Kimchi Pancake, or Kimchi Jeon, is a delightful Korean dish that encapsulates the perfect blend of savory and spicy flavors. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, these pancakes are made with fermented kimchi, flour, and a few simple ingredients. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but they also serve as a fantastic way to use leftover kimchi. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, Kimchi Pancakes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and bring a taste of Korea to your kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will absolutely love this Kimchi Pancake recipe for its comforting, homey vibe and the delightful crunch that comes with every bite. Growing up, my grandmother would make these pancakes as a special treat whenever she had leftover kimchi. The aroma of sizzling pancakes would fill the kitchen, making it impossible to resist them. Each pancake is a little burst of flavor—a perfect blend of tangy kimchi and savory goodness. Plus, they are versatile; you can enjoy them plain, dipped in soy sauce, or even topped with a fried egg. The story behind making these pancakes is one of love and tradition, connecting generations through food.
Tips and Tricks
- Use aged kimchi: The best flavor comes from kimchi that has fermented for at least a week. It has a deeper flavor and a softer texture.
- Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker pancake, simply add more batter; for thinner pancakes, use less batter and spread it out more in the pan.
- Add veggies: Consider adding chopped green onions, carrots, or bell peppers for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Heat control: Make sure your pan is hot enough before pouring the batter to achieve that crispy edge, but not so hot that the pancake burns before cooking through.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before cooking. You can also chop any additional veggies ahead of time. Cooked pancakes can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making them perfect for meal prepping.
Recipe Variations
- Seafood addition: Try incorporating shrimp or squid into the batter for a seafood twist.
- Vegan option: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or silken tofu for a vegan version.
- Cheesy kimchi pancakes: Add shredded cheese to the batter for a cheesy delight.
- Spicy kick: Incorporate gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) for an extra layer of spice.
How to Serve
Serve your Kimchi Pancakes hot off the skillet, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of elegance. Pair them with a small bowl of soy sauce or a spicy dipping sauce for added flavor. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, consider a light beer or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing iced tea would complement the flavors beautifully. As for side dishes, serve with a simple cucumber salad or some steamed rice to round out the meal.
How to Store
Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them by laying them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to a month. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through.
Equipment Needed
You will need a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a non-stick skillet or frying pan. A cast iron skillet works wonderfully to achieve that perfect crispy edge. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, any heavy-bottomed frying pan should suffice.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water) or use silken tofu blended until smooth. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure that your kimchi is vegan-friendly if necessary.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the spring, add fresh herbs like chives or cilantro to brighten the flavor. In the fall, consider incorporating shredded zucchini or pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist. During winter, you can use hearty greens like kale or bok choy along with your kimchi.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use store-bought kimchi? Yes, store-bought kimchi works fine, but the flavor will vary based on brand and fermentation.
- How do I know when the pancakes are done? They should be golden brown and crispy on the edges and cooked through in the center.
- Can I make them in advance? Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance or cook the pancakes and reheat them later.
Kimchi Pancake
Kimchi Pancake, or Kimchi Jeon, is a delightful Korean dish that encapsulates the perfect blend of savory and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup aged kimchi, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 egg (or flaxseed meal for vegan)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or sesame)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped kimchi, flour, water, egg (or flaxseed mixture), green onions, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Once the oil is hot, pour in a ladleful of batter and spread it out to form a pancake.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 181Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 281mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 5g
Asianplated.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making Kimchi Pancakes is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about connecting with a rich culinary tradition and bringing a taste of Korea to your home. With this easy recipe, you’ll create a dish that’s not only delicious but also full of memories and flavors. Whether you’re enjoying them on a busy weeknight or serving them at a gathering, these pancakes are sure to impress. So grab your kimchi and get cooking!
