Spring Cabbage Pancake (Bomdong Jeon)
Bomdong Jeon: The Perfect Makgeolli Appetizer! Fresh and Delicious Spring Cabbage Delight
Whip up a delicious pancake using fragrant spring cabbage. It offers a delightful crunchy texture and sweet flavor, distinct from regular napa cabbage pancakes. Here’s a recipe for Bomdong Jeon, a perfect match for makgeolli (Korean rice wine).
Ingredients- 1 head of spring cabbage (large)
Batter & Frying- 1 1/2 cups pancake mix
- 1 cup cold water
- 6-7 Tbsp cooking oil (sunflower or canola oil)
- 1 1/2 cups pancake mix
- 1 cup cold water
- 6-7 Tbsp cooking oil (sunflower or canola oil)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the spring cabbage thoroughly under running water, trimming off any dirty outer leaves. After washing, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps prevent oil splatter and ensures a crispier pancake.
Step 2
Once the cabbage is clean and dry, carefully cut the thicker stem end into 2 to 4 pieces. Aim for pieces that preserve the leaf’s shape rather than cutting them too small, which can make the pancake fall apart.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of pancake mix. Gradually add 1 cup of cold water while stirring. The batter should reach a consistency similar to thin soup, flowing smoothly. Adjust the water if needed; too thick a batter will result in a heavy pancake, while too thin a batter won’t coat the cabbage well.
Step 4
Add the prepared spring cabbage pieces to the batter and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Aim for a light coating; too much batter can make the pancake greasy. Shake off any excess batter.
Step 5
Heat about 6-7 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Place the battered spring cabbage pieces in the hot oil. Fry them until golden brown and crispy on both sides, taking care not to burn them. Gently press down with a spatula after flipping to ensure any batter trapped between the leaves cooks through, enhancing the texture.
Step 6
Serve warm, rolled up and dipped in a sweet and tangy soy sauce mixture. The crispiness of the cabbage combined with the savory pancake is truly delicious! It’s an absolutely perfect snack to enjoy with a cold glass of makgeolli. Savor the taste of spring!