Haemul Pajeon: Korean Seafood Pancake

Haemul Pajeon: Korean Seafood Pancake

Haemul pajeon is a thick Korean pancake with seafood and spring onion on a crispy crust. In Korea it is eaten on a rainy day — the sizzle of oil in the pan sounds like rain.

History of the dish

Pajeon are Korean pancakes with various fillings, known since the Goryeo era. Haemul pajeon (with seafood) is popular in coastal regions. The tradition of eating pajeon on rainy days stems from the sound — tiktak (rain) and jijiginda (sizzling).

Key ingredients

Batter: rice flour, plain flour, cold water, egg, salt. Filling: squid, prawns, oysters or clams (chopped), spring onion (in long stalks). Dipping sauce: soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chilli.

How to cook at home

The batter must be cold — add ice. Fry in plenty of oil over high heat — you need a crispy crust. Flip once, pressing down with a spatula.