Shrimp and Chives Pancake with Perilla Leaves
How to Make a Delicious Savory Pancake with Shrimp and Aromatic Perilla Leaves
This savory pancake, or ‘jeon’, is a beloved dish from the Gyeongsang Province region of Korea, featuring the unique aroma of perilla leaves, fresh shrimp, and crisp chives. The distinctive fragrance of perilla leaves cuts through any richness and enhances the overall flavor profile. Perfect for enjoying the last tastes of summer before the season ends. On a rainy day or during the monsoon season, a hot, sizzling pancake served with a glass of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) is an unforgettable treat. Let us introduce you to this simple yet extraordinary Shrimp and Chives Pancake with Perilla Leaves.
Pancake Ingredients- 1/4 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch chives, cut into 3-4 cm lengths
- 1 bunch perilla leaves, cut into 3-4 cm lengths
- 2 shrimp, peeled and finely minced
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (optional), seeded and finely minced
- 1 red chili pepper, seeded and finely minced
- Cooking oil (a little sesame oil mixed in is also great) generously
Batter Ingredients- 1 Tbsp tempura flour
- 2 Tbsp pancake mix
- 1/2 Tbsp dried mussel powder (can be omitted if using fresh mussels)
- 1/3 Tbsp potato starch
- 1 egg
Dipping Sauce- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp plum extract
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (to taste)
- 1 Tbsp tempura flour
- 2 Tbsp pancake mix
- 1/2 Tbsp dried mussel powder (can be omitted if using fresh mussels)
- 1/3 Tbsp potato starch
- 1 egg
Dipping Sauce- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp plum extract
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the batter, which is the foundation for a delicious pancake. If you’re using fresh mussels in your pancake, you can skip the dried mussel powder.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the tempura flour, pancake mix, dried mussel powder, and potato starch. Crack in the egg. Gradually add water while mixing until you achieve a batter consistency similar to thick yogurt – not too thin and not too thick. Once the batter is ready, cover it and refrigerate. Chilling the batter helps achieve an extra crispy pancake.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to prepare the vegetables and seafood that will add flavor to your pancake. Thinly slice the onion. Cut the chives and perilla leaves into 3-4 cm lengths. Finely mince the seeded green and red chili peppers. Peel, devein, and finely mince the shrimp. Feel free to use other seafood like squid or mussels from your refrigerator; they also pair wonderfully!
Step 4
Add the minced onion, chives, perilla leaves, chili peppers, and roughly chopped shrimp to the prepared batter. Gently mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the batter. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5
Now for the fun part – frying the pancake! Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. For an extra subtle nuttiness, you can mix in a little sesame oil. Pour the batter into the hot pan and spread it out as thinly and widely as possible to form a large, round pancake. The batter’s consistency should allow for easy spreading.
Step 6
Cook for about 1 minute, or until the edges start to turn golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the pancake. Cook the other side until it’s also golden brown and cooked through. Flip it one more time for a final crisping, ensuring both sides are perfectly golden and crunchy. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning.
Step 7
While the pancake is cooking, let’s whip up a simple and delicious dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 1/2 tablespoon of plum extract. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your liking and mix well. This tangy dipping sauce beautifully complements the flavors of the shrimp and chive pancake.
Step 8
Once the pancake is perfectly golden and crispy, cut it into serving pieces and serve it with the dipping sauce. The satisfying crunch and the aromatic, refreshing flavor make this pancake stand out from others. It’s a delightful dish that you won’t easily get tired of, perfect as a light meal or a tasty accompaniment to drinks!
