Scallion Pancakes, known as “Pajeon” in Korean, are a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a hearty snack, appetizer, or side dish in a Korean meal. The word “pa” translates to scallion, while “jun” or “jeon” refers to any food coated in batter and pan-fried. This savory pancake recipe allows for customization, and you can add various ingredients such as red chiles, onions, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or kimchi to suit your taste. These delicious pancakes pair exceptionally well with Seasoned Soy Sauce or Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce. Whether you’re craving a savory treat or looking to impress your guests with a Korean-inspired dish, Scallion Pancakes are sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into the recipe and enjoy the delightful flavors of Pajeon!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups water
- 6 scallions, halved lengthwise and cut into 2-to 3-inch lengths
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil for cooking
PREPARATIONS
- In a medium bowl, mix together all of the ingredients except for the vegetable oil, and let sit for about 10 minutes. The batter should have a slightly runny consistency, similar to American pancake batter.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and coat it with a thin layer of vegetable oil.
- Pour the batter into the skillet, spreading it to create a thin layer that covers the bottom of the pan (approximately one-third of the batter should fill a medium skillet).
- Cook the pancake for 3 to 4 minutes, until the bottom is set and golden brown. Flip the pancake with the help of a spatula or plate (or if you’re skilled, try flipping it in the air) and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, adding more oil if needed.
- Transfer the cooked pancake to a warm plate and repeat the process to cook the remaining pancakes.
- Before serving, cut the pancakes into triangles, similar to slicing a pizza. Serve the Scallion Pancakes with seasoned soy sauce or spicy dipping sauce.
YIELD
- Serves 6 as a side dish
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
- You can use ready-made “Korean Pancake Batter” (buchimgae) from a Korean or Asian grocery store as an alternative to making the batter from scratch. Just add ¾ cup water for every 1 cup of dry mix and include your preferred vegetables.
TIPS
- Customize the Scallion Pancakes by adding vegetables like red chiles, onions, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or kimchi.
In conclusion, Scallion Pancakes, or Pajeon, are a delicious and versatile Korean dish that is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The combination of crispy scallions and savory batter creates a delightful flavor profile that pairs perfectly with seasoned soy sauce or spicy dipping sauce.
With just a few simple ingredients and a little preparation, you can enjoy these savory pancakes as a delightful snack, appetizer, or side dish in your Korean-inspired meals. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to customize the pancakes with various vegetables like red chiles, onions, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or kimchi, making each batch a unique and flavorful culinary experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, Scallion Pancakes are a wonderful addition to your recipe repertoire. Impress your family and friends with these delectable treats, and savor the delightful flavors of Korean cuisine.