Spicy kimchi pancakes (Kimchi Jeon) are the ultimate Korean comfort food. They’re crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and packed with bold flavors from fermented kimchi. This dish is perfect as a quick snack, appetizer, or even a main course when paired with a refreshing salad or rice.
Whether you’re a seasoned Korean food lover or trying it for the first time, this recipe is beginner-friendly and only takes 20 minutes from start to finish. The best part? You can customize the recipe with extra ingredients to suit your taste preferences!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of chopped kimchi (plus 2 tablespoons of kimchi juice)
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Optional: green onions, seafood, or thinly sliced pork
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, water, and egg until smooth.
- Add the chopped kimchi and its juice, stirring to combine. If using optional ingredients like green onions or seafood, fold them in.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour a ladle of batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve hot with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Tips to Perfect Your Pancakes:
- For extra crispiness, use cold water in the batter.
- Don’t flip the pancake too early—wait until the edges turn golden.
- Pair it with a chilled Korean beer or a cup of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) for a traditional experience.
This versatile recipe is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying solo. Try it out and bring a taste of Korea into your home!