Crispy & Tender Radish Pancakes (Mu Jeon)
Make a Unique Radish Pancake! It Tastes Just Like Potato Pancakes!
I received a lot of Korean radish when visiting my in-laws for making kimchi, and had some leftover. While wondering what to make with it, I decided to try ‘Mu Jeon’ (radish pancakes)! They turned out surprisingly delicious, with a crispy exterior and tender interior, very similar to potato pancakes!
Ingredients
- 200g Korean radish
- 1 cup pancake mix (buchim garu)
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 500ml water
- Vegetable oil, for frying (generous amount)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash and peel 200g of fresh Korean radish. Slice it into very thin strips, about 2-3mm thick. Slicing them thinly is key to achieving a pleasant texture.
Step 2
Pour 500ml of water into a pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly.
Step 3
When the water comes to a rolling boil, add 1 teaspoon of salt. Adding a bit of salt while blanching the radish helps to mellow out any slight bitterness and improve its texture.
Step 4
Add the thinly sliced radish to the salted boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. Avoid overcooking, so the radish retains a pleasant bite.
Step 5
Drain the blanched radish using a sieve and immediately rinse it under cold running water to cool it down. This step helps to make the radish crispier and gives the pancakes a delightful chewy texture.
Step 6
Once the water is drained, toss the radish strips with 1 cup of pancake mix until they are evenly coated. This coating will help the batter adhere better, resulting in crispier pancakes.
Step 7
In a separate bowl, take about 2-3 tablespoons of the pancake mix. To the remaining pancake mix in the bowl, add 500ml of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until smooth, creating a pancake batter. Aim for a consistency that is neither too thick nor too thin. (You can adjust the amount of pancake mix if needed).
Step 8
Gently add the coated radish to the prepared batter and mix just enough to coat the radish evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the radish.
Step 9
Now, heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of vegetable oil. Once the pan is hot, carefully place portions of the battered radish into the pan.
Step 10
Fry the pancakes, flipping them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side to ensure they are cooked through and have a wonderful crispy exterior and tender interior.
Step 11
Isn’t it amazing? Even though it’s made with simple ingredients, the rich flavor that fills your mouth is astonishing. The moment you take the first bite, you’ll think it’s a potato pancake because of its delicious taste!
Step 12
Honestly, I never imagined that radish could be made into such a wonderful pancake. It’s even better than I expected, so I highly recommend you try making it at home! It’s perfect as a side dish or even as a snack.
Step 13
Enjoy your delicious meal today! Bon appétit!
