Korean Seafood Pancake with Shrimp (Pajeon)

Korean seafood pancake, or pajeon, is one of the best Korean comfort foods: crispy on the outside, soft and chewy inside, packed with green onions and juicy shrimp. It is quick, satisfying, and honestly perfect with cold beer or while binge-watching Korean dramas.

The secret to a crispy pajeon is simple: use ice-cold water, a mix of flour and starch, plenty of oil, and a properly heated pan.

Ingredients

For 1 large pancake:

• 100 g all-purpose flour
• 30 g potato starch or corn starch
• 1 egg
• 180–200 ml ice-cold water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 150–200 g shrimp, peeled and cleaned
• 1 large bunch of green onions
• Neutral oil for frying

For the dipping sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• Optional: sesame seeds or chopped green onion

How to Make Korean Seafood Pancake

1. Cut the green onions into long pieces, about 7–10 cm. If your shrimp are large, cut them into smaller pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, starch, salt, egg, and ice-cold water until you get a smooth batter. Start with 180 ml water and add a little more if needed. The batter should be pourable but not too thin.
3. Add the green onions and shrimp to the batter and mix gently.
4. Heat a large frying pan very well over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to generously coat the bottom.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it into one large pancake. Press it down slightly so it cooks evenly.
6. Fry until the bottom is deeply golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes.
7. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes, adding a little more oil around the edges if needed.
8. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into pieces.

Dipping Sauce

Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Add sesame seeds or chopped green onion if you like.

Tips for the Crispiest Pajeon

• Use ice-cold water — it helps make the pancake crispier.
• Do not be shy with oil. Pajeon needs enough oil to get golden and crunchy.
• Make sure the pan is hot before adding the batter.
• Do not flip too early. Wait until the bottom is properly golden.
• Eat it immediately while it is hot and crispy.

What to Serve with Pajeon

Korean seafood pancake is best served hot with dipping sauce. It is amazing as a snack, appetizer, or quick dinner. And yes, it is absolutely perfect with cold beer.

Enjoy your crispy Korean seafood pancake!