Aromatic Spring Greens Pancake (Ssuk Buchimgae)
Healthy April Snack: How to Make Savory Wormwood Pancakes
Harness the fresh, vibrant flavor of spring with this delightful Wormwood Pancake (Ssuk Buchimgae). Using tender wormwood generously provided by a friend, this recipe minimizes flour to highlight the herb’s natural aroma. Enjoy a healthy and fragrant snack packed with the essence of early spring.
Main Ingredients- Young Wormwood (Artemisia princeps) 80g (approx. 2 handfuls)
Batter Ingredients- All-purpose flour 3 Tbsp
- Salt 1/2 tsp
- Egg 1
For Frying- Cooking oil 5-6 Tbsp
- All-purpose flour 3 Tbsp
- Salt 1/2 tsp
- Egg 1
For Frying- Cooking oil 5-6 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 80g of fresh young wormwood (about two handfuls). Remove any tough or unsightly stems and leaves. Gently rinse the wormwood under running water 2-3 times. Afterward, drain thoroughly in a colander to remove excess moisture.
Step 2
Place the drained wormwood in a bowl. Using your hands, tear the wormwood into bite-sized pieces, roughly 2-3 cm in length. Since the wormwood is tender, you don’t need to chop it finely. Tearing helps preserve its natural aroma.
Step 3
Add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the bowl with the wormwood. (You can adjust the salt amount to your preference.)
Step 4
Put on a pair of disposable gloves and gently mix the ingredients together. Ensure the flour evenly coats the wormwood pieces. Mix gently to avoid crushing the delicate wormwood.
Step 5
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 3-4 tablespoons of cooking oil. Spoon portions of the wormwood mixture into the hot oil, spreading them thinly into small pancake shapes. Making them thin ensures they cook through properly and become crispy. Leave some space between each pancake.
Step 6
Once the bottom side is golden brown and cooked through, approximately after 1 minute, carefully flip the pancakes using a spatula. Gently press down with the spatula to ensure even cooking and a crispier texture. Cook until the flour batter is fully cooked and golden on this side as well.
Step 7
After about another minute on the second side, remove the pancakes from the pan and place them on a plate. You’ve now made about 10 delicious wormwood pancakes, perfect for enjoying in April! They are best served warm to savor the aromatic, slightly bitter, and savory flavors.
