Quick & Crispy Korean Pancakes (Pajeon) Recipe for All Tastes

Korean pancakes bring a vibrant culinary experience to your kitchen, blending traditional flavors with crispy textures that dance across your palate.

These savory delights burst with green onions, seafood, or vegetables, creating a remarkable canvas of taste and tradition.

Every bite tells a story of Korean street food culture, where simplicity meets extraordinary complexity.

Skilled cooks reinvent basic ingredients into golden, delicate masterpieces that crackle with each slice and serve.

The art of crafting these pancakes requires patience, precision, and a deep understanding of balanced seasoning.

Korean pancakes offer more than just a meal—they represent a connection to generations of culinary wisdom passed through families and street vendors.

Each pancake emerges as a testament to the elegance of Korean cuisine, inviting you to savor every nuanced flavor.

Saving and Reheating Korean Pancakes

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Korean pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat in Skillet: Warm pancakes in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, restoring their crispy texture and ensuring even heating.
• Microwave Option: For a quick reheat, place pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and warm for 30-45 seconds, but be aware this method might slightly soften the crispy edges.

Sauces and Sides to Pair with Pajeon

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Pair these crispy Korean pancakes with a chilled, light lager like Hite or Cass from Korea, which cuts through the richness and complements the savory pancake texture.
• Create Refreshing Balance: Serve alongside a tangy kimchi side dish to add a spicy, fermented kick that enhances the pancake's mild flavor profile and provides a zesty contrast.
• Boost Herbal Accompaniment: Combine with a cold green tea or soju for a traditional Korean dining experience that cleanses the palate and highlights the pancake's delicate vegetable notes.
• Enhance Dipping Experience: Complement the Asian dipping sauce with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions to add extra crunch and aromatic depth to each bite.

Pajeon Flavors You Should Try

• Sea Harvest Style: Replace traditional veggies with seafood like shrimp, squid, and green onions, creating a protein-packed coastal Korean pancake version.
• Spicy Kimchi Kick: Incorporate chopped kimchi into the batter for a tangy, spicy flavor profile that adds depth and traditional Korean heat.
• Vegetarian Green Medley: Use a mix of zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and spinach for a vibrant, nutrient-rich vegetable pancake that's colorful and fresh.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with rice flour or chickpea flour to create a crispy, lighter pancake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

Korean Pancakes (Pajeon) You’ll Want to Fry Up Tonight

• Quick Veggie Delight: Pajeon transforms simple vegetables into a crispy, golden pancake that bursts with flavor and nutrition in just minutes.
• Effortless Cooking Magic: With minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, you can whip up a restaurant-quality Korean dish that impresses family and friends without complex techniques.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Swap vegetables, adjust seasonings, and experiment with different dipping sauces to create your unique twist on this versatile street food favorite, making each pancake a personalized culinary experience.
• Speedy Meal Solution: Ready in under 15 minutes, these pancakes offer a perfect solution for busy weeknights, unexpected guests, or when you crave something deliciously different without spending hours in the kitchen.

Pajeon Ingredient Checklist

Main Ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the fundamental structure and texture for the Korean pancake.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a rich, cohesive batter.
• Water: Thins the batter and ensures a smooth, pourable consistency.

• Green Onions, Carrots, Zucchini: Add fresh crunch, color, and authentic Korean flavor to the pancake. Choose firm, vibrant vegetables for the best results.

• Garlic Powder: Delivers a subtle, aromatic depth to the pancake.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste profile.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevents sticking.
• Spring Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a bright, sharp finish.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides a nutty flavor and delicate texture to the top of the pancake.
• Asian Dipping Sauce: Complements the pancake with a tangy, savory accompaniment.

How to Make Savory Korean Pancakes

Step 1: Slice and Prepare Vegetables

Chop vegetables into thin sticks using a knife

Alternatively, use a vegetable peeler or mandoline for uniform strips

Set prepared vegetables aside on a cutting board

Step 2: Create Flavorful Batter

Grab a mixing bowl

• All-purpose flour
• Egg
• Water

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well combined

Fold in prepared vegetable strips

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly until vegetables are evenly distributed

Step 3: Cook Crispy Pancakes

Place a non-stick skillet on the stove

Turn heat to medium

Lightly coat pan with cooking oil

Pour a portion of batter into the center of the pan

Spread batter evenly to create a thin pancake shape

Cook for 3-4 minutes until bottom turns golden brown

Carefully flip pancake

Cook additional 2-3 minutes until both sides are crispy

Repeat process with remaining batter

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Transfer pancakes to serving plate

Sprinkle with fresh chopped spring onions

Scatter sesame seeds on top

Serve immediately with Asian dipping sauce

Enjoy while pancakes are hot and crispy

Tips for Crispy Korean Pajeon Every Time

• Choose Sharp Ingredients: Select crisp green onions, carrots, and zucchini for maximum texture and vibrant flavor in your pajeon.
• Control Batter Consistency: Aim for a thin, smooth batter that spreads easily in the pan, similar to a crepe-like thickness.
• Master Even Cooking: Use medium heat and wait until edges turn golden brown before flipping to achieve a perfectly crispy pancake.
• Prevent Sticking: Ensure your non-stick pan is well-oiled and use a spatula to gently lift edges while cooking.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of Korean red pepper flakes to the batter for an authentic Korean taste profile.

Korean Pancakes (Pajeon) Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Savory Korean pancakes showcase green onions, seafood, and a crispy golden exterior that delights taste buds. Delicate yet hearty, these pajeon bring Seoul’s street food magic directly to your plate with irresistible texture and authentic flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup Panash pancake mixture (natural) or all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• ½ cup water

Vegetables:

• 1 small potato (cut into sticks)
• ½ carrot (cut into sticks)
• ½ zucchini (cut into sticks)
• 2 spring onions (cut into sticks)

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Oil for frying (or use a non-stick pan)
• 1 batch Asian Dipping Sauce

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Instructions

1. Slice zucchini, carrots, and green onions into delicate, uniform thin strips using a sharp knife or mandoline for consistent texture and even cooking.
2. Whisk together flour, egg, and water in a mixing bowl until smooth, creating a silky batter base with no lumps.
3. Fold prepared vegetable strips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed and coated with the mixture.
4. Season the batter with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, gently stirring to incorporate the seasonings throughout.
5. Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat, lightly coating the surface with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
6. Ladle a portion of the vegetable-studded batter into the heated pan, carefully spreading it into a circular shape with smooth, deliberate movements.
7. Allow the pancake to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the bottom develops a golden, crispy exterior and edges become slightly firm.
8. Carefully flip the pancake using a wide spatula, cooking the opposite side for an additional 2-3 minutes until achieving a uniform, appetizing color.
9. Repeat the cooking process with remaining batter, maintaining consistent heat and oil levels.
10. Transfer finished Korean pancakes to a serving plate, garnishing with freshly chopped spring onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
11. Accompany the pancakes with a complementary Asian dipping sauce, serving immediately while warm and crisp.

Notes

• Slice vegetables into thin, uniform strips for even cooking and crispy texture.
• Create a smooth, lump-free batter by whisking ingredients thoroughly before adding vegetables.
• Use a non-stick pan and medium heat to achieve a golden-brown, crispy pancake without burning.
• Ensure pancakes are thin and spread evenly for a delicate, restaurant-quality appearance.
• Let pancakes rest for a minute after cooking to maintain structural integrity when cutting.
• Pair with a tangy dipping sauce to enhance the savory flavors of the Korean-style pancake.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 70mg