| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 10g | 2g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 3g | 13g | 1.2g |
As someone who honors the diverse culinary scene of New York in his cooking, I’ve found a delightful blending of flavors in the Asian-inspired dish of Green Laver and Kimchi Pancakes. These pancakes are reminiscent of the multicultural landscape of the city, fusing the tanginess of kimchi, the fresh sea taste of laver, and the familiar comfort of pancakes into one delicious meal.
A Bite Into Culture
These pancakes are a tribute to South Korean cuisine, echoing the heartiness of pajeon while incorporating unique flavors of its own. They are an excellent accompaniment to any meal, and can also stand as a dish on their own, thanks to the robust combination of ingredients. The optional addition of red chili pepper adds a kick that diner can modify to match their heat preference.
Health in Every Bite
Apart from being a treat to the palate, Green Laver and Kimchi Pancakes also pack a punch when it comes to health benefits. The green laver, also known as seaweed, is rich in iodine which aids in maintaining a healthy thyroid function. It is also loaded with vitamins A, C, E, and K to bolster your immune system. Kimchi, a staple in Korean meals, is a powerful probiotic, fostering good gut health. With such a fusion of nutrition, these pancakes are as beneficial as they are delectable.
I adore this recipe not only for its bold flavor profile, but also for the simplicity involved in its preparation. There’s a delightful alchemy that happens when chopping the ingredients, mixing them into a mildly tangy batter, and watching them transform into crispy, golden pancakes. The dipping sauce provides a salty-sweet complement, rounding out the dish in a satisfying manner.
Every Bite, A Story
I will always love this recipe for the rich, gastronomic journey it provides in each bite. Preparing the Green Laver and Kimchi Pancakes transports you to the lively street markets of Seoul, and sitting down to enjoy them brings this vibrant culture right to your dinner table. To enjoy a more immersive Korean gourmet experience, consider pairing them with a traditional Kimchi Fried Rice or a classic Bulgogi Beef.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup Plain Flour
- 2 cups Dried Green Laver (Seaweed)
- 2 cups Kimchi, chopped
- 1/2 cup Kimchi Juice
- 1 Green Onion, chopped
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Red Chili Pepper, chopped (optional)
- 3 cups Water
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 Green Onion, chopped
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
Method
Step One
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of plain flour, 2 cups of dried green laver, 2 cups of chopped kimchi, 1/2 cup of kimchi juice, 1 chopped green onion, 1 finely chopped small onion, and 1 chopped red chili pepper. Stir until well combined.
Step Two
Add 3 cups of water to the bowl and mix well. Then add 2 beaten eggs and 1 tablespoon of salt, stirring thoroughly to combine. The mixture should have a pancake batter-like consistency.
Step Three
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, pour in a scoop of the batter and spread it out into a thin layer.
Step Four
Cook the pancake for about 2-3 minutes on one side, until it turns golden brown. Then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the other side is also golden brown. Repeat this process until all the batter is used.
Step Five
While the pancakes are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, 1/2 a chopped green onion, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Stir until well mixed.
Step Six
Once the pancakes are done, serve them hot with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your Green Laver and Kimchi Pancakes!
