Seafood Pajeon: Crispy Korean Scallion Pancake 🦑🦐

Few dishes capture the comfort of Korean home cooking quite like Seafood Pajeon. Golden, crisp-edged, and packed with sweet scallions and tender seafood, this beloved savory pancake is the kind of dish that disappears quickly from the table. Known in Korean as haemul pajeon, it is wonderfully versatile: serve it as an appetizer, a light lunch, a weekend brunch dish, or a crowd-pleasing snack alongside a chilled drink.

📜 The History Behind Korean Pajeon

Pajeon comes from the Korean word pa, meaning scallion, and jeon, referring to foods coated in batter or egg and pan-fried. Variations of Korean savory pancakes have been enjoyed for centuries, often made with seasonal vegetables, kimchi, meat, or seafood.

Seafood Pajeon is especially associated with Korea’s coastal regions, where fresh squid, shrimp, clams, and oysters are plentiful. Its popularity also rises on rainy days, when many Koreans enjoy the soothing sound of sizzling batter in a hot pan. Traditionally paired with Korean rice wine, or makgeolli, this crispy pancake balances briny seafood, fragrant scallions, and a lightly chewy interior.

🛒 Ingredients for Seafood Pajeon

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons rice flour or cornstarch for extra crispness
• 1 cup ice-cold water
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 bunch scallions, trimmed and cut to pan length
• 150 g mixed seafood, such as squid, shrimp, calamari, or small clams
• 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil, plus more as needed
• 1 red chili or bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)

For the dipping sauce: Mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of chili flakes.

🍳 How to Make Seafood Pajeon Step by Step

1. Prepare the seafood 🦐
   Rinse the seafood and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Slice squid into bite-size rings and cut larger shrimp into smaller pieces. Dry seafood is essential because excess moisture can make the pancake soggy.
2. Make the cold batter 🥣
   In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rice flour, salt, egg, and ice-cold water until just combined. A few small lumps are fine. Cold batter helps create a lighter, crispier pajeon.
3. Heat the pan 🔥
   Place a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to generously coat the surface. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
4. Arrange the scallions 🌿
   Lay the scallions in a single layer across the pan. Let them cook for about 30 seconds, allowing their natural sweetness and aroma to bloom.
5. Add seafood and batter 🦑
   Scatter the seafood evenly over the scallions, then pour the batter over everything. Use a spoon or spatula to gently spread the mixture into a round, even pancake. Add sliced chili or bell pepper for color, if using.
6. Pan-fry until deeply golden ✨
   Cook for 4 to 5 minutes without moving the pancake. When the bottom is crisp and golden brown, carefully flip it using two spatulas or a large plate. Add a little more oil around the edges, then cook the second side for another 3 to 4 minutes.
7. Slice and serve 🍽️
   Transfer the Seafood Pajeon to a cutting board, rest for one minute, then cut into squares or wedges. Serve immediately with the soy-vinegar dipping sauce.

💚 Health Benefits and Smart Cooking Tips

Seafood Pajeon can be a nourishing choice when made with quality ingredients. Shrimp and squid offer lean protein, while seafood naturally provides minerals such as iodine, selenium, and zinc. Scallions contribute vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidant plant compounds. Using a mix of regular flour and rice flour also creates a crisp texture without needing excessive batter.

For a lighter version, use less oil and cook in a well-seasoned nonstick skillet. For the best restaurant-style crunch, avoid overcrowding the pan and serve immediately after frying. If you prefer a gluten-free Seafood Pajeon, replace the all-purpose flour with a Korean pancake mix labeled gluten-free or a blend of rice flour and potato starch.

Serving idea: Pair this Korean seafood pancake with cucumber salad, kimchi, or a bowl of warm soup for an easy, satisfying meal.

TAGS: #SeafoodPajeon, #KoreanFood, #KoreanPancake, #SeafoodRecipe, #EasyKoreanRecipes