2.09.2022

Korean pancakes with scallions and sauce

This recipe for Korean Pancakes (called Pajeon or Pa Jun) with Scallions and Dipping Sauce is wonderful for a snack, appetizer or light lunch.  The tender scallions impart a fresh, mild bite without making the pancake too onion-y, and the slightly sweet and savory dipping sauce is the perfect compliment to the crispy, fried pancake.

Ingredients

Pancake Ingredients

  • 1 bunch scallions washed, with the ends trimmed and cut in half lengthwise if thick
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup ice water
  • 1 egg lightly beaten, divided
  • 4-6 Tablespoons vegetable oil

Dipping Sauce

  • 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon thinly sliced scallions
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Pancake

  • Cut off ends of scallions and slice in half lengthwise, if the scallions are thick, and in the middle if they are too long to fit in the pan.  
  • In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic, and half of the egg with the ice water.  If the batter seems too thick, add a little more water (about 1 teaspoon at a time) until the batter is runny, but still slightly thick.  
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat, then pour half of the pancake batter into the pan, swirling it into a thin pancake similar to how you would form a crepe.  Immediately arrange half of the scallions on top of the batter in a single layer.  
  • Drizzle with half of the remaining beaten egg, then cook until the bottom is golden brown (about 3 to 4 minutes), then flip over and cook another 3 to 4 minutes, add more oil, if necessary, until the pancake is crisp and golden brown.  
  • Repeat with remaining batter and ingredients, then serve hot with dipping sauce.

Dipping Sauce

  • Combine all of the ingredients for the dipping sauce in a small bowl and whisk together.