Korean Pancake Recipe – Crispy, Savory, and Bursting with Flavor
Korean pancakes, or jeon, are a classic Korean comfort food that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with flavor. Popular in homes, markets, and street stalls, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed as a snack, side, or light meal. With a few fresh ingredients and simple steps, you can make them in under 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Korean Pancake
This dish combines a crispy golden crust with soft, savory fillings like seafood, vegetables, or kimchi for a perfect balance of textures. It’s quick to prepare, adaptable to your taste, and satisfying at any time of day. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack, it always hits the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The batter starts with flour, water, and egg, while the fillings can vary from fresh scallions and seafood to spicy kimchi. Each ingredient plays a role in giving the pancake its signature flavor and texture. Below is a list for a classic seafood and scallion version that’s both easy and authentic.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 large egg
- 1 bunch green onions, cut into 2-inch lengths
- ½ cup assorted seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels), cleaned and chopped
- ½ cup julienned vegetables (carrot, zucchini, or bell pepper)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (for dipping sauce)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Vegetable oil for frying
Condensed Grocery Checklist 🛒
When you’re in a hurry, a short and clear grocery list makes shopping simple. This checklist includes the essentials for a flavorful Korean pancake without any unnecessary extras. Stick to these items for the best taste and texture at home.
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Green onions
- Assorted seafood (or other protein)
- Fresh vegetables
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Vegetable oil
Nutritional Information
While Korean pancakes can be indulgent, they also provide protein, vegetables, and energy in every bite. The nutrition varies depending on the fillings, oil used, and portion size. Here’s an approximate breakdown so you can enjoy them while keeping track of your intake.
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
Time Breakdown ⏱
Korean pancakes are a quick dish, making them perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings. From chopping vegetables to flipping the pancake, the whole process is fast and simple. You’ll have a hot, crispy snack ready in under 20 minutes.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Step-by-Step: How to Make Korean Pancakes
Making these pancakes is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You’ll mix the batter, add the fillings, and fry until golden on each side. Following this step-by-step method ensures a crisp exterior and a soft, flavorful center every time.
- Prepare the batter – In a bowl, whisk together flour, water, and egg until smooth.
- Add fillings – Fold in the green onions, seafood, and vegetables. Mix gently.
- Heat the pan – Add vegetable oil to a nonstick skillet and heat over medium-high.
- Cook the pancake – Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly. Cook for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip and finish – Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 3–4 minutes.
- Serve hot – Slice into wedges and serve with dipping sauce.
Ingredient Swaps & Custom Variations
One of the best things about Korean pancakes is how flexible they are. You can change the protein, add seasonal vegetables, or go fully vegetarian. These swaps allow you to enjoy the dish in different ways without losing its authentic appeal.
- Swap seafood with thinly sliced beef or chicken.
- Use kimchi for a spicy, tangy kick.
- Make it vegetarian with mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
- Try gluten-free flour or rice flour for a different texture.
How to Serve Korean Pancakes
These pancakes are best enjoyed hot and fresh, paired with a tangy dipping sauce. You can serve them as a starter, side dish, or even as part of a larger Korean meal. Their crispy edges and savory flavor make them a crowd-pleaser in any setting.
- With soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes dipping sauce
- Alongside Korean fried chicken
- As an appetizer before a main meal
- Topped with extra scallions and sesame seeds
How to Store Leftover Pancakes
If you have leftovers, proper storage keeps them tasty for later. Refrigerating or freezing the pancakes preserves their flavor, and reheating in a skillet brings back the crispiness. This way, you can enjoy them beyond the day they’re made.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a skillet for crispiness or microwave for convenience.
- Freeze individually wrapped pancakes for up to 2 months.
Kid-Friendly Version
By adjusting the fillings, you can make this dish more appealing to kids. Skip spicy ingredients and use mild vegetables for a gentler flavor. Cutting the pancake into small squares also makes it easier for little hands to enjoy.
- Skip spicy ingredients like chili or kimchi.
- Use mild veggies like carrots and zucchini.
- Cut into bite-sized squares for easy eating.
Chef’s Special Tips 👨🍳
Small changes can make a big difference in your results. Using ice-cold water in the batter, keeping fillings light, and pressing gently while cooking all help achieve a crisp, evenly cooked pancake. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
- Use ice-cold water for a lighter, crispier texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pancake with too many fillings.
- Press lightly with a spatula while cooking for even browning.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Korean pancakes are a crispy, flavorful, and versatile dish that you can whip up in minutes. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal and can be customized to fit any taste. Whether you stick to the classic seafood and scallion version or experiment with your own fillings, you’re sure to impress anyone you serve them to.
📌 Save this recipe now and try making Korean pancakes tonight – you’ll be hooked after the first bite!