Delicious Crab Stick and Perilla Leaf Pancakes
Easy Recipe for Flavorful Crab Stick and Perilla Leaf Pancakes
Among the wide variety of traditional Korean pancakes (jeon) served during holidays, the ‘Crab Stick and Perilla Leaf Jeon’ is the one that disappears the fastest! Its beautiful red and green colors, combined with the savory umami of the crab sticks and the subtle aroma of perilla leaves, create a delightful harmony that the whole family will love. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious treat!
Ingredients- Crab sticks (imitation crab meat) 10 sticks
- Perilla leaves 10 leaves
- 1 Egg
- 2 Tbsp Cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully peel off the transparent plastic wrapper from each crab stick. We will only be using the crab stick meat itself.
Step 2
Wash the perilla leaves thoroughly. To make them easier to fold and handle, it’s best to trim off the thick stem at the base. Fold each perilla leaf in half and carefully cut along the center of the stem line. This will make it much simpler to wrap the crab sticks.
Step 3
Crack the egg into a bowl. Using a fork or chopsticks, remove the chalazae (the white, stringy bits) from the egg. Removing the chalazae results in a smoother egg wash and a cleaner-looking pancake. Whisk the egg gently until well beaten, but try not to create too much foam.
Step 4
Now it’s time to wrap the crab sticks with the perilla leaves. Place a crab stick onto one half of a prepared perilla leaf, then cover it with the other half, like a little package. If the edges of the perilla leaf are slightly open, lightly brush some of the beaten egg wash along the edges. This will help seal the leaf together, acting as edible glue.
Step 5
Generously coat the perilla-wrapped crab stick with the beaten egg wash. Ensure that both sides of the perilla leaf are evenly covered with the egg. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful golden color and a richer flavor when frying.
Step 6
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the egg-coated crab stick and perilla leaf bundles into the hot pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. You’ll know they’re ready when you can smell the delicious aroma of the frying crab and perilla.
Step 7
Once both sides are beautifully golden brown, your delicious Crab Stick and Perilla Leaf Jeon is ready! Serve them warm for a delightful crispy exterior and a tender, savory interior. These are perfect for holiday gatherings, or even as a simple appetizer or side dish. Don’t miss out on making this wonderful recipe!
