The crispy sizzle hits firstlike rain on a hot skillet. Then that oniony, savory aroma floats up and boom: instant kitchen travel. This PAJEON KOREAN SCALLION PANCAKE has been popping off all over TikTok and Pinterest, and it’s easy to see why. Fast, cozy, flavor-packed. Basically pancake magic.
This dish is a golden, crispy-edged pancake packed with scallions, flour, and just enough egg to bind it. Pantry-friendly and deeply satisfying. It’s the savory cousin to your weekend flapjackswith a salty dip and a little attitude. Full details in the blog!
My mom and I tried this on a snowy Sunday when the cupboards felt bareand it turned into a new favorite dinner. No measuring panic, no fancy tools. Just warm, oniony goodness. I tested it every way ‘til it worked. You’ll love the secret!
A crispy savory Korean scallion pancake served with a delicious dipping sauce. This quick and easy pajeon recipe is made with simple ingredients and perfect for snacks or appetizers. Enjoy authentic Korean Scallion Pancakes at home.
Ingredients
Scale
5 tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil
1 cup green onions packed
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup potato starch or cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ cup water very cold
2 tablespoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce
2 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
½ tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon green onion finely chopped
Instructions
Wash green onions and pat dry with paper towels Trim off the roots split it vertically and chop into 2-inch-long pieces Transfer into a large mixing bowl
Add the remaining batter ingredients into the bowl and mix just until combined Do not over mix
Heat 2.5 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan on medium-high heat and swirl Add green onions from the batter first and evenly spread across the pan Then scrape out the remaining batter to fill in any holes
Reduce to medium heat and fry until the bottom is crispy and golden with slight charring on the onions about 4-5 minutes
Flip over with a large spatula and pour remaining oil around the pancake Occasionally swirl the pancake around and press down on it
Transfer the pancake to a cutting board and slice with a sharp knife into small pieces
In a small bowl combine the dipping sauce ingredients and enjoy with the pancake
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:5 minutes
Category:Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Korean
Nutrition
Calories:202 kcal
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy on the edges, soft in the center, with savory green onion deliciousness, Pajeon Korean Scallion Pancake offers true comfort. It’s perfect for a quick snack, an easy side dish, or anytime you’re craving something pan-fried and flavorful.
This recipe is also wonderfully beginner-friendly. No yeast, no resting time, and made with pantry staples! Plus, you’ll get to practice your flipping skillsbut don’t worry, it’s forgiving even if it isn’t picture-perfect.
And the dipping sauce? It’s an incredibly savory and tangy combination. Together, this duo creates a flavor-packed dish that comes together in just 15 minutes.
Key Ingredients & Tools
This recipe keeps it simple! Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need.
Green Onions: The star of the show, bringing a mild, distinctive oniony flavor. Be sure to slice them into 2-inch pieces for the right texture.
All-Purpose Flour & Starch: This duo creates the perfect balance of structure and crispiness. Use potato starch or cornstarch for that crackly bite.
Seasoning: A little garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, chicken bouillon powder, and a pinch of salt give the pancake its bold, savory flavor. The chicken bouillon powder adds an umami depth you’ll appreciate!
Cold Water: The secret to a light, crispy pancake batterdon’t skip this step!
Vegetable Oil: About 3-4 tablespoons for frying the pancake to golden perfection.
Dipping Sauce Ingredients: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chopped green onion. Quick to whisk together and packs a tangy punch.
Tools You’ll Need: A large non-stick pan is essential, along with a sturdy spatula for flipping. A mixing bowl and a whisk or fork are also indispensable!
How to Make It in 15 Minutes
Set the timer because this dish comes together fast! You’ll be savoring your Korean scallion pancake in no time.
Prep the scallions: Trim, wash, and slice your green onions into 2-inch pieces. Place them into a mixing bowl.
Whisk your batter: Add all-purpose flour, starch, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, chicken bouillon powder, salt, and cold water to the bowl with the scallions. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Heat and pour: Heat half of the oil (about 1.5-2 tablespoons) in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Spread the scallions from the batter evenly across the pan, then pour the remaining batter over them to fill any gaps.
Fry to golden perfection: Let the pancake cook for 4–5 minutes until the underside is crispy and golden brown. Flip it (gently, but confidently!) and pour the rest of the oil around the edges for even frying.
Flip and finish: Press down lightly with your spatula and fry for another 2–3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer to a cutting board and slice into bite-sized wedges.
Make the dipping sauce: While the pancake cools slightly, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chopped green onions in a small bowl.
Step
Cooking Time
Prep ingredients & mix batter
5 minutes
Cook first side
4–5 minutes
Cook second side
2–3 minutes
Pro Tips & Variations
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few simple tweaks and tips:
Swap out scallions: Don’t have green onions? Try thinly sliced leeks or even chives for a similar flavor profile.
Add veggies: Toss in matchstick carrots, thinly sliced zucchini, or even a handful of spinach for extra texture and color!
Make it spicier: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or serve with some gochujang mixed into your dipping sauce for a spicy kick.
Keep your water cold: This is key for creating a light batter that crisps up beautifully in the pan.
Pro Tip: Not confident in your flipping? Split the batter into smaller pancakesyou’ll have an easier time handling them, and they’ll cook even faster!
How to Serve & Store
These pancakes are best served hot and fresh, straight off the pan. Arrange slices on a platter and dunk them directly into your flavorful dipping sauceit’s a delightful experience you won’t want to miss!
Got leftovers? Pop any extra slices into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, pan-fry them on medium heat for a few minutes until crispy, or warm them in a 375°F oven for about 5-7 minutes.
Method
Reheat Time
Pan-fry
3–4 minutes
Oven
5–7 minutes
Whether it’s a cozy Sunday or just a busy afternoon, this Pajeon Korean Scallion Pancake is a perfect recipe for comfort food bliss. Enjoy every crispy, oniony bite!
Expert Insight: The Art of Making Pajeon Korean Scallion Pancake
Achieving the perfect Pajeon Korean Scallion Pancake lies in understanding the interplay of simple ingredients and careful technique. The goal is a truly crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. The key elements are balancing the batter’s consistencythin enough to spread but thick enough to hold the scallionsand maintaining the right cooking temperature. This ensures the scallions remain vibrant and sweet while the pancake develops that irresistible golden crisp, creating a delightful harmony of textures and flavors in every bite.
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The Journey to Mastering Pajeon Korean Scallion Pancake
This Pajeon Korean Scallion Pancake recipe took a handful of flops before I finally nailed the crispy texture and perfect chew. I learned that patience and precise pan heat made all the difference. After many tries and a few laughs (plus some slightly burnt edges!), this version consistently delivers the authentic taste and texture I was striving for.
FAQs ( Pajeon Korean Scallion Pancake )
How do I get crispy pancakes?
To achieve crispy edges, make sure your pan is hot before adding oil. Use a generous amount of oil and spread the batter thinly. Cook over medium-high heat until the pancake is golden brown on both sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this reduces crispiness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes rice flour or tapioca starch. This maintains a similar texture while keeping the dish gluten-free. Just keep the batter consistency right; it should be pourable but not too thin.
What is the best dipping sauce for this dish?
A simple dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes complements this meal perfectly. Adding minced garlic and sesame seeds can elevate it. Adjust the balance to taste for a perfect complement.
How do I store leftovers effectively?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place in a non-stick pan over medium heat to regain crispness instead of microwaving, which can make pancakes soggy.
Can I add ingredients to change the flavor?
Absolutely, this recipe is versatile. Incorporate seafood like shrimp or squid, finely chopped kimchi, or julienned vegetables for different tastes. Just keep similar moisture levels to maintain the right batter texture.
Conclusion
This Pajeon Korean Scallion Pancake comes together quicklyabout 15 minutes of hands-on preparationfilling your kitchen with crispy edges and that irresistible oniony aroma. You’ll love how the texture balances perfectly: crunchy outside, tender inside. It’s simple, satisfying, and just the kind of comforting snack or side that brightens any meal, whether life feels busy or quiet.
For a quick twist, try adding a handful of shredded carrots or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of warmth. Leftovers? No worriespop them in the fridge and reheat in a pan; that crisp comes right back. A little tip I picked up from my grandma’s kitchen: cold water is the secret to keep that batter light and crackly every time, so don’t skip it!
I’d love to see how your pancakes turn outsnap a pic or share your go-to dipping sauce version! Did you grow up enjoying something similar? Save this recipe for cozy nights, share it with your favorite foodie friends, and savor every crispy bite. Happy cooking!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
