Korean-style serving of Kimchi pancake

김치전 · Kimchi pancake

Kimchi pancake

김치전

What exactly is it?

Chopped fermented kimchi is mixed into batter and pan-fried. Its acidity and chili seasoning flavor the whole pancake. Pork or squid additions change the texture even when the menu still simply says kimchijeon.

Main ingredients

Fermented kimchi, wheat batter, kimchi liquid, oil, optional egg, pork or squid

Ordering and serving

Taste before dipping because the kimchi is already seasoned. Even a meatless pancake may contain seafood seasoning through its kimchi.

Origins and changes

It is a household use for fermented kimchi beyond soups and stews: mixing it into flour batter for a pan-fried snack or shared plate. Mature kimchi’s acidity supplies much of the flavor.

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Kimchi pancake

김치전

Main ingredients
Fermented kimchi, wheat batter, kimchi liquid, oil, optional egg, pork or squid
Flavor and character
Chopped fermented kimchi is mixed into batter and pan-fried. Its acidity and chili seasoning flavor the whole pancake. Pork or squid additions change the texture even when the menu still simply says kimchijeon.
How to eat it
Taste before dipping because the kimchi is already seasoned. Even a meatless pancake may contain seafood seasoning through its kimchi.
Read about this dish →

Oyster pancake

굴전

Main ingredients
Oysters, wheat flour, egg, salt, cooking oil
Flavor and character
Oysters receive a thin flour-and-egg coating and are pan-fried. The light covering preserves their shape and moist flesh rather than forming a thick fritter. Pieces may be individual oysters or small clusters, served with soy-vinegar dip.
How to eat it
The oyster inside should be cooked as well as the egg coating. Dip lightly, and account for oysters, wheat and egg in the ingredient list.
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