential! A simple mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a pinch of sugar is classic. Add gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a kick.

✨ Twist Ideas

Inspiration for your own version of this recipe

Kimchi-jeon: Add chopped kimchi to the batter along with or instead of scallions.
Haemul-pajeon: Use a variety of seafood like squid, shrimp, mussels, and oysters for a richer flavor.
Vegetable Pajeon: Add other thinly sliced vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Mung Bean Pajeon: A different style of Korean pancake made primarily with ground mung beans.