Korean Shiitake Tofu Pancake
Quick answer
- Total time
- 34 min
- Level
- Easy
- Servings
- 2 servings
- Ingredients
- 10
About this dish
Shiitake-tofu jeon is a savory Korean pancake made by finely chopping fresh shiitake mushrooms and firm tofu, then mixing them into a batter of pancake mix, egg, and a touch of sesame oil before pan-frying.
Read more
The shiitakes contribute a meaty chew and pronounced umami depth, while the tofu lightens the texture and keeps the interior moist. Carrot and chives are added for color contrast and a fresh, slightly pungent bite. The egg binds everything together, and the sesame oil in the batter gives a nutty fragrance. Cooked uncovered over medium-low heat until both sides are golden, the exterior crisps up while the inside stays tender. When using dried shiitakes, soaking them in water first is worthwhile because the soaking liquid can be reserved for use in soups or braising liquid. Served with a dipping sauce of soy sauce and vinegar, the salty acidity sharpens the overall savory flavor.
Ingredients
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Instructions
Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.
- 1Prep
Wrap firm tofu (200 g) in a cloth, place on a cutting board, and press under a heavy pot for 10 minutes.
Excess moisture causes the jeon to crumble.
- 2Prep
Remove stems from shiitake (140 g) and dice into 5 mm pieces.
Dice carrot (40 g) to the same size. Slice scallion (20 g) into thin rounds.
- 3Season
Crumble the pressed tofu into a bowl.
Add shiitake, carrot, scallion, pancake mix (90 g), cold water (120 ml), egg (1), salt (2 g), and sesame oil (1 tsp). Stir until evenly combined.
- 4Control
Heat oil (2 tbsp) in a pan over medium heat.
Drop heaped spoonfuls of batter and press each into a 7-8 cm flat round.
- 5Heat
Cook 3 minutes until the base is golden and set.
Flip and cook the other side 3 minutes until golden. Rest on paper towel for 30 seconds to drain excess oil.
- 6Finish
Plate while warm and serve with a simple dipping sauce of soy sauce (1 tbsp) mixed with a splash of vinegar and sesame seeds.
Practical Cooking Checks
The cues that matter most while cooking.
- Key technique
- Meaty shiitake mushrooms and firm tofu create a savory pancake with a clean, mild flavor profile.
- Finish cue
- Flip and cook the other side 3 minutes until golden.
Cooking decision evidence
Calculated Charim data and applicable official cooking and food safety guidance.
This recipe
34min, 10 ingredients
Category median
30min, 8 ingredients
Based on 80 recipes
Use-up ingredient planner
Turn these ingredients into two more meals
The overlap excludes basic seasonings. Open the next recipe and your selected dishes will stay with you.
Royal Korean Hot Pot (Court-Style Beef & Tofu Banquet)
shiitake mushrooms, firm tofu
Tofu, Seaweed, and Egg Rice Bowl
firm tofu, egg
Hot and Sour Soup
shiitake mushrooms, firm tofu