Traditional Korean Jeonbokjeon (Abalone Pancakes) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 12 fresh abalone
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup of flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of mirin (or any sweet cooking wine)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. Clean the abalone by using a brush to scrub the shells under running water. Then, remove the flesh by inserting a flat object (like a butter knife) into the side of the abalone and gently prying it off the shell. Remove the intestines and teeth, rinse the abalone under cold water, and then pat dry.
  2. Sprinkle the abalone with 1 tablespoon of salt and let sit for about 10 minutes. Then, rinse the abalone under cold water again and pat dry. Slice the abalone into thin slices.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the abalone slices, minced garlic, soy sauce, mirin, chopped green onions, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix everything together and let it marinate for about 20 minutes.
  4. After 20 minutes, add 1/2 cup of flour to the bowl and mix until all the abalone slices are coated with the flour.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat the 3 eggs together. Then, dip each slice of abalone into the egg, coating it completely.
  6. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, add the abalone slices and fry until they're golden brown on both sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan - you may need to fry the abalone in batches.
  7. Once the abalone is fried, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. Serve the Jeonbokjeon while it's hot.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Instead of using flour as the coating, you can use panko breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the regular flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour.
  • To add a twist, you can mix in some grated Parmesan cheese or dried herbs into the flour or breadcrumb coating.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the frying step and instead bake the marinated abalone slices in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, you can replace the abalone with thinly sliced tofu or mushrooms.
  • To enhance the flavor, you can add a dash of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to the marinade.
  • If you enjoy spicy food, you can add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for a kick of heat.
  • For a healthier alternative, you can use an air fryer instead of deep frying the abalone slices.

Recipe overview

Jeonbokjeon is a beloved Korean dish featuring the rich, delicate flavors of abalone. This recipe will guide you through the steps to achieve perfectly cooked, golden brown abalone pancakes that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Abalone is marinated in a savory blend of garlic, soy sauce, mirin, and green onions before being coated in flour and egg, and then pan-fried to perfection. The process might seem intricate at first glance, but it's easy to master with a little practice. So whether you're a fan of Korean cuisine or simply looking to try something new and exciting, this Jeonbokjeon recipe is definitely worth a try. Expect a dish that is luxurious, flavorful, and comforting all at the same time.

Common questions

  1. How do I clean and prepare fresh abalone? To clean fresh abalone, scrub the shells under running water using a brush. Then, remove the flesh by gently prying it off the shell with a flat object. Next, remove the intestines and teeth, rinse the abalone under cold water, and pat dry.
  2. How do I slice the abalone? Slice the cleaned abalone into thin slices for this recipe.
  3. What should I do after marinating the abalone? After marinating the abalone, add 1/2 cup of flour to the bowl and mix until the slices are coated with flour.
  4. Should I dip the abalone in egg before frying? Yes, after coating the abalone with flour, dip each slice into beaten eggs, making sure they are completely coated.
  5. How long should I fry the abalone? Fry the abalone slices until they are golden brown on both sides. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side over medium heat.
  6. How should I drain the fried abalone? Place the fried abalone slices on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
  7. Can I fry all the abalone at once? To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to fry the abalone in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan.
  8. How should I serve Jeonbokjeon? Serve the Jeonbokjeon while it's hot and enjoy!

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Frying pan - A large frying pan is needed to fry the abalone slices.
  • Brush - A brush is useful for cleaning the abalone shells.
  • Flat object (e.g. butter knife) - You'll need a flat object to help remove the abalone flesh from the shells.
  • Paper towels - These are essential for draining off excess oil after frying the abalone.

Origin stories

Jeonbokjeon, a staple in Korean cuisine, traces its roots back to the royal courts of the Joseon Dynasty, where it was considered a delicacy worthy of being served to the king himself. This dish, which highlights the natural flavors of the abalone, was often prepared during feasts and special occasions. The abalone, a treasure of the sea, was believed to possess health benefits, and was particularly known for its rejuvenating properties. Thus, Jeonbokjeon was not merely a dish, but a symbol of longevity and vitality. Over time, the dish has found its way from the royal courts to the dining tables of common households, emerging as a beloved dish across the country. Despite its royal lineage, Jeonbokjeon is valued for its simplicity, a feature that resonates with the Korean philosophy of honoring the innate flavors of ingredients.

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.