Spicy Korean Pancakes (Pajeon)

Spicy Korean Pancakes (Pajeon) are a popular Korean street food and appetizer that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor. Made with a simple batter of flour, eggs, and vegetables, Pajeon is versatile, quick to make, and perfect for gatherings, weeknight meals, or snack time.

The addition of green onions, zucchini, and a hint of chili gives the pancakes a perfect balance of savory and slightly spicy flavors. Served with a soy-based dipping sauce, these pancakes become irresistibly addictive.

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Ingredients

For the Pancakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rice flour (for extra crispiness)
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup scallions, chopped
• 1/2 cup zucchini, julienned
• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Make the Batter: In a bowl, combine flour, rice flour, cold water, egg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
2. Add Vegetables: Fold in scallions, zucchini, carrots, and red chili slices until evenly coated.
3. Heat the Pan: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp oil.
4. Cook Pancakes: Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan, spreading into a thin circle. Cook 3–4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter.
5. Make Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, chili flakes, and sesame seeds. Stir well.
6. Serve: Cut pancakes into wedges and serve immediately with dipping sauce.

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Tips & Variations

• Extra crispy: Add 1 tsp baking powder to the batter.
• Vegetable variations: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or kimchi for extra flavor.
• Protein option: Mix in cooked shrimp or thinly sliced beef.
• Vegan option: Use water instead of egg for binding.

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Fun Facts

Pajeon originates from Korea and is traditionally served during rainy days with makgeolli (Korean rice wine). The sizzling sound of frying pancakes is believed to enhance appetite, making it a cultural favorite. Pajeon has evolved into many variations, including seafood, kimchi, and scallion-only versions, enjoyed worldwide today.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced texture: Crispy outside, soft inside.
• Flavorful: Scallions, chili, and dipping sauce create a flavor punch.
• Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: Add vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store pancakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.