Crispy Zucchini and Shrimp Jeon
Crispy Zucchini and Shrimp Jeon
Experience the Delightful Combination of Zucchini and Plump Shrimp in this Easy Zucchini and Shrimp Jeon Recipe
I’ve always thought zucchini, with its satisfyingly crisp texture, makes a wonderful jeon (savory pancake). However, I felt that just zucchini might be a little plain. That’s why today, I’m sharing a recipe for zucchini jeon elevated with the addition of shrimp! This jeon offers a fantastic blend of textures and flavors.
Zucchini and Shrimp Jeon Ingredients- 10 medium shrimp, thawed and patted dry
- 1/2 medium zucchini (about 150g)
- 2 Korean chili peppers (Cheongyang chili)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1/2 medium onion (about 50g)
- 2 large eggs
- 3.5 Tbsp pancake mix (buchim garu, approx. 35g)
- 1 Tbsp chicken stock (or water)
- Cooking oil (generous amount)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the zucchini. Wash it thoroughly and then julienne it into even, matchstick-like strips, about 2-3mm thick. Cutting them too thin might cause them to break apart easily, so aim for a consistent thickness.
Step 2
Remove the stems from the 2 Korean chili peppers, shake out the seeds, and finely mince them. If you enjoy a bit more heat, feel free to add an extra chili.
Step 3
Similarly, remove the stem from the red chili pepper, shake out the seeds, and mince it finely. The red chili will add a lovely visual appeal to the jeon.
Step 4
Julienne the 1/2 onion into strips of a similar thickness to the zucchini. The natural sweetness of the onion will enhance the overall flavor of the jeon.
Step 5
Thaw the 10 shrimp by rinsing them under cool water or soaking them in cold water. Once thawed, it’s crucial to pat them completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can make the batter too watery.
Step 6
In a large bowl, combine the julienned zucchini and onion, along with the minced Korean chili and red chili peppers. Add the 2 eggs, 3.5 Tbsp of pancake mix, and 1 Tbsp of chicken stock. Mix everything well with chopsticks or a spatula until a cohesive batter forms. It shouldn’t be too runny; the ingredients should just be nicely coated.
Step 7
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Scoop portions of the batter with a ladle or spoon and carefully place them onto the hot pan, forming round, flat pancakes. Try not to make them too thick.
Step 8
As the bottom side of the jeon begins to cook and turn golden, arrange the dried shrimp attractively on top of the batter. You can also sprinkle a little of the minced red chili over the shrimp for added color.
Step 9
Once the bottom is golden brown and set, carefully flip the jeon. Continue to cook over medium heat until the shrimp are fully cooked through. Once the shrimp are done, flip the jeon occasionally, ensuring both sides are a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Your delicious Zucchini and Shrimp Jeon is now ready to be enjoyed!
