Korean Kimchi Pancakes (Kimchi Jeon)

About This Recipe

Kimchi jeon is a beloved way to use up kimchi that's become a little too sour to eat as a side dish, turning that tang into the star flavor of a crispy, savory pancake. The batter is simple — flour, water, and the kimchi's own juices — with the fermented kimchi's sourness balancing beautifully against the pancake's crisp, slightly oily exterior. Using well-fermented, sour kimchi actually gives a better result than fresh kimchi; the deeper fermentation flavor holds up better against frying and gives the pancake real character rather than tasting one-dimensional.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 1.5 cupschopped kimchi(well-fermented, plus its juice)
• 1 cupall-purpose flour
• 0.25 cupkimchi juice
• 0.75 cupwater
• 1egg
• 2scallions(sliced)
• 0.5 tspsugar
• 0.33 cupvegetable oil(for frying)
• 2 tbspsoy sauce
• 1 tbsprice vinegar

Instructions

1. 1

   Mix the batter

   Whisk flour, kimchi juice, water, and egg together until smooth.

2. 2

   Add kimchi and scallions

   Stir in chopped kimchi, scallions, and sugar until evenly combined.

3. 3

   Heat the pan

   Heat 2-3 tbsp oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

4. 4

   Fry the pancakes

   Pour a portion of batter into the pan, spreading into a thin, even layer. Fry 4-5 minutes until the bottom is deeply golden and crisp.

   Press down gently with a spatula partway through to encourage even, crisp browning.

5. 5

   Flip and finish

   Flip carefully and fry the other side 3-4 minutes until equally crisp.

6. 6

   Serve with dipping sauce

   Cut into wedges and serve hot with a mix of soy sauce and rice vinegar for dipping.

Variations

• •

  Add small shrimp or squid to the batter for a heartier seafood version.

• •

  Use rice flour blended with the all-purpose flour for an extra-crispy texture.

• •

  Make mini pancakes for easier flipping and a fun appetizer presentation.

Storage

Best eaten fresh and hot; leftovers keep 1 day refrigerated and re-crisp well in a dry skillet or air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions