Korean Chive Shrimp Jeon (Crispy Chive and Shrimp Pancake)
Quick answer
- Total time
- 32 min
- Level
- Easy
- Servings
- 2 servings
- Ingredients
- 9
About this dish
Buchu-saewu-jeon is a Korean garlic chive and shrimp pancake made by folding coarsely chopped shrimp, garlic chives, and julienned onion into an egg-enriched batter before pan-frying over medium heat.
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Leaving the shrimp in rough chunks rather than mincing them fine is what gives each bite a distinct, springy snap along with the natural sweetness of shellfish. Onion softens and caramelizes as it cooks, tempering the brine of the shrimp, while a pinch of black pepper adds quiet warmth behind the other flavors. Spreading the batter thin and cooking for three minutes before flipping ensures the shrimp-studded edges turn crisp and lacy while the chive-packed center stays moist and tender. Egg raises the batter's binding strength so the pancake holds together cleanly when turned. The finished jeon pairs especially well with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce, which draws out the sweetness of the seafood more clearly than a plain soy sauce would.
Ingredients
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Instructions
Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.
- 1Prep
Cut 150g chives into uniform 5cm lengths and thinly julienne 60g onion along the grain, keeping each ingredient ready separately.
- 2Prep
Pat 200g shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels, then chop coarsely with a knife so chunky pieces remain for a springy bite.
Grinding too fine will remove the texture entirely.
- 3Season
Combine 130 g pancake mix, 2 eggs, 140 ml cold water, 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 0.3 teaspoon pepper, mixing only until the lumps disappear.
- 4Prep
Add chives, julienned onion, and chopped shrimp to the batter and fold gently 2 to 3 times with a spatula until every piece is evenly coated.
- 5Control
Spread 3 tbsp oil evenly in a pan over medium heat, pour and spread the batter thinly, and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes.
Loud sizzling oil around the edges indicates the temperature is right.
- 6Heat
When the edges are crisp and golden and the underside is firm, flip in one confident motion and cook 2 to 3 more minutes until the shrimp turns pink throughout and the pancake is evenly golden.
Practical Cooking Checks
The cues that matter most while cooking.
- Key technique
- Coarsely chopped shrimp and garlic chives retain a bouncy texture inside this Korean Chive Shrimp Jeon.
- Finish cue
- When the edges are crisp and golden and the underside is firm, flip in one confident motion and cook 2 to 3 more minutes until the shrimp turns pink throughout and the pancake is evenly golden.
- Avoid this
- Do not overmix; minimal stirring keeps the jeon tender.
Cooking decision evidence
Calculated Charim data and applicable official cooking and food safety guidance.
This recipe
32min, 9 ingredients
Category median
30min, 8 ingredients
Based on 80 recipes
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