Chewy Shiitake Mushroom and Fragrant Chives Pancake (Pajeon)
Easy and Nutritious Shiitake Mushroom and Chives Pancake Recipe
This is a shiitake mushroom and chives pancake that I quickly made with ingredients I had at home. It was easy to make and delicious!
Main Ingredients- 10 fresh shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 bunch chives
- 1/2 carrot
- 2 eggs
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the fresh shiitake mushrooms thoroughly under running water and remove the stems. Slice them into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 cm thick) to enjoy their chewy texture. If you don’t have fresh shiitake mushrooms, you can rehydrate dried shiitake mushrooms in lukewarm water. Dried shiitake mushrooms offer a deeper umami flavor and are packed with nutrients after soaking.
Step 2
Next, thinly slice the carrot into pieces similar in size to the shiitake mushrooms, or slightly thinner. Adding carrots not only makes the pancake visually appealing but also adds a delightful crunch.
Step 3
Wash the fragrant chives clean, pat them dry, and cut them into approximately 5cm lengths. Be gentle when washing the chives. First, rinse the thicker stems under running water to remove any dirt, then gently shake the thinner leaves in water. This method ensures the chives are clean without getting damaged.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to combine all the ingredients and make the batter. In a large bowl, add the sliced shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and chives. Crack in the 2 eggs and mix well. Add 3 cups of pancake mix and 3 cups of tempura powder. Using a mix of pancake and tempura powder will result in a crispier and tastier pancake compared to using only pancake mix. Mix in a 1:1 ratio of soju and water to achieve the desired batter consistency. The batter should not be too thin or too thick, just enough to coat the ingredients well. Adding soju also helps in making the pancake extra crispy.
Step 5
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Ladle portions of the batter onto the hot pan, shaping them into round pancakes. Avoid making them too thick so they cook through evenly and become crispy.
Step 6
Once one side is golden brown, carefully flip the pancake to cook the other side. To prevent burning and ensure a delicious finish, add a little more oil to the pan before flipping. Continue to cook over medium-low heat until both sides are golden brown and crispy. Enjoy your perfectly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside shiitake mushroom and chives pancake!
