By Jessica B. •
6 min read
Korean Seafood Pancake, or Haemul Pajeon, is a delicious treat that brings together the fresh taste of green onions and the rich flavors of seafood. This popular Korean dish is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a perfect appetizer or snack. It’s a favorite in Korean cuisine, often enjoyed when the rain falls, paired with a cold drink.
I love how easy it is to make this pancake at home in just 20 minutes. The combination of shrimp, squid, and green onions creates a savory delight that keeps you wanting more. Whether you’re having it as a light starter or a filling snack, Haemul Pajeon is sure to impress your taste buds.
This dish is not only satisfying but also a great way to share a piece of Korean culture with family and friends. Its simplicity and flavor make it a must-try for anyone curious about Korean food.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Here’s what you’ll need to make Korean Seafood Pancake, Haemul Pajeon:
- Green Onions: 1 bunch, cut into 4-inch lengths
- Shrimp: 4 ounces, peeled and deveined
- Squid: 4 ounces, cleaned and cut into rings
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
- Rice Flour: 2 tablespoons (for extra crispiness)
- Water: 1 cup
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Egg: 1, lightly beaten
- Vegetable Oil: 1/4 cup (for frying)
- Seafood: If you don’t have shrimp or squid, use any seafood like clams or mussels for a similar taste.
- Flour: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Rice Flour: If unavailable, use cornstarch for a crispy texture.
- Vegetable Oil: Replace with any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil.
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood and Vegetables:
I start by cleaning the shrimp and squid thoroughly under cold running water. I make sure to peel the shrimp and cut the squid into bite-sized pieces. Next, I wash and trim the green onions, cutting them into 2-inch lengths. - Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of rice flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Slowly stirring in 1 cup of cold water, I mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Finally, I crack an egg into the batter and mix well until fully combined. - Combine Ingredients:
I fold the prepared shrimp, squid, and green onions into the batter, making sure everything is well coated. This ensures that each piece of seafood and onion is coated evenly with the batter. - Heat the Pan:
In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, I heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. I wait until the oil shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for frying. - Cook the Pancake:
Carefully, I pour the seafood and batter mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly using a spatula. I allow the pancake to cook undisturbed for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the bottom turns crispy and golden brown. - Flip the Pancake:
With confidence, I slide a large spatula under the pancake and flip it over gently. I let it cook for another 5 to 7 minutes on the other side, ensuring it’s golden and cooked through. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the pancake is beautifully crisp and golden on both sides, I gently slide it onto a serving plate. I like to cut it into wedges and serve it immediately while it’s hot. It’s perfect with a side of soy dipping sauce.
FAQ
What Is Haemul Pajeon?
Haemul Pajeon is a Korean seafood pancake. It’s a savory pancake made with seafood like shrimp and squid mixed with green onions. The pancake has a crispy outside and a soft inside. It’s popular in Korean cuisine and is often enjoyed with a cold drink, especially when it rains.
Can I Use Different Seafood?
Yes, you can use different types of seafood. If you don’t have shrimp or squid, you can try clams or mussels. This gives the pancake a different texture and flavor, but it’s just as tasty.
What If I Don’t Have Rice Flour?
Rice flour helps make the pancake crispy. If you don’t have it, you can use cornstarch instead. It works well to give the pancake that crispy texture.
Can I Make It Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. This way, you can enjoy Haemul Pajeon even if you are gluten-sensitive.
What Kind Of Oil Should I Use?
It’s best to use a neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil. These oils don’t add extra flavor, so they let the taste of the seafood and green onions shine.
Korean Seafood Pancake: Easy Haemul Pajeon Recipe with Green Onions
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup squid, cleaned and sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the IngredientsStart by washing the shrimp and squid thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel.Slice the green onions into 2-inch pieces.
- Make the BatterIn a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of rice flour, and 1 teaspoon of salt.Add 1 cup of water and crack in the egg. Mix until you have a smooth batter with no lumps.
- Combine Seafood and VegetablesAdd the prepared shrimp, squid, and green onions to the batter. Mix until everything is well-coated.
- Cook the PancakeHeat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.Pour half of the batter into the skillet, spreading it out evenly.Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the edges turn crispy and golden.Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula, and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes.
- ServeTransfer the cooked pancake to a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more oil if needed.Serve hot with a side of soy dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Exploring the flavors and textures of Haemul Pajeon has been an exciting journey for me and I hope it inspires you to try it at home. Whether you’re a seasoned Korean cuisine enthusiast or a curious beginner this seafood pancake offers a delightful culinary experience. Feel free to share your own variations or tips in the comments below. I’d love to hear how your Haemul Pajeon turns out and any creative twists you bring to this classic dish. Let’s connect and celebrate the joy of cooking and sharing Korean flavors together!
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