South Korean – Haemul Pajeon

Haemul Pajeon (해물파전) is a Korean savory pancake made with seafood (haemul) and green onions (pajeon). It’s a popular appetizer or side dish in Korean cuisine and is often enjoyed with makgeolli (a traditional Korean rice wine). The dish is crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. It is commonly served as a snack, street food, or meal during rainy days, as it is said to pair perfectly with a warm drink.

Key Ingredients:

Seafood (Haemul):
- A combination of shrimp, squid, clams, and oysters is typical, providing a fresh and briny flavor.
Green Onions (Pajeon):
- Green onions are the primary vegetable in the pancake, giving it a mild onion flavor.
Batter:
- The pancake batter is made from flour, water, and egg, with a little cornstarch or rice flour added for extra crispiness.
Seasonings:
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic are used to season the batter, with salt and pepper to taste.
Dipping Sauce:
- Served with a soy-based dipping sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, chili, and sometimes a little sesame oil.

Flavor Profile:

Savory, slightly briny, with crunchy seafood combined with the mild sweetness of the green onions. The pancake has a balance of umami from the soy sauce and aromatic notes from the garlic and sesame oil. The crispy exterior adds texture, while the interior remains soft and chewy.

How It’s Made:

Preparing the Ingredients:
- Seafood is cleaned and chopped into bite-sized pieces. Green onions are cut into long strips.
Making the Batter:
- The flour, water, egg, and seasonings are mixed together to form a smooth batter.
Cooking the Pancake:
- A skillet is heated with oil, and the seafood and green onions are added to the pan. The batter is then poured over the top, and the pancake is fried until golden and crispy on both sides.
Serving:
- The pancake is cut into wedges and served with a soy-based dipping sauce.

Cultural Significance:

Haemul Pajeon is traditionally eaten on rainy days in Korea, as it is believed to pair well with a glass of makgeolli.
It is a common pub food and is often enjoyed as a casual meal or snack in Korean bars or restaurants.
The dish is also served during celebrations or family gatherings.

Variations:

Pajeon (Without Seafood):
- A vegetarian version of the pancake made with just green onions and sometimes vegetables.
Kimchi Pajeon:
- A variation where kimchi is added to the pancake for a spicy kick.
Beef Haemul Pajeon:
- Some recipes include thin slices of beef in addition to the seafood for a heartier version.

Health Benefits:

Rich in protein from the seafood.
High in fiber from the green onions.
Low in calories compared to deep-fried snacks.
Customizable to suit dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free variations.