Easy Skewerless Jeon: A Festive Korean Pancake Without the Skewers
How to Make Korean Skewered Pancakes Without Using Skewers
Tired of the hassle of threading ingredients onto skewers for Jeon? This recipe shows you a simple and convenient way to make delicious Skewerless Jeon, perfect for any occasion, especially holidays. It’s easier to make and eat, making your festive preparations a breeze. Enjoy this practical method for a delightful meal!
Basic Skewerless Jeon Ingredients
- 6 sheets of Mandu wrappers (store-bought)
- 2-3 large eggs
- 6 stalks of green onions
- 6 strips of ham
- 6 strips of imitation crab meat
- 6 strips of pickled radish (danmuji)
Optional Ingredients (for richer flavor)
- 1 egg yolk (for enhanced color)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to adjust batter consistency)
- 1 egg yolk (for enhanced color)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to adjust batter consistency)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To ensure beautiful, skewer-free jeon, prepare all your ingredients (green onions, ham, imitation crab meat, pickled radish) by cutting them into similar lengths and thicknesses that will fit your pan. This uniformity prevents the jeon from falling apart during cooking and makes them easy to eat in one bite. Try to match the lengths of the ham, imitation crab, and pickled radish for a neat appearance.
Step 2
In a wide bowl, crack 2-3 large eggs. Whisk them thoroughly with a fork or whisk, removing the chalazae (the stringy white parts). For an even smoother texture and prettier color, you can strain the beaten eggs through a sieve. Adding the optional egg yolk will give the jeon a richer, more vibrant color.
Step 3
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Use a paper towel to thinly coat the entire surface of the pan with oil. Now, carefully arrange your prepared ingredients on the pan, placing them so that the colors don’t overlap, creating an attractive pattern. For example, layering strips of ham, imitation crab, pickled radish, and green onions consecutively can mimic the look of a skewer. You can then place the mandu wrapper on top.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to low and cook patiently until the ingredients are cooked through and golden brown on the bottom, without burning. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Now for the flip! Carefully place a cutting board or a large plate over the pan and swiftly invert the pan to flip the jeon. Cook the other side until it’s also nicely golden brown. Gently press down on the jeon as it cooks to help the ingredients bind together firmly.
Step 5
Once both sides are golden brown and cooked through, remove the jeon from the pan and let it cool slightly. Cut the slightly cooled jeon into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm wide, to complete your Skewerless Jeon. This convenient, skewer-free version is easy to pick up and eat, making it an excellent snack for kids and a wonderful addition to your holiday table. Add a touch of festivity to your meal!
