Haemul Pajeon (해물파전): A Crispy and Savory Korean Seafood Pancake

Haemul Pajeon (해물파전) is a beloved Korean seafood pancake that’s both crispy and flavorful. This savory dish is made with a variety of fresh seafood—such as shrimp, squid, and clams—along with green onions and vegetables, all mixed into a light, crispy batter. Often enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish, haemul pajeon is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crispy exterior and soft interior, paired with a tangy soy-vinegar dipping sauce, make this Korean pancake a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dish to serve at gatherings or just craving a taste of Korean comfort food, haemul pajeon is an excellent choice.

Why You’ll Love Haemul Pajeon

  1. Crispy and Savory: The combination of seafood, vegetables, and batter creates a crispy and flavorful pancake that’s hard to resist.

  2. Easy to Customize: Haemul pajeon is versatile—whether you prefer shrimp, squid, or a mix of seafood, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your tastes. Vegetarian options are also easy to make with extra vegetables.

  3. Perfect for Sharing: Whether served as an appetizer or a snack, haemul pajeon is a dish meant to be shared, making it perfect for gatherings, family meals, or even a cozy night in.

  4. Quick and Simple: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is quick and easy to make with simple ingredients, making it a go-to recipe when you want something delicious with minimal effort.

How to Enjoy Haemul Pajeon

  1. Serve Hot and Crispy: Haemul pajeon is best enjoyed fresh off the pan, while it’s still hot and crispy. Pair it with a tangy dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for an extra burst of flavor.

  2. Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special gathering, haemul pajeon is versatile enough for any occasion. Its crispy texture and savory seafood filling make it a dish everyone will love.

With its crispy edges, savory seafood, and perfectly seasoned batter, Haemul Pajeon is a delightful Korean pancake that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Give it a try and experience the flavors of Korean cuisine at home!

Haemul Pajeon (해물파전)

Ingredients:

For the Batter:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup rice flour (optional, for extra crispiness)

  • 1 1/4 cups cold water

  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Seafood:

  • 1/2 cup shrimp, peeled and chopped

  • 1/2 cup squid, cleaned and sliced into bite-sized pieces

  • 1/2 cup clams or mussels (optional, shelled)

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for seasoning seafood)

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for seasoning seafood)

For the Vegetables:

  • 1 bunch green onions, cut into 4-inch lengths (or Korean chives, if available)

  • 1 small carrot, julienned

  • 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced

For Frying:

  • 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or chili flakes (optional)

  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

  • 1/2 green onion, finely chopped

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Seafood:

    • In a small bowl, toss the shrimp, squid, and clams with soy sauce and sesame oil to season. Set aside while you prepare the batter.

  2. Make the Batter:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rice flour (if using), cold water, egg, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and free of lumps. The batter should be slightly runny.

  3. Prepare the Vegetables:

    • Slice the green onions into 4-inch lengths and the carrot into thin matchsticks. Thinly slice the onion as well.

  4. Assemble the Pajeon:

    • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

    • Once the oil is hot, arrange a handful of green onions in a single layer across the skillet. Add the julienned carrots and sliced onion evenly on top of the green onions.

    • Pour about 1/2 cup of the batter evenly over the vegetables, making sure the batter spreads out to cover the entire pan.

    • Scatter the seasoned seafood evenly over the batter and drizzle a little more batter on top to help everything stick together.

  5. Fry the Pajeon:

    • Cook the pancake for about 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is golden and crispy. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.

    • Carefully flip the pancake over (using a spatula or by sliding it onto a plate and flipping it back into the pan) and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the other side is crispy and the seafood is fully cooked.

  6. Make the Dipping Sauce:

    • While the pancake is frying, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, gochugaru, sesame seeds, and chopped green onion in a small bowl.

  7. Serve:

    • Once the pancake is crispy and golden on both sides, remove it from the skillet and cut it into wedges. Serve hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tips:

  • Extra Crispy Pajeon: For a crispier texture, make sure the pan and oil are hot before adding the batter. You can also use ice-cold water for the batter.

  • Seafood Variety: Feel free to use a mix of your favorite seafood like oysters, scallops, or crab meat in the pancake.

  • Vegetarian Option: Skip the seafood and use more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.

This Haemul Pajeon is a savory, crispy seafood pancake that’s perfect as an appetizer or a main dish. Serve it hot with the tangy dipping sauce and enjoy the delicious flavors of Korean cuisine!