Discover the taste of Korean cuisine with Haemul Pajeon (해물파전), a savory seafood pancake packed with fresh green onions and an assortment of seafood like squid, shrimp, and mussels. This easy-to-make recipe delivers crispy, golden perfection and a burst of umami in every bite. Perfect for a flavorful appetizer or main dish, Haemul Pajeon is a must-try for seafood lovers and fans of Korean food!

Ingredients:

- For the Pancake Batter:

 - 1 cup all-purpose flour

 - 1/2 cup cornstarch

 - 1/2 tsp salt

 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

 - 1 cup cold water

 - 1 large egg

- For the Filling:

 - 1 cup squid, cleaned and cut into rings

 - 1/2 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined

 - 1/2 cup mussels, cleaned (optional)

 - 4 green onions, chopped into 2-inch pieces

 - 1/2 cup carrot, julienned (optional)

- For Cooking:

 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil

- For the Dipping Sauce:

 - 2 tbsp soy sauce

 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar

 - 1 tsp sugar

 - 1 tsp sesame oil

 - 1 garlic clove, minced

 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Batter:

  - In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.

  - Whisk in the cold water and egg until smooth. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.

Prepare the Seafood and Vegetables:

  - Rinse and clean all seafood. Pat dry with paper towels.

  - Chop green onions and julienne carrots if using.

Combine:

  - Gently fold the seafood, green onions, and carrots into the batter.

Cook the Pancake:

  - Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil.

  - Pour half of the batter into the skillet, spreading it out evenly.

  - Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown and crispy.

  - Flip the pancake carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.

Make the Dipping Sauce:

  - In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Serve:

  - Cut the pancake into wedges and serve hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Haemul Pajeon, a delightful Korean seafood pancake that's sure to impress!

Nutritional values

For the Pancake Batter:

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup)

  - Per cup (120g): Approximately

   - 455 calories

   - 13g protein

   - 95g carbohydrates

   - 1.2g fat

Benefits:

   - Provides energy through carbohydrates and a small amount of protein.

Cornstarch (1/2 cup)

  - Per 1/4 cup (32g): Approximately

   - 120 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 30g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

  - Benefits:

   - Acts as a thickening agent and contributes to the batter's texture.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon)

  - Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 0 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Enhances flavor, but should be used in moderation.

Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon)

  - Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 6 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds flavor and can aid in digestion.

Cold Water (1 cup)

  - Per cup (240ml): 0 calories, 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, 0g fat

  - Benefits:

   - Essential for mixing the batter and maintaining hydration.

Large Egg (1)

  - Per egg: Approximately

   - 72 calories

   - 6g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 5g fat

Benefits:

   - Provides high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

For the Filling:

Squid (1 cup)

  - Per cup (150g): Approximately

   - 140 calories

   - 24g protein

   - 3g carbohydrates

   - 2g fat

Benefits:

   - High in protein and low in fat; good source of vitamins and minerals.

Shrimp (1/2 cup)

  - Per 1/2 cup (85g): Approximately

   - 80 calories

   - 17g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 1g fat

Benefits:

   - High in protein and low in calories; provides important nutrients like iodine and selenium.

Mussels (1/2 cup, optional)

  - Per 1/2 cup (75g): Approximately

   - 75 calories

   - 10g protein

   - 3g carbohydrates

   - 1g fat

Benefits:

   - Rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals.

Green Onions (4, chopped)

  - Per 1 medium onion (15g): Approximately

   - 5 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds flavor and nutrients like vitamins A and C.

Carrot (1/2 cup, julienned, optional)

  - Per cup (130g): Approximately

   - 50 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 12g carbohydrates

   - 0.2g fat

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamin A and fiber; supports vision and digestive health.

For Cooking:

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 120 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 14g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds fat for cooking and flavor.

For the Dipping Sauce:

Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 10 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds umami flavor to dishes.

Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 14 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds acidity and flavor; aids in digestion.

Sugar (1 teaspoon)

  - Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 16 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 4g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds sweetness to balance the flavors.

Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon)

- Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 40 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 4.5g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds a nutty flavor and healthy fats.

Garlic Clove (1)

  - Per clove: Approximately

   - 4 calories

   - 0.2g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Provides flavor and has antibacterial properties.

Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional)

  - Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 6 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds heat and can boost metabolism.