Discovering Delicious Seafood Dishes in Busan
Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea, is renowned for its delicious seafood dishes. From haemul pajeon to jjimtteok, you can find a variety of savoury dishes that satisfy all types of cravings. Let's take a closer look at two of Busan's seafood gems.
What is Haemul Pajeon?
Haemul pajeon is a type of savoury pancake, made with a mixture of seafood and green onions, which are normally stirred with wheat or buckwheat flour. This traditional Busan dish often also contains mushrooms and other vegetables, such as zucchini or court-bouillon.
The savoury pancake often includes various types of seafood, such as clams, oysters, shrimp, and squid. This combination of seafood and vegetables can vary depending on the region or restaurant. It's usually served with a side of soy sauce or a dipping sauce, such as a gochujang (red chili pepper sauce) or a garlic and scallion sauce.
How to Make Haemul Pajeon
Making haemul pajeon at home starts with making the batter. To do this, mix 1 1/2 cup of wheat or buckwheat flour with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and enough water to form a thin consistency. Additionally, you can add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the batter for flavour.
Preparing the Seafood and Vegetables
Once the batter is ready, prepare the seafood and vegetables. You can use a variety of seafood options, such as squid, shrimp, clams, and oysters. Additionally, you can include any types of vegetables, such as green onions, leeks, zucchinis, and mushrooms.
Making the Pancake
Once the seafood and vegetables are prepared, it's time to make the pancake. Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium-high heat, pour the batter into the pan, and spread it evenly with a spatula. Then, arrange the seafood and vegetables on top.
Cook the pancake for 4 to 6 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy. Loosen the edges of the pancake with a spatula, and once it is done, flip it over and cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes.
Once the pancake is cooked through on both sides, slice it into small wedges and serve with a side of soy sauce, gochujang, or a garlic and scallion sauce.
What is Jjimtteok?
Jjimtteok is a type of steamed rice cake made primarily with glutinous rice. It is often flavoured with a variety of ingredients, such as seafood, vegetables, beef, and pork. This savoury dish is usually served as part of a main meal, such as a lunch or dinner.
This traditional Korean dish is typically made with a combination of glutinous rice, soy sauce, sugar, salt, sesame oil, and black pepper. The rice is mixed with the seasonings and then steamed for about 20 minutes until the mixture sets and becomes firm.
To make jjimtteok, mix 1/2 cup of glutinous rice, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in a bowl. Once the seasonings are mixed with the rice, add your choice of meat or seafood and vegetables, such as soy bean sprouts, mushrooms, and scallions.
Put the mixture into a rectangular steaming dish, cover it with a lid, and steam it for 20 minutes. Once it has finished cooking, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into slices and serving.
Conclusion
Busan's seafood dishes are known for their deliciousness and unique flavours. Haemul pajeon and jjimtteok have become popular dishes for both locals and tourists. Whether you're a fan of savoury pancakes or steamed rice cakes, you can find the perfect dishes to satisfy your cravings in Busan.