Shrimp and Shiitake Chrysanthemum Greens Pancake
A Delicious Transformation: Enjoying Chrysanthemum Greens as a Savory Pancake with Shrimp and Shiitake Mushrooms!
I bought a bunch of fresh chrysanthemum greens from the mart. Honestly, this was my first time buying and cooking with chrysanthemum greens! Perhaps because I’m not very experienced in the kitchen, I only knew chrysanthemum greens as a garnish for pancakes. I never thought of buying them specifically, assuming they weren’t essential. However, while browsing through other bloggers’ posts, I discovered that many people make delicious pancakes using chrysanthemum greens as the main ingredient! I saw recipes featuring minced shrimp or added shiitake mushrooms. I decided to try making it with both! I thawed some frozen shrimp from my freezer and added shiitake mushrooms from the fridge to create this ‘Shrimp and Shiitake Chrysanthemum Greens Pancake’. It turned out to be a wonderfully flavorful and aromatic dish where chrysanthemum greens truly shine!
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch Chrysanthemum greens (approx. 100g)
- 8 Frozen shrimp
- 2 Shiitake mushrooms
- 3 Eggs
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare one bunch of chrysanthemum greens. Wash them thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long. Initially, I thought the thick stems might be too tough, so I planned to use mostly the leaves. However, after making and tasting the pancake, I found that the stems provided a pleasant crispness and weren’t tough at all; in fact, they were quite delicious! Next time, I plan to use the entire stems for an even fuller flavor.
Step 2
Prepare 8 frozen shrimp. Thaw the shrimp in cold water, then peel off the shells and remove the devein. Wash them clean. Next, finely mince the shrimp using a knife. It’s best not to mince them too finely; leaving some texture allows the shrimp to be deliciously chewy when you bite into the pancake.
Step 3
Prepare 2 shiitake mushrooms. Wash the shiitake mushrooms under running water and pat them dry. Trim off the tough stems, then thinly slice the mushroom caps. Slicing them to a similar size as the minced shrimp will help the ingredients mix evenly and look appealing.
Step 4
In a large bowl, combine the cut chrysanthemum greens, minced shrimp, and thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms. Crack in 3 eggs, and add 3 pinches of salt and 2 pinches of black pepper. (Tip: While traditional pancake batters often include flour or pancake mix, I omitted them here to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. Using just eggs results in a clean taste that’s also easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.)
Step 5
Using a spatula or chopsticks, mix everything in the bowl thoroughly until well combined. Ensure the egg mixture evenly coats all the ingredients. Mix gently to avoid mashing the ingredients.
Step 6
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Once the pan is adequately hot, spoon portions of the chrysanthemum greens mixture onto the pan, forming round pancakes. Avoid making the pancakes too thick, as this can prevent them from cooking through. Fry them, flipping occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through on both sides.
Step 7
And there you have it – a ‘Shrimp and Shiitake Chrysanthemum Greens Pancake’, made with plenty of savory shrimp and delicious shiitake mushrooms! It’s truly remarkable how chrysanthemum greens can be the star of a dish. The unique fragrant aroma of the greens fills your mouth, which is wonderfully appealing. The delightful chewiness of the shrimp and the savory texture of the shiitake mushrooms complement each other beautifully. I always saw chrysanthemum greens as a supporting actor in dishes, but making them the main ingredient in this pancake recipe has been a delightful revelation. They have so much potential! This pancake is not only a great side dish for rice but also a perfect accompaniment with a drink. If you’re looking to discover a new, delicious way to enjoy chrysanthemum greens, be sure to try making this ‘Shrimp and Shiitake Chrysanthemum Greens Pancake’. You won’t regret it!
