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Crispy Kimchi Pajeon (Korean Savory Pancakes) – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Crispy Kimchi Pajeon (Korean Savory Pancakes)

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite savory pancake! This Kimchi Pajeon is the ultimate comfort food – crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and bursting with the bold, spicy tang of fermented kimchi and fresh scallions. It's incredibly easy to make and perfect
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 pancake
Calories: 191

Ingredients
  

  • For the Dipping Sauce
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) rice vinegar
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml / 0.1 fl oz) sesame oil
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml / 0.1 fl oz) Korean hot pepper flakes (gochugaru)
  • For the Pancakes
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4.1 fl oz) whole wheat flour
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4.1 fl oz) brown rice flour
  • 1 large egg plus 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) unrefined sugar (like Sucanat or coconut sugar)
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) dried and crumbled dulse seaweed (optional)
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) sesame seeds
  • 1 bunch scallions, finely chopped
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4.1 fl oz) vegetarian kimchi, drained and roughly chopped
  • Use well-fermented, sour kimchi for the most authentic and robust flavor. Be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid to prevent the pancakes from becoming soggy.
  • Ensure your pan is fully preheated before adding the batter. This is the secret to achieving those irresistibly crispy edges.
  • For an extra crispy finish, press down firmly on the pancake with your spatula after flipping it.

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the dipping sauce : soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and Korean hot pepper flakes.
  2. Set aside.
  3. In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, brown rice flour, sugar, dulse seaweed (if using), and sesame seeds.
  4. Stir in the beaten egg and egg whites until just combined, then fold in the chopped scallions.
  5. Heat a 9 or 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  6. Once hot, coat lightly with cooking spray or oil.
  7. Pour about ½ cup / 120 ml (4.1 fl oz) of batter into the pan, spreading it into a thin, even circle.
  8. Immediately scatter a quarter of the chopped kimchi over the top of the batter.
  9. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and the edges are crispy.
  10. Using a large spatula, carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until it's cooked through and golden on the second side.
  11. Transfer the finished pancake to a cutting board or baking sheet. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel, re-grease, and repeat the process with the remaining batter and kimchi.
  12. Cut each pancake into wedges or squares and serve immediately with the dipping sauce.
  13. Don't overmix the batter. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will result in a more tender, delicate pancake texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 8gFat: 4g

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