Aromatic Spring Delight: Rich Artemisia Jeon (Korean Savory Pancake)
Flavorful Artemisia Jeon made with Spring Herbs
Artemisia (ssuk) is a must-have spring vegetable, especially the ones harvested in April, celebrated for their superior taste and nutrients. This recipe features a generous amount of fresh artemisia, creating a savory pancake bursting with its unique fragrance and delightful texture. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this jeon is a perfect way to savor the essence of spring. Its subtle herbal aroma and crispy edges pair wonderfully with a glass of makgeolli (Korean rice wine)!
Pancake Ingredients- 100g fresh artemisia (ssuk)
- 1 chili pepper (green or red, adjust to your spice preference)
- 100g all-purpose flour or pancake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (100ml) cold water
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp soy sauce (regular or brewed)
- Pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the fresh artemisia. Remove any tough stems or wilted leaves. If there’s any soil, wash it thoroughly under running water several times until completely clean. It’s crucial to rinse it meticulously to ensure no dirt remains.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Once the water is bubbling, add the cleaned artemisia and blanch for about 30 seconds. Avoid overcooking, as this can diminish the flavor and nutrients. Immediately rinse the blanched artemisia under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Then, gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible by hand.
Step 3
With the water squeezed out, finely chop the artemisia into small pieces. Cutting them too large might prevent them from mixing well with the batter. Finely chop the chili pepper(s) after removing the seeds. Mince the garlic finely.
Step 4
In a large bowl, combine the flour (or pancake mix) and the egg. Add the cold water and minced garlic, then whisk until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. If the batter seems too thick, add a little more water. Next, add the chopped artemisia and chili peppers to the batter and mix well to distribute them evenly. Finally, season with salt to taste, adjusting as needed. Your delicious artemisia pancake batter is ready!
Step 5
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Using a ladle or spoon, scoop portions of the artemisia batter and place them onto the hot pan. Gently spread each portion thinly and into a round shape using the back of the spoon. Cook until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook the other side until equally golden and cooked through. Ensuring both sides are nicely browned will result in a crispier and more enjoyable pancake.
