Korean Seafood Pancake, known as Haemul Pajeon, is a savory and crispy dish that combines a variety of seafood with green onions in a delicious pancake batter. This popular Korean appetizer or snack is perfect for sharing and pairs wonderfully with a tangy dipping sauce. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a seasoned fan, this recipe will guide you through making Haemul Pajeon at home. Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe and explore some common questions about making the perfect Korean Seafood Pancake.
Ingredients:
For the Pancake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rice flour (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1 1/2 cups cold water (or sparkling water for extra crispiness)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels, etc.), cleaned and chopped
- 1 bunch green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
- 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup 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
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rice flour (if using), cold water, egg, salt, and sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined. The batter should be slightly runny.
- Add the Ingredients:
- Fold the chopped seafood, green onions, carrot, and bell pepper into the batter. Ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Cook the Pancake:
- Pour half of the batter into the skillet, spreading it out evenly to form a thin pancake. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the pancake using a large spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until golden and crispy. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, sesame seeds, green onion, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Serve:
- Cut the pancakes into bite-sized pieces and serve hot with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy this savory treat as an appetizer or snack.
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
- Yes, you can use only all-purpose flour if you don’t have rice flour. Rice flour adds extra crispiness, but the pancakes will still be delicious with just all-purpose flour.
2. What types of seafood can I use?
- You can use a variety of seafood such as shrimp, squid, mussels, clams, or even a seafood mix. Fresh or frozen seafood both work well; just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from frozen seafood.
3. How do I make the pancakes extra crispy?
- Using cold water or sparkling water in the batter helps make the pancakes crispier. Also, ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the batter to the skillet.
4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Stir well before using. However, it’s best to add the seafood and vegetables just before cooking.
5. How do I store leftover pancakes?
- Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensuring all other ingredients, such as soy sauce, are gluten-free.
7. What can I serve with Haemul Pajeon?
- Haemul Pajeon pairs well with a variety of Korean side dishes (banchan) such as kimchi, pickled radishes, or a simple cucumber salad. It also goes great with a bowl of steamed rice.
8. Is there a vegetarian version of this pancake?
- Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the seafood and adding more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Enjoy making and savoring this authentic Korean Seafood Pancake! It’s a versatile and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. If you have any more questions or need further tips, feel free to ask.