Chewy and Flavorful Chive Gochujang Jeon (Pancake)
The Perfect Makgeolli Snack! How to Make Chewy Chive Gochujang Jeon
This delightful Chive Gochujang Jeon is made by mixing a generous amount of gochujang (Korean chili paste) into the batter, then adding plenty of chopped chives and pan-frying until golden. The result is incredibly delicious! It’s crucial to add enough gochujang so its rich flavor shines through; otherwise, it might end up tasting like a plain pancake rather than a flavorful jangtteok (paste pancake). Enjoy the perfect blend of spicy, savory, and chewy textures!
Ingredients
- Fresh chives, 2 large handfuls (approx. 60g)
- Pancake mix (buchim garu), 1 cup
- Water, 1 cup
- Water, 2 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste), 2 heaped Tbsp (generous)**
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the fresh chives. Gently remove any soil from the roots and discard any wilted leaves. Wash them thoroughly under running water and drain well. Cut the chives into manageable lengths of about 2-3 cm, which makes them easy to incorporate into the batter.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of pancake mix with 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water. Whisk everything together until you achieve a smooth batter, free of lumps. Ensure the pancake mix and water are well combined at this stage.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to add the star ingredient for the jangtteok: gochujang. Take 2 heaping tablespoons of gochujang and add it to the batter. Mix thoroughly until the gochujang is evenly distributed throughout the batter, ensuring there are no clumps. This even distribution is key to achieving the signature rich flavor.
Step 4
At this point, the ratio of batter to 60g of chives is absolutely perfect! Jangtteok traditionally has a slightly thicker batter compared to regular pancakes, which contributes to its wonderfully chewy texture. This proportion ensures you get the best balance of fresh chive flavor and savory gochujang goodness.
Step 5
The batter should have a consistency that flows smoothly, like thick syrup. It shouldn’t be too runny or too stiff. Once the batter is completely mixed and no dry flour or gochujang lumps remain, gently fold in the chopped chives. Be careful not to overmix or mash the chives, as this can affect their fresh flavor and texture.
Step 6
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a generous amount of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, ladle about two spoonfuls of the batter onto the pan, spreading it out into a round, thin pancake. Aim for a thin layer so that the jeon cooks evenly throughout.
Step 7
When the top surface of the batter starts to set and small bubbles appear, it’s time to flip. Carefully turn the jeon over using a spatula. Gently press down on the jeon with the spatula to ensure it cooks evenly and develops a satisfyingly chewy texture.
Step 8
Be mindful of the heat! Cooking over medium-high heat can cause the jeon to burn quickly. It’s best to maintain a medium heat and cook slowly until fully done. Flipping the jeon only once helps it absorb less oil, resulting in a more delicately flavored pancake. Once golden brown and cooked through, your delicious Chive Gochujang Jeon is ready! ♡
Step 9
As you admire your finished jeon, notice the color. A properly cooked jangtteok will have a deep, rich brown hue from the cooked gochujang, similar to the example on the left. If the color is too light, it might mean less gochujang was used or it wasn’t cooked long enough. Aim for that deep, savory color for the best flavor!
Step 10
This Chive Gochujang Jeon is so flavorful that it doesn’t need a dipping sauce! The perfectly balanced spicy and savory taste makes it an excellent side dish or an ideal accompaniment to makgeolli (Korean rice wine). It’s a true taste of traditional Korean comfort food.
Step 11
Experience the ultimate ‘crispy outside, chewy inside’ texture! Making them small and round and folding them in half for a bite-sized treat is incredibly satisfying. Imagine sipping on some cold makgeolli, then popping in a piece of this delicious jeon – pure bliss! It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day. Haha!
Step 12
If you have leftover chives, don’t hesitate to try making this recipe. It’s a delightful way to use them up and enjoy a delicious homemade treat!
