Chewy Zucchini Spam Kimchi Pancake: A New Standard of Crispy Outside, Chewy Inside!
Whip Up Chewy Zucchini Spam Kimchi Pancakes with Ingredients from Your Fridge!
Introducing the Zucchini Spam Kimchi Pancake, boasting a delightful texture that’s crispy on the outside and wonderfully chewy on the inside. If you crave a chewy kimchi pancake with a flavor that goes beyond the usual, follow this recipe right away. The fantastic harmony of kimchi, spam, and zucchini will captivate your taste buds!
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 small head of ripe kimchi (about 200g)
- 1 can of Spam Classic (about 200g)
- 1 zucchini (medium size)
- 200g pancake mix (approx. 1.5 cups)
- 200ml water (approx. 1 cup)
- 2 Korean green chili peppers
- Cooking oil (generous amount for frying)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the zucchini. Wash it thoroughly and then julienne it into thin strips, about 0.3cm thick. Slicing them thinly will contribute to a tender and chewy texture when the pancake is cooked.
Step 2
Drain a little bit of the juice from the ripe kimchi, then finely chop it into pieces about 0.5cm in size. Using scissors can make this process easier and more uniform than a knife. If the kimchi is too watery, you can give it a light rinse.
Step 3
Finely mince the 2 Korean green chili peppers, after removing their stems. If you prefer less spice, feel free to omit them or adjust the quantity.
Step 4
Open the Spam can, remove the meat, and place it inside a zip-top bag or plastic bag. Then, use your hands to mash it or use a rolling pin or bottle to crush it into small pieces. This method ensures the savory flavor of the Spam disperses evenly throughout the batter.
Step 5
In a large bowl, combine the chopped kimchi and mashed Spam. Gently mix them together so that the two ingredients are well combined. It’s good to loosen them up so they don’t clump together.
Step 6
Now, add 200g of pancake mix to the bowl with the kimchi and Spam mixture. This will form the base of your batter. Sprinkle the pancake mix evenly, ensuring there are no clumps.
Step 7
Pour in 200ml (about 1 cup) of cold water. The amount of water may need slight adjustment depending on the moisture content of the kimchi and the type of pancake mix used. Aim for a batter consistency that is neither too thin nor too thick.
Step 8
Using a spatula or chopsticks, gently mix all the ingredients in the bowl for the first time. Just mix until you can no longer see dry flour. Overmixing can reduce the chewy texture.
Step 9
Finally, add the thinly julienned zucchini to the bowl and gently mix it with the batter. Be careful not to overmix once the zucchini is added, as this can impart a raw taste. If you’re making this for children too, set aside a portion of the batter before adding the chili peppers.
Step 10
If you desire a spicier kick for the adults, stir in the prepared minced Korean green chili peppers. And that’s it! Your chewy and spicy Zucchini Spam Kimchi Pancake batter is complete. Isn’t it wonderfully simple?
Step 11
Now, let’s get to cooking these delicious kimchi pancakes!
Step 12
Place a medium-sized pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Once the pan is sufficiently hot, ladle a portion of the batter onto the pan and spread it out into a round shape. Because zucchini releases a lot of moisture, cooking over medium heat (rather than low) prevents the pancake from absorbing too much oil and becoming soggy. This ensures a crispier result.
Step 13
Wait until the bottom of the pancake is golden brown and the pancake moves freely when you gently shake the pan. Flipping it at this stage will prevent it from tearing. Be patient and don’t flip it too early!
Step 14
Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula. Cook the other side until it’s also golden brown. Once both sides are beautifully cooked and slightly crispy, transfer the pancake to a plate. Enjoy your delicious Zucchini Spam Kimchi Pancake! It’s best served warm.
