Crispy and Delicious Buchu-Jeon (Chives Pancake) Recipe
The Perfect Pair with Makgeolli! Golden Ratio Buchu-Jeon
Tonight, here’s the perfect appetizer to enjoy with a glass of makgeolli! Introducing how to make a delicious buchu-jeon that’s crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, easy for anyone to follow. It’s also great for hosting guests or as a simple snack!
Basic Ingredients for Buchu-Jeon
- 1 bunch fresh chives (approx. 200-250g)
- 1 medium onion
- 3 spicy Cheongyang chili peppers (adjust to your preference)
- 2 fresh eggs
- About 1 cup pancake mix (paper cup measurement) for crispiness
- About 3/4 cup cold water (to adjust batter consistency)
- Plenty of olive oil (for pan-frying)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables that will add flavor to our buchu-jeon! Peel the onion and slice it thinly into strips. Slicing them this way will bring out their sweetness when cooked, making them even more delicious.
Step 2
If you like a spicy kick, prepare the Cheongyang chili peppers. Remove the stems and finely chop them. If you prefer less heat, use regular green chilies or reduce the amount.
Step 3
Wash the main ingredient, chives, thoroughly under running water and drain them. Then, cut them into large, bite-sized pieces, about 4-5cm long. Be careful not to cut them too finely, as they might fall apart easily.
Step 4
Now, combine all the prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Gather the onion, chili peppers, and the roughly chopped chives together.
Step 5
Add 2 eggs to make the pancake softer and more savory. Crack the eggs over the vegetables in the mixing bowl.
Step 6
Add the pancake mix to ensure a crispy texture. About 1 cup (paper cup) is usually sufficient, but it’s best to adjust the amount based on the batter’s consistency.
Step 7
Pour in the cold water. It’s important to adjust the batter consistency so it’s not too thick and all the ingredients blend well. Start with about 3/4 cup of water and add more gradually to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 8
Use a spatula or spoon to mix all the ingredients evenly. Avoid overmixing; just stir until the flour is no longer visible and the ingredients are just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps remaining!
Step 9
Now it’s time to start frying! Heat a frying pan over medium heat, then add a generous amount of olive oil. Plenty of oil is key to making a delicious pancake. Ladle about one portion of the batter onto the hot pan and spread it out thinly with the back of a spoon.
Step 10
Once one side is golden brown, carefully flip it with a spatula. Cook the other side until it’s also golden brown and crispy. Cooking over medium heat allows the inside to cook through evenly while the outside becomes extra crispy.
Step 11
While the buchu-jeon is cooking, let’s make a simple dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with it! Mix soy sauce, vinegar, a little sugar, and optionally minced garlic or sesame seeds to your taste. You’re all set to enjoy!
Step 12
It pairs even more perfectly with a refreshingly chilled glass of makgeolli. The warmth of the buchu-jeon combined with the coolness of the makgeolli creates the ultimate flavor experience.
Step 13
Dip the warm buchu-jeon generously into the prepared dipping sauce and enjoy! With incredibly simple ingredients, you can create a buchu-jeon that everyone will rave about. Make it deliciously and have a wonderful time!
