Chewy Clams and Aromatic Chives Pancake (Bajirak Buchu Buchimgae)
Craving a Savory Pancake on a Rainy Day? Easy Homemade Clam and Chive Pancake Recipe
The weather has been quite unpredictable lately! I had prepared all the ingredients to make a clam and chive pancake because the forecast predicted rain yesterday, but surprisingly, it didn’t rain today. However, with delicious ingredients at hand, we must still make it, right? So, here it is! I’ll guide you through making a wonderfully chewy clam and aromatic chive pancake at home, easily and deliciously. It’s perfect not just for rainy days, but for any time you crave a delightful treat. Enjoy it with a warm soup for the ultimate meal!
Ingredients- 200g fresh chives
- 1/2 cup cooked clam meat
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (cheongyang pepper)
- 1 red chili pepper (for color)
- 1/2 onion
- 1 cup pancake mix (buchim garu)
- 1 cup tempura powder (twigim garu)
- 2 cups water
- Generous amount of cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the fresh chives thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. After washing, drain them well in a colander. It’s important to remove as much moisture as possible, as excess water can make the batter too thin.
Step 2
Cut the drained chives into manageable pieces, about 5cm long. This length is ideal for cooking and provides a good texture. Avoid cutting them too short or too long.
Step 3
Thinly slice the onion into strips, about 0.3cm thick. Thinly sliced onions add a subtle sweetness and blend well with the other ingredients, making the pancake tender.
Step 4
Finely chop the green chili pepper and red chili pepper into small pieces, about 0.3cm thick. You can remove the seeds from the green chili pepper if you prefer less heat.
Step 5
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of pancake mix and 1 cup of tempura powder. Gradually add 2 cups of water while whisking or stirring until you achieve a smooth batter with no lumps. Aim for a consistency that is neither too thick nor too runny.
Step 6
Add the chopped chives, sliced onions, and chopped chili peppers to the batter. Also, add the cooked clam meat. Gently mix all the ingredients into the batter using a spatula or spoon until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chives mushy.
Step 7
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Ladle the batter onto the hot pan and spread it thinly into a round shape. Cook until the bottom side is golden brown and crispy, then flip it over and cook the other side until it’s also golden brown and crispy. Using plenty of oil is key to achieving a wonderfully crispy pancake.
Step 8
Once both sides are beautifully golden brown and you hear a satisfying sizzle, your delicious clam and chive pancake is ready! Serve it hot for the best taste. Enjoy it with a tangy soy dipping sauce.
