Introduction
Korean cuisine offers a variety of delightful dishes, and one of the most beloved in the “Pan-fried and Pancake” category is Pajeon, a savory scallion pancake. Pajeon is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with the fresh aroma of green onions. It’s a popular appetizer or snack that perfectly complements Korean meals and pairs wonderfully with dipping sauces or makgeolli (Korean rice wine). Today, I will introduce an easy and authentic recipe for one serving of Pajeon so you can enjoy this tasty Korean treat at home.
Main Content
### Ingredients (for 1 serving)
– All-purpose flour: 70g
– Cold water: 100ml
– Eggs: 1 large
– Green onions (scallions): 60g (about 3-4 stalks)
– Carrot: 20g (optional, julienned)
– Salt: 1/4 tsp
– Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
– Soy sauce (for dipping): 1 tbsp
– Vinegar (for dipping): 1 tsp
– Sesame seeds (for dipping): 1/2 tsp
– Sugar (for dipping): a pinch
– Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for dipping): a pinch
### Step-by-step Recipe
1. **Prepare the vegetables:** Wash and trim the green onions, then cut them into approximately 5 cm (2-inch) lengths. Julienne the carrot if using and set aside.
2. **Make the batter:** In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cold water. Whisk until you get a smooth batter without lumps.
3. **Add egg:** Crack the egg into the batter and mix well. This will help bind the pancake and give it a richer texture.
4. **Add vegetables:** Fold the green onions and carrot into the batter evenly.
5. **Heat the pan:** Place a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Let the oil heat up until shimmering but not smoking.
6. **Cook the pancake:** Pour the batter into the pan and spread it out evenly to about 1 cm thickness. Fry for around 3–4 minutes on one side until the edges turn golden brown and crispy.
7. **Flip carefully:** Using a spatula, flip the pancake gently and cook the other side for another 3 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Add more oil if necessary to maintain crispiness.
8. **Drain and serve:** Transfer the cooked pancake onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
9. **Prepare dipping sauce:** Mix soy sauce, vinegar, sesame seeds, sugar, and red pepper flakes in a small dish. Adjust flavor to your taste.
10. **Enjoy:** Cut the pancake into bite-sized pieces and dip into the sauce.
Conclusion
Pajeon is a simple yet incredibly satisfying Korean dish that anyone can make at home with just a few basic ingredients. Its crispy texture and savory flavor make it perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with makgeolli, this scallion pancake will surely become one of your favorites in Korean cuisine. Try this recipe today and bring a taste of Korea to your kitchen!
