Skip to main content

Kimchi Pancakes are a popular dish in South Korea, made by incorporating kimchi into a savory pancake batter. Here’s a basic recipe for making Kimchi Pancakes:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup kimchi (well-fermented and drained)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 green onions (sliced)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Kimchi:
    • If your kimchi is too watery, gently squeeze out excess liquid from the kimchi. Then, chop the kimchi into small pieces.
  2. Make the Batter:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, water, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until you have a smooth batter.
  3. Add Kimchi and Green Onions:
    • Add the chopped kimchi and sliced green onions to the batter. Mix until the kimchi and green onions are evenly distributed.
  4. Heat the Pan:
    • Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and spread it around to coat the pan.
  5. Cook the Pancakes:
    • Once the pan is hot, ladle a portion of the batter onto the pan to form a pancake. Use the back of the ladle to spread the batter into a thin and even circle.
  6. Fry the Pancakes:
    • Cook the pancake for about 2-3 minutes on one side, until the edges become crispy and the bottom is golden brown.
  7. Flip and Cook:
    • Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side, until it’s golden brown and crispy.
  8. Repeat:
    • Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan as needed to prevent sticking.
  9. Serve:
    • Once the pancakes are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Cut the pancakes into wedges and serve them warm.
  10. Dipping Sauce (Optional):
    • You can serve the kimchi pancakes with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, a splash of sesame oil, and a pinch of sesame seeds. Adjust the ratios according to your taste.

Kimchi pancakes are often enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer in South Korea, and they’re especially popular during gatherings or as a snack. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients like shrimp, squid, or vegetables to create your own variations.