Crispy & Spicy Kimchi Pancakes (Kimchi Jeon)
How to Make Delicious Kimchi Jeon (Korean Kimchi Pancakes)
Craving a crispy, savory pancake on a rainy day? Make these delicious Kimchi Jeon right at home! The perfect blend of tangy kimchi, savory batter, and your choice of add-ins like fresh vegetables and seafood creates an irresistible dish. This recipe is detailed and easy to follow, perfect for beginners.
Core Ingredients
- Well-fermented kimchi, roughly chopped, 2 cups (standard paper cup)
- Pancake mix or all-purpose flour, 1 cup
- Water, 180ml (about 3/4 cup)
Optional Add-ins
- Onion, 1/2 medium (thinly sliced)
- Frozen shrimp, 10 pcs (thawed and tails removed)
- Shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar), a sprinkle (optional)
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 Tbsp (optional, for color and a touch of heat)
- Onion, 1/2 medium (thinly sliced)
- Frozen shrimp, 10 pcs (thawed and tails removed)
- Shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar), a sprinkle (optional)
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 Tbsp (optional, for color and a touch of heat)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, chop the kimchi into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 cm) using scissors or a knife. The tangier the kimchi, the better the flavor.
Step 2
In a bowl, add the chopped kimchi and the pancake mix (or flour). Mix them together well until the flour coats the kimchi.
Step 3
Pour in 180ml of water. Using chopsticks or a whisk, mix everything until well combined and a smooth, slightly runny batter forms, ensuring there are no lumps.
Step 4
Check the batter consistency. If it’s too thick, gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of water at a time until it reaches a nice, pourable consistency. Be careful not to make it too thin, or the pancake might spread too much.
Step 5
Thinly slice half an onion. You can also add other vegetables like green chilies or carrots for extra flavor and texture.
Step 6
Add the sliced onion to the kimchi batter and mix thoroughly.
Step 7
Add the thawed shrimp (with tails removed) to the batter. If you like, you can add other seafood like squid or small clams.
Step 8
For extra color and a gentle kick of spice, stir in 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (optional). Mix all the ingredients well until everything is evenly distributed in the batter.
Step 9
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, ladle a portion of the batter onto the pan and spread it out thinly and evenly. Cooking over medium heat, rather than high, allows the pancake to cook through without burning.
Step 10
When one side is golden brown and the edges are crispy, carefully flip the pancake using a spatula or tongs. Cook the other side until it’s also golden brown and crispy. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it on after flipping and let it melt. Enjoy your homemade Kimchi Jeon!
