Crispy Korean Garlic Chive Pancake (Buchu Jeon) Recipe

Buchu Jeon (부추전), also known as Korean garlic chive pancake, is a beloved Korean street food and home-cooked favorite. Its simple elegance lies in the vibrant, savory flavor of garlic chives, perfectly complemented by a crispy, slightly chewy pancake batter. The aroma alone is enough to draw you in, promising a delightful experience of textures and tastes. This classic dish is incredibly versatile; it can be enjoyed as a snack, a side dish alongside other Korean favorites, or even as a light meal on its own. The slightly spicy, umami-rich pancake is a perfect blend of textures and tastes, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.

This recipe will guide you through creating the perfect Buchu Jeon, from preparing the ingredients to achieving that signature crispy edge. We'll cover everything you need to know to make this delicious pancake at home, ensuring a flavorful result that rivals even the best street food vendors. Ready to get started and make your own delicious batch of Buchu Jeon? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Tools Needed

• Blender
• Mixing bowl
• Non-stick pan

Ingredients

• Garlic chives: 5 pounds
• Onion: 1/2 cup
• Garlic chives (for sauce): 1 1/2 cups
• Garlic chives (for topping): 1/2 cup
• All-purpose flour: 3/4 cup
• Korean frying mix (or more flour): 1/4 cup
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Egg: 1
• Water: 1 cup
• Cooking oil
• Shrimp (optional)
• Soy sauce (for dipping sauce): 2 tbsp
• Vinegar (for dipping sauce): 1 teaspoon
• Water (for dipping sauce): 1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Batter

• Remove bad parts and wash thoroughly.
• Cut 1 1/2 cups of garlic chives into 2-inch pieces for the sauce. Grind these with 1 cup of water in a blender for 20-30 seconds.
• Cut remaining garlic chives (1/2 cup) into 1/2-inch pieces for texture. Finely chop the onion.
• Combine 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup Korean frying mix (or more flour), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 egg in a bowl.

• Add the garlic chive sauce to the flour mixture and mix well. The batter should be runny.
• Add the chopped garlic chives and onion to the batter and mix.

Step 2. Cook the Pancakes

• Heat cooking oil in a non-stick pan. Add 2 spoonfuls of batter and spread to make a 1-inch circle.
• Fry for about 2 minutes per side on medium heat, adding more oil if needed, until golden brown.
• Add chopped shrimp or other seafood during this step)

Step 3. Prepare Garlic Chives

• Remove bad parts and wash thoroughly.
• Cut 1 1/2 cups of garlic chives into 2-inch pieces for the sauce. Grind these with 1 cup of water in a blender for 20-30 seconds.
• Cut remaining garlic chives (1/2 cup) into 1/2-inch pieces for texture. Finely chop the onion.

Step 4. Make Dipping Sauce

• For a dipping sauce, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp vinegar, and 1 tsp water.

Read more: Korean Suyuk (수육): Perfect Thinly Sliced Pork Belly

Tips

• Using Korean frying mix makes the pancakes crispier.
• Feel free to add your favorite seafood or hot peppers.

Nutrition

• N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the garlic chives with other greens?

While garlic chives provide the signature flavor, you can experiment! Scallions or leeks can work, but the flavor profile will differ. Use a similar quantity.

2. How do I ensure my Buchu Jeon is crispy?

Use a well-seasoned pan or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Don't overcrowd the pan, and ensure the oil is hot before adding the batter. Flip only once the edges are golden brown and crispy.

Enjoy your homemade Buchu Jeon! This simple yet flavorful pancake is perfect for sharing with friends and family, or savoring on your own. With its crispy texture and savory taste, it's a recipe you'll want to return to again and again.