Crispy Lettuce Pancakes (Sangchu Jeon)
Crispy Lettuce Pancakes (Sangchu Jeon)
Midnight Snack Perfection: Easy Lettuce Pancakes
Craving a delicious and easy snack at 1 AM on a weekend? Try these refreshing lettuce pancakes (Sangchu Jeon)! Featuring fresh lettuce, a hint of spice from chili peppers, and the savory goodness of a simple batter, these pancakes are a delightful treat for any time of day. Perfect for a light meal or a satisfying appetizer.
Lettuce Pancake Ingredients- 1 handful of fresh lettuce
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for pancakes)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 Korean chili pepper (cheongyang chili), finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped (for color and mild sweetness)
- 1 egg
- Cooking oil, for frying (generous amount)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by washing the lettuce thoroughly and patting it dry. Roughly chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the Korean chili pepper (if using) and the red chili pepper. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, chili peppers, and the egg. Add the all-purpose flour and water. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter. If the batter is too thick, add a little more water; if it’s too thin, add a bit more flour.
Step 2
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Once the oil is hot, ladle about half a cup of the batter into the pan and spread it out thinly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the pancake and cook the other side until it’s also golden brown and cooked through. Ensure even cooking by adjusting the heat as needed.
Step 3
Once both sides are beautifully golden and crispy, carefully remove the lettuce pancake from the skillet. Place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor and visual appeal.
Step 4
While the pancakes are cooking, prepare a simple dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin (rice wine), balsamic vinegar, and sesame oil in equal parts (1:1:1:1 ratio). Stir well until thoroughly mixed. Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to the sauce for added texture and aroma.
Step 5
Serve the freshly made, crispy lettuce pancakes immediately with the prepared dipping sauce on the side. Doesn’t this look inviting? The combination of the fresh, slightly crunchy lettuce and the savory, crispy pancake is truly delightful. I only had a small portion, mindful of my waistline, but my husband devoured two pancakes in the blink of an eye! I’m sure you’ll love them too.
