Kimchijeon (Kimchi Pancake)
Kimchijeon, or kimchi pancake, is a popular Korean appetizer, side dish, and snack made with fermented kimchi. It's really flavorful, tangy with just enough heat and super crispy on the edges and tender at the center. This recipe is simple and super easy to make. You can also easily make it vegan by simply substituting with vegan kimchi!
- Prep time
- 5 min
- Cook time
- 20 min
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 2 cups fermented kimchi (cut into small pieces)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (fluffed, spooned, and leveled)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (or fine salt)
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar ((if kimchi is not sour enough))
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 stalks green onion (thinly sliced (optional))
- Oil (as needed for cooking (any neutral oil will do))
Instructions
- 1
Into a medium mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients, EXCEPT the oil. Use a pair of chopsticks or a fork to mix everything together until just combined and no more dry flour is visible.
- 2
Heat an 8 inch nonstick pan over medium to medium high heat with about 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, ladle about 1 cup of batter into the pan and spread it out evenly.
- 3
Let the pancake pan fry until the bottom is set, then swirl the pancake occasionally to distribute the oil.
- 4
When the bottom of the pancake is golden brown and crispy, flip the pancake. Continue cooking until the flipped side is golden brown and crispy.*If you prefer, you can use a spatula to help you flip the pancake. By the time you flip the pancake, there should not be much oil left in the pan. If there is still a lot of oil, use some paper towel to absorb the oil before flipping to prevent splatters.*
- 5
Transfer the crispy kimchi pancake onto a plate and repeat the steps with the remaining batter.
- 6
Serve the kimchi pancakes while they are warm. Cut the pancakes into wedges or squares for easier eating.