Fragrant Spring Delight: Toon Leaf (Gajuknamul) Savory Pancake Recipe
A Special Pancake Dish Using Toon Leaves (Gajuknamul), a Spring Delicacy
Tender young leaves from the toon tree are known as ‘Gajuknamul’. These appear in early spring and are prized for their unique, aromatic flavor, making them a special culinary ingredient. Try this simple yet delicious dish with Gajuknamul. The distinctive aroma and refreshing taste are a treat. (Watch from 01:52 for the main steps.)
Main Ingredients- Gajuknamul (Toon leaves) 50g
- Flour 50g (adjust seasoning if using pancake mix)
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- Water 70ml
- 1 pinch Salt (to season the batter)
- 100ml Cooking oil (use generously for best results)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the fresh gajuknamul thoroughly under running water and prepare it. Remove any tough stems if present, and lightly pat dry. This is the first step to preserving the fragrant flavor of the toon leaves.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine 50g of flour, 1 Tbsp of cornstarch, 70ml of water, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until you have a smooth batter without lumps. The consistency should be neither too thin nor too thick. (If using a pre-made pancake mix, you may not need to add extra salt.)
Step 3
Coat the prepared gajuknamul evenly with the batter made in step 1. Gently toss the leaves so each one is thinly coated. This ensures a crispy and delicious pancake when cooked.
Step 4
Heat about 100ml of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Place the batter-coated gajuknamul onto the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Continue to cook, flipping occasionally, until beautifully golden and crisp. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture!
