Crispy Mussels Kimchi Pancake: The Perfect Harmony of Chewy Mussels and Spicy Kimchi!
Easy Mussels Kimchi Pancake Recipe | Best Makgeolli Snack using Aged Kimchi
When you’re craving a delicious kimchi pancake, especially on a rainy day! Adding finely chopped chewy mussel meat elevates the umami and texture to a whole new level. This recipe offers a fantastic combination of aged kimchi and mussels, perfect as a snack with makgeolli (Korean rice wine) or as a hearty side dish for your meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups aged kimchi (finely chopped)
- 1 cup mussel meat (roughly chopped with a knife)
- 1 cup pancake mix
- 1 cup tempura flour (or fried dough mix)
- 2 cups cold water
- Cooking oil (generous amount)
- 1 Korean chili pepper (finely sliced, optional)
- 5 Tbsp kimchi juice (for seasoning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 3 cups of well-fermented aged kimchi and chop it finely. Also, clean the mussel meat and roughly chop it with a knife into about 1 cup. Place the chopped kimchi and chopped mussels together in a large bowl.
Step 2
Add about 5 tablespoons of kimchi juice to enhance the deep flavor of the kimchi pancake. If you don’t have kimchi juice, it will still be delicious without extra seasoning. Now, add 1 cup each of pancake mix and tempura flour, and pour in 2 cups of cold water to prepare the batter.
Step 3
Use a whisk or spatula to mix the dry and wet ingredients until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. For a spicier kick, finely slice 1-2 Korean chili peppers and add them to the batter, then mix well.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat and generously coat it with cooking oil. Ladle about one scoop of the batter onto the hot pan and spread it thinly. Maintaining medium heat is crucial to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Step 5
Once the edges of the batter turn golden brown and bubbles start to appear on the surface, gently shake the pan to check if the pancake is separating easily. If it releases cleanly, it’s time to flip.
Step 6
Carefully flip the kimchi pancake using a wide spatula. After flipping, gently press down on the pancake with the spatula or back of the flipper to make it thinner and extra crispy.
Step 7
Once both sides are nicely golden brown and crispy, your Mussels Kimchi Pancake is complete! It pairs perfectly with the effervescent taste of makgeolli and also makes a wonderful side dish for rice. Enjoy your delicious creation!
