Immerse yourself in Korean cuisine with these delightful Pajeon (also known as Pa jun) – savory, crispy scallion pancakes. This recipe offers a simple and easy way to prepare this popular Korean street food in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or light lunch.
A Culinary Adventure:
Pajeon is a delicious introduction to Korean flavors. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- Crispy on the Outside, Chewy Within: Pajeon boasts a delightful textural contrast – a crispy exterior gives way to a satisfyingly chewy interior.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: The beauty of Pajeon lies in its use of everyday pantry staples. Scallions take center stage, offering a fresh and vibrant flavor.
- The Perfect Complement: A savory and slightly sweet dipping sauce rounds out the experience, providing a delightful counterpoint to the crispy pancake.
More Than Just a Pancake:
Pajeon transcends the boundaries of a simple pancake. In Korean cuisine, you’ll find it served in various ways:
- Main Course: Pajeon can be enjoyed as a satisfying main dish, especially when accompanied by rice or other Korean side dishes.
- Starter or Appetizer: These savory pancakes are a fantastic way to kick off a Korean meal.
- Side Dish: Pajeon adds a delicious textural and flavorful element to a larger Korean feast.
- Snack: Craving a satisfying bite? Pajeon makes for a delicious and portable snack.
A Celebration of Cultures:
The author acknowledges that they are not Korean but have learned to appreciate Korean cuisine through culinary adventures. This recipe is a tribute to the vast and vibrant world of Korean food, specifically highlighting their unique take on pancakes.
The Secret to Crispiness:
This recipe offers a key tip for achieving the perfect texture – baking powder! This ingredient, often absent in traditional recipes, adds a delightful level of crispness to the pancakes, ensuring they’re irresistible.
Ready to Experience Pajeon? Here’s the Recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup potato starch or cornstarch (do not substitute with rice flour or tapioca starch)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup packed chopped green onions (about 6 scallions)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- For the Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, potato starch, baking powder, and salt.
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Incorporate the Scallions: Add the chopped green onions to the dry ingredients and toss to coat.
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Wet Ingredients: Gradually whisk in the water until a smooth batter forms. The batter will be slightly thick, but pourable.
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Resting Time: Let the batter rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, contributing to a chewier texture in the finished pancake.
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Prepare the Dipping Sauce: While the batter rests, whisk together all the ingredients for the dipping sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.
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Cooking the Pajeon: Heat a large non-stick pan or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan and swirl to coat the bottom.
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Pour the Batter: Once the oil is hot, pour about ½ cup of batter into the pan, tilting the pan to spread the batter into a thin circle.
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Scatter the Scallions: Sprinkle a generous amount of additional chopped green onions over the top of the batter.
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Crispy Perfection: Cook the pancake for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat slightly depending on your stove.
1 Flip with Care: Use a large spatula to carefully flip the pancake.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the cooked pajeon to a plate and brush with a little additional sesame oil, if desired. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if using.
Tips:
- Explore the world of Korean pancakes! This recipe is just the beginning. Consider venturing into Haemul Pajeon (seafood pancake) or Kimchijeon (kimchi pancake) for further exploration.
Final Thoughts:
Pajeon is a testament to the fact that delicious food can be simple to prepare. With its minimal ingredients, quick cooking time, and explosion of flavor and texture, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, turn up the heat, and get ready to experience the delightful world of Korean scallion pancakes!
