Easy Crispy Korean Seafood Pancake Recipe: Hemul Pajeon at Home

by

Hemul Pajeon (Korean Seafood Green Onion Pancake) is a beloved classic in Korean cuisine.

It features a crispy, savory pancake batter packed with tender scallions and juicy seafood, dipped in a tangy soy dipping sauce.

It is a popular comfort food on rainy days and a staple item at Korean restaurants. You can make it golden and extra crispy at home in under 20 minutes!

Main Ingredients You Need

  • Scallions (Green Onions): 1 bundle (Cut into 3-inch long pieces)
  • Mixed Seafood: 1 cup (Shrimp, squid, or mussels, chopped)
  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
  • Rice Flour or Cornstarch: 0.25 cup (The secret to extra crispiness!)
  • Ice Cold Water: 1 cup
  • Egg: 1 (Lightly beaten)
  • Cooking Oil: 3 to 4 tbsp (Generous amount for crispiness)

The Savory Dipping Sauce

Mix these in a small dish:

  • Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp
  • Vinegar: 1 tbsp
  • Water: 1 tbsp
  • Sugar: 0.5 tsp
  • Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru): 0.5 tsp (Optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Prep Seafood & Scallions: Wash and dry the seafood thoroughly with paper towels. Chop into bite-sized pieces. Cut green onions into roughly 3-inch lengths.
  2. Make Crispy Batter: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, rice flour (or cornstarch), and ice-cold water. Do not overmix; a few lumps are totally fine.
  3. Arrange Scallions: Heat 2 tbsp of cooking oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the green onions parallel to each other in the pan to form a flat bed.
  4. Pour Batter & Seafood: Pour half of the pancake batter evenly over the green onions. Scatter the chopped seafood evenly on top, then pour the remaining batter over the seafood.
  5. Add Egg & Flip: Pour the beaten egg over the entire pancake. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the bottom turns deep golden brown and crispy. Drizzle a bit more oil around the edges, flip carefully, and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes.
  6. Serve Hot: Transfer to a cutting board, slice into squares, and serve immediately with the tangy soy dipping sauce!

Pro Tips for Ultimate Crispiness

  • Use Ice Cold Water: Ice-cold water prevents gluten development in the batter, making the pancake exceptionally light and crunchy.
  • Don’t Skimp on Oil: Crispy street-style pancakes require a generous amount of oil. Make sure the pan is well-coated throughout the cooking process.

Enjoy your crispy, savory Korean Seafood Pancake fresh off the stove!

Leave a Comment