Pajeon: Savory Korean Green Onion Pancakes

Introduction

Pajeon, a beloved Korean classic, is more than just a pancake—it’s a savory comfort food with irresistibly crispy edges and a tender, scallion-studded center. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, Pajeon delivers bold flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite. The simple ingredients and quick preparation make it a go-to recipe for weekday dinners or impromptu gatherings.

Why Pajeon is a Must-Try

Pajeon stands out for its versatility and unique flavor profile. The green onions provide a mild, peppery bite that pairs beautifully with the crispy batter. When served with a tangy, umami-rich dipping sauce, this pancake becomes a crowd-pleaser destined to win over fans at any table—whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a seasoned home cook.

Whipping Up the Perfect Pajeon Batter

The secret to Pajeon’s crispiness lies in a simple wheat flour batter, sometimes with a touch of rice flour for extra crunch. Cold sparkling water adds lightness, creating that signature crispy exterior. A generous amount of green onions and optional add-ins—like seafood or chilies—make each pancake customizable. For the dipping sauce, a blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and a hint of sweetness balances every savory bite.

Effortless Assembly and Cooking

Start by preparing your batter, ensuring it’s not too thick or runny. Layer green onions generously in a hot, oiled skillet, pouring the batter over and letting it sizzle until golden brown. Flip carefully to crisp both sides—no flipping mastery required! Serve Pajeon hot from the pan, as the contrast of crisp edge and soft interior is unbeatable.

Pajeon Serving Suggestions

Pajeon pairs beautifully with a side of kimchi, a warm bowl of rice, or even wrapped in lettuce. Don’t skip the signature dipping sauce—a simple combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar with sliced chilies and garlic for that authentic kick. It brings a tangy, savory compliment to the pancake.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields enough Pajeon for about four generous servings. Each serving contains roughly 180–230 calories, depending on optional add-ins. It offers a tasty way to incorporate vegetables into your meal while keeping things light yet flavorful.

Pajeon at a Glance (Recap)

Pajeon makes for a simple yet extraordinary dish—crunchy, savory, and packed with green onion goodness. The easy recipe and versatile flavors guarantee it will become a staple in your repertoire of Asian recipes.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning!

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, rice flour (if using), egg, cold water, and salt until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy; don’t overmix.
2. Prepare your green onions, carrots, and seafood (if desired). Pat seafood dry with a paper towel.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Layer half the green onions and carrots (plus seafood, if using) evenly in the pan.
4. Ladle in half the batter, making sure it spreads to cover the vegetables. Gently press with a spatula for even thickness.
5. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until edges become golden and crispy. Drizzle a bit more oil around the edges if needed for extra crispiness.
6. Carefully flip the pancake, pressing gently, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until both sides are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make a second pancake.
8. Meanwhile, mix dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
9. Cut Pajeon into wedges and serve hot, with dipping sauce on the side.

Weekly Meal Planning

Pajeon is a fantastic recipe for weekly meal planning—make a big batch and enjoy for lunch or as a quick snack throughout the week. Save and schedule this recipe to plan which days you want to serve it, and CookifyAI will automatically generate a consolidated, organized shopping list for all of your weekly recipes.

Planning Benefits:

• Smartly calculates total ingredient quantities across your recipes
• Sorts ingredients by store section for faster shopping
• Prevents accidental duplicate purchases
• Simplifies your weekly cooking routine

Pro tip: Schedule multiple Korean or Asian recipes together—CookifyAI will combine all shared items like green onions or eggs, minimizing leftovers and reducing food waste. Try organizing your menu this way for an even easier week!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Enjoy the unbeatable crunch and flavor of freshly made Pajeon—an easy, irresistible addition to your collection of Asian recipes and meal planning staples!