Discovering the Deliciousness of Korean Pancakes
Korean cuisine has become increasingly popular around the world, with classic dishes like bibimbap and Korean BBQ becoming household names. But few people know about the delightful and delicious world of Korean pancakes, known as Jeon. Whether you're a fan of savory or sweet fare, Jeon has something for every palate. Let's explore the many varieties of Jeon and discover why this delectable dish should be part of your meals.
What is Jeon?
Jeon is a type of pancake made with various ingredients that are mixed together and then pan-fried in oil. The main ingredients in Jeon usually consists of vegetables, seafoods, meat, and sometimes even a few spices as well. Depending on the type of Jeon you're making, the ingredients may vary. As for the batter, most varieties use a combination of flour, egg, and some other ingredients like milk and baking soda. The result is a crispy and flavorful pancake that can be served as an appetizer or as a main course.
Types of Jeon
The great thing about Jeon is that there are many varieties to choose from. Here are some of the most popular types of Jeon.
Haemul Pajeon
Haemul Pajeon is a seafood and scallion pancake. It is usually made with squid, shrimp, oysters, and scallions which are all coated in a batter of eggs, flour, and a little bit of water for texture. Once pan-fried, it is served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice wine, and chojang (Korean chili sauce).
Kimchijeon
Kimchijeon is made with kimchi (traditional Korean pickled cabbage) and pork. It's usually made with simple ingredients like seasoned kimchi, pork, an egg batter, and a dash of sesame oil. Once fried, it is garnished with sesame seeds and can be served with a sweet and sour soy sauce. It's a popular snack and is often served as an appetizer.
Saengseon Jeon
Saengseon Jeon is a type of fish pancake that is made with various types of fish such as flounder, pollack, or even eel. It is usually seasoned with salt, pepper, and gochujang (Korean red chili pepper paste). The fish is then coated in batter and pan-fried until golden brown. It is typically served with an aperitif, such as soju or makgeolli (Korean rice wine).
Yachae Jeon
Yachae Jeon is a pancake made with a variety of vegetables such as carrots, onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. They are seasoned with salt and pepper and coated with an egg and flour batter before being fried. This type of Jeon is usually served as a side dish, and is even sometimes served as a banchan (side dish) with Korean BBQ.
Bugak
Bugak is a type of deep-fried Jeon made with either kimchi or cooked vegetables. The vegetables or kimchi are coated in a mix of flour and egg and then deep-fried until crispy. It is typically served as an appetizer.
The Health Benefits of Jeon
Besides its tasty flavor, Jeon is actually quite good for your health. As the ingredients in most types of Jeon are vegetables, seafood, and/or meat, it is a great source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, because Jeon is pan-fried in oil, it has a low fat content (compared to other types of fried dishes). As a result, it is low in calories yet still filling and satisfying, making it a great choice for those who are watching their weight or trying to eat healthy.
In addition, Jeon is gluten-free. As the batter is made of flour, egg, and water, it does not contain any gluten. This means it is an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivity or intolerance.
How to Make Jeon at Home
Making Jeon at home is actually rather simple! All you need to do is decide on the type of Jeon you want to make, gather the necessary ingredients, mix them together in a bowl, and then pan-fry them in oil. Here is a basic recipe for Kimchijeon:
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Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup kimchi, diced
- 1/4 cup pork, diced
- 2 teaspoons gochujang
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup water
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Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the kimchi, pork, gochujang, flour, sesame oil, egg, and water until everything is combined.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, spoon the batter into the pan, forming small pancakes.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the heat and drain the pancakes on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Conclusion
Jeon is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. It is also rather healthy, as the ingredients are full of vitamins and minerals and it is low in fat and gluten-free. Moreover, it is surprisingly easy to make at home. So why not give it a try and discover the deliciousness of Korean pancakes for yourself?