Introduction to the Dish Haemul Pajeon, a Korean seafood pancake, is a delightful combination of fresh seafood and green onions, pan-fried to crispy perfection. This dish is widely loved for its savory flavors and is often enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or a snack. It’s particularly popular on rainy days in Korea, often paired with a glass of traditional Korean rice wine (Makgeolli).
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rice flour (for crispiness)
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups green onions, cut into 2-3 inch segments
- 1 cup assorted seafood (shrimp, squid, and scallops are popular choices)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Required Cooking Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Whisk or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, rice flour, cold water, egg, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Add Green Onions and Seafood: Stir in the green onions into the batter. Then, gently fold in the assorted seafood.
- Cook the Pancake: Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Pour half of the batter into the pan, spreading the green onions and seafood evenly. Cook until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, then flip to cook the other side.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: Combine soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, chopped green onion, and sesame seeds in a small bowl.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- The key to a crispy pancake is using cold water in the batter and cooking it in enough hot oil.
- You can adjust the types and amounts of seafood according to your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the seafood and add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
Nutritional Information Haemul Pajeon is a delightful mix of protein from the seafood and carbohydrates from the flour. It’s relatively high in calories due to frying, but can be a nutritious part of a balanced meal.
Cultural Background and History Haemul Pajeon is a beloved dish in Korea, especially during monsoon season. It’s said that the sound of the pancake sizzling in the pan resembles the sound of rain.
Serving Suggestions Serve Haemul Pajeon hot with the dipping sauce on the side. It’s perfect as an appetizer, a snack with drinks, or even as a light meal.
Haemul Pajeon is a testament to the simple yet rich flavors of Korean cuisine, combining fresh ingredients with a crispy, savory pancake that is sure to delight any palate. It’s a communal dish that brings people together, perfect for sharing and enjoying in good company.
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