Shrimp and Wild Chive Pancakes: A Taste of Spring
Delicious Springtime Appetizer: How to Make Shrimp and Wild Chive Pancakes
Experience the delightful combination of plump shrimp and fragrant wild chives in these exquisite pancakes. This recipe captures the essence of spring with its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture, making it a perfect dish to awaken your appetite. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these Shrimp and Wild Chive Pancakes are a special treat you can enjoy at home.
Main Ingredients
- Wild chives: 20-30 stalks (about 40 stalks after cleaning)
- Shrimp: 15 pieces (peeled, deveined, washed, and patted dry)
- Red chili pepper: 1/2 (finely chopped, for garnish)
Batter
- Pancake mix (Buchim garu): 1/2 cup
- Cold water: 1/2 cup (adjust for desired consistency)
- Pancake mix (Buchim garu): 1/2 cup
- Cold water: 1/2 cup (adjust for desired consistency)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the wild chives, which will bring the wonderful aroma of spring. Thoroughly clean the roots to remove any dirt and trim them. You’ll need about 40 stalks in total. Finely chop half a red chili pepper to add a pop of color as a garnish. Peel and devein the shrimp. Wash them clean and then pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels, getting them ready for cooking.
Step 2
Now, let’s create a beautiful shape using the wild chives. Take 2-3 stalks of wild chives together and roll them up. This will form a small wreath-like shape. This step might seem a bit tedious or bothersome, but shaping them this way makes the pancakes look more appealing and adds a fun texture when you eat them. Be patient and create these lovely little wreaths!
Step 3
Next, let’s make the batter, which is the foundation of our pancakes. In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of pancake mix with 1/2 cup of cold water. Whisk it well, ensuring there are no lumps, to create a thin batter. It’s important to get the consistency right: too thick and the ingredients won’t coat well, too thin and the pancakes might fall apart. Adjust the water if needed.
Step 4
Gently dip the prepared wild chive wreaths into the pancake batter. It’s much easier and more effective to use your hands rather than chopsticks for this step. Ensure that the batter coats the entire wreath evenly, front and back. Carefully lift the batter-coated chive wreaths, letting any excess batter drip off slightly.
Step 5
It’s time to cook the pancakes! Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Carefully place the battered wild chive wreaths onto the preheated pan. Preheating the pan beforehand helps in achieving a crispy texture. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning.
Step 6
Once the chive wreaths are in the pan, arrange one shrimp on top of each. Then, use a spoon to drizzle a little more batter over the shrimp and chives, making sure to bind the ingredients together well. Sprinkle the chopped red chili pepper on top for a vibrant garnish. Cook until one side is golden brown, then carefully flip the pancake. Cook the other side until it’s also golden and crispy. You’ve made delicious pancakes!
Step 7
And there you have it – perfectly made Shrimp and Wild Chive Pancakes, bursting with the fresh flavors of spring! Enjoy them while they’re warm to savor the plump texture of the shrimp and the refreshing taste of the wild chives. They pair wonderfully with a glass of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) or a cold beer. Enjoy your meal!
