Korean Classic: Haemul Pajeon (Seafood and Green Onion Pancakes)

Haemul Pajeon is a savory Korean pancake made with a variety of seafood and green onions. This crispy and flavorful dish is perfect as an appetizer or a main course. Follow this recipe to create authentic Haemul Pajeon at home.

Ingredients:

For the Pancake Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rice flour (optional, for extra crispiness)
• 1 1/2 cups cold water
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 lb (225g) mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels), cleaned and chopped
• 1 bunch green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 1 small zucchini, julienned
• 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions:

Preparing the Batter:

1. Mix the Batter:
   • In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rice flour (if using), cold water, egg, and salt. Mix until smooth.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Prepare the Seafood and Vegetables:
   • Clean and chop the mixed seafood. Cut the green onions, carrot, and zucchini into the desired lengths and sizes. Slice the red chili if using.

Cooking the Pancakes:

1. Heat the Pan:
   • Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of vegetable oil.
2. Pour the Batter:
   • Pour about 1/2 cup of the batter into the skillet and spread it out evenly to form a round pancake.
3. Add the Filling:
   • Quickly add a portion of the mixed seafood, green onions, carrot, zucchini, and red chili on top of the batter.
4. Cook Until Crispy:
   • Cook the pancake for about 3-4 minutes until the edges are crispy and the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden and crispy.
5. Repeat:
   • Repeat with the remaining batter and filling ingredients to make more pancakes.

Preparing the Dipping Sauce:

1. Mix the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, sesame seeds, chopped green onion, and sliced red chili (if using). Mix well.

Serving:

1. Serve Hot:
   • Cut the Haemul Pajeon into bite-sized pieces and serve hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Haemul Pajeon is a delicious and crispy Korean pancake that combines a variety of seafood with green onions and vegetables. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, this dish brings the authentic taste of Korea to your table. Enjoy this easy and delightful recipe. 즐기세요 (Enjoy)!