Authentic Korean Pajun (Green Onion Pancakes) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup ice cold water
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup thinly sliced kimchi
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped zucchini
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce for dipping
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar for dipping
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil for dipping
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ice cold water, egg, salt, and sugar. Mix well until the batter is smooth.
  2. Add the thinly sliced kimchi, finely chopped onion, chopped green onion, chopped carrots, chopped red bell pepper, and chopped zucchini to the batter. Stir until all ingredients are well coated with the batter.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
  4. Pour the batter mixture into the pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  5. Cook the pancake for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
  6. While the pancake is cooking, mix together the soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl to make the dipping sauce.
  7. Once the pancake is done, transfer it to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds.
  8. Serve the pancake hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the batter and ingredients.
  • Non-stick Frying Pan - A pan with a non-stick surface for cooking the pancake.
  • Spatula - A tool for spreading the batter in the pan and flipping the pancake.
  • Small Bowl - A bowl for mixing the ingredients of the dipping sauce.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour or buckwheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a different flavor and texture.
  • Add diced cooked bacon or sliced cooked chicken for a meaty version of pajun.
  • Replace kimchi with thinly sliced mushrooms or other vegetables of your choice for a vegetarian or vegan option.
  • Mix in grated cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
  • Add chopped seafood like shrimp, squid, or crab meat for a seafood pajun variation.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or garlic aioli.
  • Add spices or herbs like chili flakes, garlic powder, or cilantro to the batter for extra flavor.
  • Try using a different cooking method such as baking the pajun in the oven for a healthier option.
  • Make mini-sized pajun by cooking smaller portions of batter for bite-sized treats.
  • Serve with a side of Korean pickled vegetables or a fresh salad for added freshness and crunch.

Recipe overview

Experience a taste of Korean cuisine with this delicious Pajun recipe, also known as Korean Pancake. This savory pancake is packed full of veggies and kimchi, making it a flavorful and healthy option for a meal or snack. The recipe is simple to follow and requires just a few steps. You'll start by making a smooth batter, which will be mixed with a variety of vegetables and kimchi. The mixture is then fried until golden brown to create a crunchy exterior with a soft and flavorful interior. It's served hot with a tangy soy-vinegar dipping sauce that complements the savory pancake perfectly. Whether you're new to Korean food or a long-time fan, this Pajun recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can try using other types of flour like rice flour or buckwheat flour for a different texture and flavor.
  2. Can I use other vegetables instead of the ones listed? Of course! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on your preference. Just make sure to chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
  3. Can I make the batter ahead of time? It's generally recommended to make the batter fresh for the best results. However, if you need to prepare it ahead of time, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using.
  4. Can I use a different dipping sauce? Absolutely! The suggested soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil dipping sauce is traditional, but you can use any other dipping sauce of your choice or even enjoy the pancake without a sauce.
  5. Can I make the pancake gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour to make the pancake gluten-free. Just ensure the rest of the ingredients are also gluten-free.
  6. Can I adjust the spiciness level? Certainly! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of kimchi or choose a less spicy variety. Alternatively, if you like it spicier, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the batter.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the batter and ingredients.
  • Non-stick Frying Pan - A pan for cooking the pajun pancakes, preferably non-stick to prevent sticking.
  • Spatula - A kitchen tool used for spreading the batter in the pan and flipping the pancake.
  • Small Bowl - A bowl for mixing the ingredients of the dipping sauce.
  • Whisk - A utensil for whisking the batter until smooth.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for thinly slicing the kimchi and chopping the vegetables.
  • Chopping Board - A surface for safely chopping and preparing the vegetables.
  • Serving Plate - A plate for presenting and serving the cooked pajun pancakes.
  • Sesame Seeds - Used for garnishing the pancake before serving.

Origin stories

Pajun, also known as Korean pancakes, have a deep-rooted history that reflects the agricultural practices and resourcefulness of Korean communities. The dish was traditionally made using an array of local, seasonal ingredients, which were mixed into a batter and pan-fried to create a simple, yet nourishing meal. This versatile dish evolved over the years, incorporating different ingredients based on availability, including seafood and kimchi. Today, Pajun remains a popular food in Korea, often enjoyed during the rainy season with a glass of Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine. It's not just a gastronomic delight, but a symbol of Korean heritage and culinary wisdom.

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.