Aromatic Minari Jeon (Korean Parsley Pancake)
Aromatic Minari Jeon (Korean Parsley Pancake)
Making Fragrant Minari Jeon Bursting with Spring Flavors
On a rainy day, what’s better than a delicious and fragrant Minari Jeon? As spring arrives, fresh green vegetables become a staple. While spring greens like dol-namu or chives are common, minari (Korean parsley) also pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes like samgyeopsal. Minari can be enjoyed in various ways, such as seasoned salads or stir-fries, but it truly shines when transformed into a flavorful pancake. We’ll be adding spicy cheongyang chili peppers for a delightful kick! Let’s embark on creating this aromatic Minari Jeon, brimming with the essence of spring.
Core Ingredients- Minari (Korean Parsley) 1 handful
- Carrot, a moderate amount (julienned)
- Cheongyang chili pepper, a moderate amount (adjust to taste)
- Pancake mix (or all-purpose flour) 1 cup
- Egg 1
- Soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang) 1 Tbsp (or regular soy sauce, a pinch of salt)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the batter for your delicious Minari Jeon. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of pancake mix. Gradually add water while mixing until you achieve a thick consistency – it should be thick enough to drop from a spoon but still flow loosely. Once the batter is ready, crack in 1 egg and whisk it thoroughly with a whisk or chopsticks until smooth and lump-free.
Step 2
Next, it’s time to prepare the fresh minari. Wash the minari thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris, then shake off excess water. Cut the minari into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long. Finely chop the cheongyang chili peppers (removing seeds if you prefer less heat) to add a spicy kick. Julienne the carrot for a touch of color and crunch. Feel free to add other ingredients like shrimp, squid, or kimchi if you have them on hand for an even richer flavor!
Step 3
Add the prepared minari, julienned carrots, and chopped cheongyang chili peppers to the batter. Stir in 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce to bring all the flavors together. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the batter. You can also use regular soy sauce or salt to season, adjusting to your personal taste.
Step 4
Now, let’s get cooking! Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Spoon portions of the batter onto the hot pan, shaping them into small, flat pancakes. Fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides. The fragrant aroma of minari rising from the pan is sure to whet your appetite!
Step 5
Minari Jeon is one of those pancakes whose unique, robust flavor makes it incredibly addictive! While adding seafood like shrimp or squid enhances it, it’s also delicious with just the vegetables when you’re short on time or ingredients. Making Minari Jeon isn’t particularly difficult, but getting the batter consistency right is key to success. Regardless of the added ingredients, pancakes are always a delight to make and eat. Minari Jeon makes a fantastic accompaniment to makgeolli (Korean rice wine) or a great snack for kids. While there are many ways to enjoy minari, experiencing its fresh, spring-like fragrance through a comforting pancake is a wonderful way to welcome the season.
