Special Autumn Harvest Dish: Delicious Tuna Patties (Donggeurangttaeng)
Chuseok Delight: Moist and Savory Tuna Patties (Tuna Jeon) using Baekpa’s Recipe
Elevate your traditional Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) feast with a unique twist using tuna! These Tuna Donggeurangttaeng, inspired by Baekpa’s recipe, are a delightful savory pancake packed with the mild flavor of tuna and fresh vegetables. They are incredibly easy to make and are sure to be a hit with everyone, young and old. Prepare to impress your guests with these tender, flavorful patties that add a special touch to your holiday table.
Patties Ingredients
- 1 can (135g) Tuna
- 1/2 medium Onion
- 1 Red chili or Green chili
- 1 stalk Scallion (white part), or a small amount of chopped chives
- 2 Eggs
- 3 Tbsp Pancake mix (Buchim garu)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- Pinch of Salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables. Finely mince 1/2 medium onion. Chop the white part of 1 stalk of scallion finely. If using chilies, remove the seeds and mince them finely. For even finer pieces of scallion or chili, you can make long vertical cuts with a knife before chopping.
Step 2
The ideal ratio of tuna to onion is 1:1. If you’re unsure about measuring, you can fill an empty tuna can with the minced onion to match the volume of one can of tuna. Drain the oil from the tuna thoroughly to ensure the mixture isn’t too wet and to enhance its savory flavor.
Step 3
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, finely minced onion, chopped scallions, and minced chilies. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 4
Crack in 2 eggs to help bind the mixture. Add 3 tablespoons of pancake mix and a pinch of salt, adjusting the saltiness to your preference, considering the saltiness of the tuna itself.
Step 5
Mix and knead the ingredients well with a spatula or your hands until a cohesive batter forms. If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more pancake mix. If it’s too stiff, add a bit more egg to reach a soft, workable consistency. The batter should hold its shape reasonably well when scooped with a spoon.
Step 6
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat with a generous amount of cooking oil. Reduce the heat to medium before adding the batter; this prevents burning and ensures the inside cooks through. Use a spoon to scoop portions of the batter and place them into the hot pan, shaping them into small, flat patties. Avoid making them too thick.
Step 7
Cook over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and nicely browned. Be patient and flip them carefully using tongs or a spatula to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. Cooking them slowly allows the inside to cook through properly.
Step 8
Once both sides are beautifully golden, your simple and delicious Tuna Donggeurangttaeng are ready! Enjoy them warm for the best texture and flavor. These patties are a wonderful and easy way to add a unique touch to your Chuseok celebration!
