Pajeon Recipe (Korean Savory Pancakes)

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (peeled and grated)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 scallions
• 1 carrot
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 9 ounces cold sparkling water
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
• 1 large garlic glove (peeled and grated)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then give it a good stir and turn the heat down to medium-low. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened.

2. 2

   Slice the scallions into 1-inch pieces. Cut the carrots into very skinny matchsticks (or julienne).

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the seltzer, large egg, and grated garlic. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined (there will be lumps). Gently fold in half of the scallions and carrots.

4. 4

   Heat two tablespoons of the vegetable oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, pour in half of the batter and use the spatula to spread the batter out toward the edges of the pan.

5. 5

   Scatter half of the remaining scallions and carrots over the top of the raw batter. Use the spatula to make sure they are partially submerged in the batter so they won't fall off when you flip the pancake.

6. 6

   Fry for 4 to 5 minutes until the pancake is golden brown and the vegetables are lightly charred. Flip and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes on the other side.

7. 7

   Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

8. 8

   Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and repeat the process with the second half of the batter and veggies. Slice the cooked pancakes into pieces.

9. 9

   Serve with the warm dipping sauce.