Buchu jeon chive pancake

buchu_jeon_chive_pancake

Korean cuisine is well-known for its diverse flavors and unique dishes that have captured the hearts and taste buds of people all over the world. One such dish that stands out is Buchu jeon, also known as chive pancake, a savory Korean pancake made with fresh chives, batter, and various spices to create a light and crispy texture.

Buchu jeon is a popular appetizer or side dish in Korea and often served alongside other Korean cuisine staples such as bibimbap or kimchi. It is a simple yet satisfying recipe that can be enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

The key ingredient in making a perfect Buchu jeon is fresh chives. Chives have been used in cooking for hundreds of years and have been popularized in Europe and Asia as a medicinal herb due to its health benefits. They are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.

To make Buchu jeon, one needs to first wash and chop the chives into small pieces. Then, the batter is made using a mixture of flour, water, and various spices such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The batter is mixed well until it is smooth and thick enough to hold the chives together.

Once the batter is ready, the chopped chives are mixed in and evenly distributed. The mixture is then dropped into a heated pan with a bit of oil and flattened out with a spatula. The pancake is cooked until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, then flipped and cooked on the other side.

Buchu jeon can be served with a variety of dipping sauces commonly used in Korean cuisine, such as soy sauce and vinegar, honey mustard, or spicy gochujang sauce.

Aside from its delicious taste and simplicity in preparation, Buchu jeon is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different preferences. For example, some people add shrimp or other seafood to make the pancake more filling, while others add vegetables such as carrots and peppers for a more nutritious meal.

Overall, Buchu jeon is a delicious and easy-to-make Korean dish that is sure to impress friends and family. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or as a light snack, this chive pancake recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Korean cuisine and wants to add some variety to their everyday meals.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch of chives (about 1 cup when chopped)
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup potato starch (or cornstarch)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Soy sauce for dipping

Instructions:

  1. Start by washing and drying the chives. Cut off the root and chop the chives into 1-2 inch pieces.

  2. In a mixing bowl, add the flour, potato starch, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

  3. Add water to the dry mixture and mix until the batter is smooth.

  4. Add the chopped chives and mix until the chives are evenly coated with the batter.

  5. Heat a non-stick frying pan on medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

  6. Once the oil is hot, use a ladle or a spoon to scoop some of the chive and batter mixture onto the pan, and flatten it out to create a round pancake shape.

  7. Cook the pancake for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until it is golden brown and crispy.

  8. Remove the pancake from the pan and place it on a paper towel to remove any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.

  9. Once all the pancakes are cooked, serve them hot with soy sauce for dipping.

Enjoy your Korean Buchu jeon chive pancakes!