Authentic Korean Jeon: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 cups of various ingredients for filling (Suggestions: zucchini, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, onions, bell peppers, etc.)
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
Vegetable oil for frying
For Dipping Sauce:
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon Korean red pepper flakes (optional)
1 green onion, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced

Steps and instructions

Prepare the vegetables for the filling. Wash and cut them into thin strips or slices.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, water, egg, salt, and sugar until well combined to make a batter. The batter should be a little bit runny, but not too thin. Add more water if it's too thick.
Add the prepared vegetables, green onions, and minced garlic to the batter and mix well.
Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
Take a spoonful of the batter and spread it on the pan. You can make it as thin or thick as you want. Cook until the bottom is golden brown.
Flip the pancake and cook the other side until it's also golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.
As the pancakes are being cooked, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, green onions, and garlic. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Serve the pancakes hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tools for making

Large bowl - For mixing the batter and vegetables
Non-stick frying pan - To cook the jeon pancakes
Spoon - To scoop and spread the batter on the pan
Knife - To cut the vegetables into thin strips
Cutting board - To provide a surface for cutting the vegetables
Grater - Optional, for grating vegetables like zucchini or carrots
Small bowl - To prepare the dipping sauce
Whisk - For mixing the batter ingredients
Spatula - To flip the pancakes while cooking

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Add finely chopped cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp to the vegetable filling for a meaty version.
Replace the water in the batter with sparkling water or carbonated beverage for a lighter and crispier texture.
Experiment with different vegetables for the filling, such as spinach, kale, or bean sprouts.
Add grated cheese to the batter or sprinkle it on the pancakes while cooking for a cheesy twist.
Make a seafood jeon by using seafood ingredients like squid, scallops, or prawns for the filling.
Add spices or herbs like paprika, chili powder, or cilantro to the batter for an extra kick of flavor.
Try different dipping sauces like a sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or a tangy soy-ginger sauce.
Make mini jeon by spooning smaller portions of the batter onto the pan for bite-sized pancakes.
Replace the egg in the batter with a vegan egg substitute for a plant-based option.

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you through the steps to make Jeon, a traditional Korean pancake that is a staple in Korean cuisine. Jeon is versatile and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from vegetables to meat and seafood. In this recipe, we'll primarily use vegetables for the filling, but feel free to get creative with your own fillings. The pancakes are pan-fried to golden perfection, resulting in a savory, crispy outside and a soft, flavorful inside. Served with the specially prepared dipping sauce, Jeon makes for a delightful snack, appetizer, or a light meal. Enjoy the process and have fun cooking!

Common questions

Can I use different vegetables for the filling?
Yes, you can use any vegetables of your choice for the filling. Some commonly used vegetables include zucchini, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, onions, and bell peppers. Feel free to get creative and use a combination that you enjoy.
What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Alternatively, you can try using rice flour or cornstarch for a different texture.
Can I make the batter in advance?
It's best to make the batter fresh for optimal results. However, if you need to prepare it in advance, you can refrigerate it for a few hours. Just give it a good stir before using it.
Is it necessary to use a non-stick frying pan?
While a non-stick pan works best to prevent sticking, you can use a regular frying pan. Just make sure to grease the pan well with oil before cooking each pancake to prevent them from sticking.
Can I make the pancakes in advance and reheat them?
Jeon is best enjoyed fresh and crispy. While you can reheat the pancakes, they may lose some of their crispiness. If you do reheat them, use an oven or toaster oven to help retain some of the texture.
Is the dipping sauce necessary?
The dipping sauce adds a delicious tangy and savory flavor to the pancakes. However, if you prefer to skip it or use a different sauce, feel free to do so. The pancakes are still tasty on their own.

Serving dishes and utensils

Frying Pan - A non-stick frying pan is ideal for cooking the pancakes.
Mixing Bowl - Use a large mixing bowl to combine the ingredients and make the batter.
Whisk - Use a whisk to thoroughly mix the batter until smooth.
Spatula - A spatula will help you flip the pancakes and cook them evenly.
Cutting Board - Use a cutting board to prepare and chop the vegetables for the filling.
Knife - A sharp knife is necessary for cutting the vegetables into thin strips or slices.
Small Bowl - Use a small bowl to prepare the dipping sauce.
Serving Plate - Transfer the cooked pancakes to a serving plate for presentation.

Origin stories

Jeon, also known as Korean pancakes, has a rich history that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. It was typically served at royal banquets and special occasions like Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and Lunar New Year. Jeon is a testament to the resourcefulness of Korean cuisine because it can be made with almost any ingredient, such as seafood, meat, or vegetables. This flexibility allowed it to be enjoyed by both the royal class and the commoners, making Jeon a beloved dish across all segments of society. Interestingly, Korean mothers often watch how their kids flip their Jeon in order to predict their grades. It is believed that if the pancake is flipped without breaking, it signifies good grades in the coming term. A fun culture and tradition indeed, adding to the charm of this delightful dish.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.