🥞 Green Onion Pancakes (Pajeon) – A Crispy Korean Delight | Perfect Appetizer or Snack

Best of all, you can customize Pajeon with optional ingredients like fresh chilies or a dash of garlic for extra flavor. Serve it hot with a tangy soy dipping sauce, and you’ve got an irresistible dish that will leave everyone asking for more.

---

Why You’ll Love This Green Onion Pancake Recipe

• 🌿 Fresh and Flavorful: The green onions provide a vibrant, aromatic flavor wrapped in a crispy batter.
• 🥞 Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can enjoy this delicious dish in just 25 minutes.
• 🔄 Customizable: Add fresh chilies, garlic, or soybean paste to tailor the flavor to your liking.
• 🍽 Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a snack, appetizer, or light meal, Pajeon is versatile and satisfying.

---

Ingredients for Green Onion Pancakes (Pajeon)

For the Pancakes:

• Green Onions: 10 stalks, cleaned and cut into 5-inch pieces.
• Flour: 1 cup, to form the base of the batter.
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, for added crispiness.
• Water: 1 cup (add more if needed to adjust the batter consistency).
• Vegetable Oil: 3 tablespoons, for frying the pancakes to a golden brown.
• Optional Add-ins:
  • 1-2 fresh red or green chilies, thinly sliced.
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon soybean paste (doenjang) for an umami kick.

For the Dipping Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons, the base of the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon, for a tangy note.
• Agave Syrup or Sugar: 1 teaspoon, to balance the acidity.
• Chili Flakes: ½ teaspoon, for a hint of heat.
• Sesame Seeds: ½ teaspoon, for a nutty flavor.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pajeon

1. Prepare the Green Onions

• Clean and wash 10 stalks of green onions.
• Cut them into 5-inch long pieces and set them aside.

2. Optional Add-Ins (Chilies & Garlic)

• If using fresh red or green chilies, slice them thinly.

3. Make the Batter

• In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1 cup of water. Stir until smooth.
• If desired, add ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 teaspoon soybean paste (doenjang). Mix until well combined.

4. Cook the Pancake

• Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
• Arrange the green onions in the pan, laying them out parallel to each other in a rectangular shape.
• If using, sprinkle the sliced chilies evenly over the green onions.
• Pour the batter over the green onions (and chilies) to coat them evenly.

5. Flip the Pancake

• While the pancake is cooking, gently press it down with a spatula to help maintain its shape and ensure even cooking.
• After a few minutes, when the bottom turns crispy and golden brown, carefully flip the pancake over.
• Cook for a few more minutes until the other side is golden and crispy. Flip as needed to ensure both sides are evenly cooked.

6. Make the Dipping Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon agave syrup or sugar, ½ teaspoon chili flakes, and ½ teaspoon sesame seeds. Stir well.

7. Serve

• Transfer the cooked pancake to a serving plate.
• Serve hot with the prepared dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

---

Why This Pajeon Recipe Stands Out

This Green Onion Pancake (Pajeon) recipe is a fantastic way to experience the fresh, savory flavors of Korean cuisine. The crispy texture of the pancake paired with the tangy soy dipping sauce creates a balanced and delicious bite. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

---

Pro Tips for Making the Best Green Onion Pancakes

• Crispy Perfection: For an extra crispy pancake, ensure the batter is smooth and not too thick. Use a generous amount of oil when frying.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter and dipping sauce in advance to save time.
• Storage: Store leftover pancakes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a pan to restore their crispiness.
• Customization: Feel free to add other ingredients like sliced chilies, garlic, or even bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

---

A Brief History of Pajeon

Pajeon, also known as Green Onion Pancakes, is a beloved Korean dish with deep cultural roots. It’s commonly enjoyed as a street food or in homes as a simple, yet flavorful snack or appetizer. The word “Pajeon” literally translates to “green onion pancake,” highlighting the dish’s key ingredient. The combination of the crispy batter with the fresh, savory green onions has made Pajeon a staple in Korean cuisine.

---

Recipe Summary: Green Onion Pancakes (Pajeon)

Green Onion Pancakes (Pajeon) are a traditional Korean dish made from a simple batter of flour, water, and cornstarch, with fresh green onions as the star ingredient. Optional additions like chilies, garlic powder, or soybean paste can enhance the flavor. These pancakes are fried to crispy perfection and served hot with a tangy soy dipping sauce. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or light meal.

---

Ingredients Recap

For the Pancakes:

• 10 stalks green onions
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup water (adjust if needed)
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• Optional: Fresh chilies, garlic powder, salt, pepper, soybean paste

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp agave syrup or sugar
• ½ tsp chili flakes
• ½ tsp sesame seeds

---

Instructions Recap

1. Prepare the Green Onions: Clean and cut them into 5-inch pieces.
2. Make the Batter: Combine flour, cornstarch, water, and optional seasonings until smooth.
3. Cook the Pancake: Fry the green onions in a pan with batter until crispy and golden on both sides.
4. Make the Dipping Sauce: Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, agave syrup, chili flakes, and sesame seeds.
5. Serve: Enjoy hot with dipping sauce.

---

Notes

• Adjust the batter consistency with more water if needed.
• Use soybean paste for a deeper, umami flavor, or omit for a simpler version.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.