Easy 15-min. Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancake)

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dish to impress your friends or family, you’ve come to the right place! My Easy 15-min. Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancake) is one of those recipes that bring joy to any meal. This savory pancake features crispy edges and tender green onions in every bite. It’s perfect not only for busy weeknights but also as an appetizer at gatherings. Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a go-to recipe that I always keep on hand.

What I love most about this dish is how simple it is to prepare with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with others, this pajeon never fails to delight. So grab your apron, and let’s whip up this tasty treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for hectic days.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the crispy texture and vibrant flavors of pajeon.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, snack, or side dish; it’s great for any occasion!
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients at home already, making it easy to whip up anytime.
• Delicious Dipping Sauce: The homemade dipping sauce elevates the flavors and adds a delightful touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients you can find easily. Let’s gather what we need!

For the Pancake

• 5 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 cup green onions (packed)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup potato starch (or cornstarch; do not sub with rice flour or tapioca starch)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp chicken bouillon powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 cup water (very cold)

For the Dipping Sauce

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (regular or all-purpose kind)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp green onion (finely chopped)

Variations

This pajeon recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize it:

• Add Vegetables: Toss in grated carrots or shredded zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Include Protein: Add cooked shrimp or tofu cubes to make it more filling.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your pancakes.
• Cheesy Delight: Grate some cheese into the batter before frying for a gooey twist.

How to Make Easy 15-min. Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancake)

Step 1: Prepare the Green Onions

Start by washing the green onions thoroughly to remove dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this step is important as excess moisture can affect how well they cook. Trim off the roots, split them down the middle, and chop into 1.5-inch pieces before adding them to a large bowl. This ensures each piece gets evenly distributed throughout your pancake!

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Now, add all the remaining batter ingredients directly on top of the chopped green onions. Gently mix until just combined—be careful not to over-mix! A few lumps are perfectly fine; they help keep the pancake light and fluffy.

Step 3: Heat Your Pan

Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat and pour in 2.5 tablespoons of vegetable oil or any neutral oil. Swirling it around helps coat the bottom evenly, ensuring that your pancake cooks beautifully without sticking.

Step 4: Add Green Onions

Once the oil is hot, use tongs to add only the green onions into the pan in an even layer. Pour any remaining batter over them, filling in any gaps—this creates that delightful crispy texture we’re after!

Step 5: Fry Until Golden Brown

Reduce the heat to medium and fry until the bottom turns golden brown—about three minutes should do it! Look for small bubbles forming on top; this means it’s time to flip!

Step 6: Flip It Over

Carefully flip your pancake using a large spatula once you have that golden crust. Pour more oil along the edges of the pan—you want every inch crispy!

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Fry until both sides are golden brown, which takes another two to three minutes. Press down gently with your spatula; this helps achieve that perfect crunch everyone loves.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Transfer your pancake onto a cutting board and slice it into squares or wedges with a sharp knife. Arrange them on a serving plate—they’re so pretty when displayed nicely!

Step 9: Make Your Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all dipping sauce ingredients together while your pajeon cools slightly. Serve alongside your crispy pancakes for dipping!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this fabulous Easy 15-min. Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancake)! Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or as a snack during movie night, it’s sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Easy 15-min. Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancake)

Making pajeon is a delightful experience, and with these easy tips, you’ll ensure your pancakes turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful every time!

• Use very cold water: Cold water helps to create a light and crispy texture, making your pajeon deliciously airy rather than dense.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined prevents gluten development, which can lead to a chewy pancake instead of the desired crispiness.
• Adjust the heat as needed: Starting on medium-high heat allows for a great initial browning, but be sure to lower it after flipping. This ensures even cooking without burning.
• Add extra green onions: For more flavor and texture, feel free to add additional green onions or even other veggies like bell peppers or carrots into the batter.
• Serve immediately: Pajeon is best enjoyed right after cooking when it’s still warm and crispy. If you need to hold it for a bit, keep it in a warm oven (around 200°F) until serving.

How to Serve Easy 15-min. Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancake)

Serving your pajeon beautifully not only enhances its appeal but also elevates your dining experience! Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and an appealing crunch that complements the pancake.
• Chopped cilantro or parsley: Fresh herbs provide a burst of color and freshness, brightening up the plate while balancing the savory flavors.

Side Dishes

• Kimchi: This fermented side dish adds tangy flavors that contrast wonderfully with the savory pancake. It’s also packed with probiotics!
• Pickled vegetables: A small bowl of pickled radishes or cucumbers can bring an extra crunch and acidity, enhancing the overall taste.
• Steamed dumplings: Serving some veggie dumplings alongside gives you a combination of textures and flavors that make for a satisfying meal.
• Miso soup: A warm bowl of miso soup pairs perfectly with pajeon, creating a comforting and wholesome dining experience.

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your family or guests with this delightful Easy 15-min. Pajeon! Enjoy every crispy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy 15-min. Pajeon is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week, making it a convenient addition to your meals.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pajeon to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftover pieces in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Slice the pajeon into wedges or squares before freezing for easy portions.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• For quicker reheating, use a skillet over medium heat with a little oil, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes until crispy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe:

Can I make Easy 15-min. Pajeon without green onions?

While green onions are essential for authentic pajeon flavor, you can experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. Just ensure they are sliced thinly to maintain the pancake’s texture.

What can I serve with Easy 15-min. Pajeon?

Pajeon pairs beautifully with soy sauce and rice vinegar dipping sauce. You could also serve it alongside a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

How do I achieve crispy Easy 15-min. Pajeon?

The key to a crispy pajeon is ensuring your oil is hot enough before adding the batter. Also, pressing down the pancake while frying helps achieve that lovely crunch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Easy 15-min. Pajeon! It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with delightful flavors and textures that will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy every bite of your homemade scallion pancake, and don’t hesitate to share your results! Happy cooking!