Juicy and Hearty Beef Jeon Recipe
Easy Homemade Korean Beef Pancake (Yukjeon) Recipe with Hanwoo Beef
This recipe guarantees a delicious outcome for your Yukjeon (Korean beef pancakes). Follow these simple tips when making Yukjeon, and you’ll consistently achieve excellent results. It’s easier than you think!
Ingredients
- Beef (sirloin, tenderloin, or striploin recommended) 200-300g
- Eggs 4-5
- Flour 1-2 ladles (approx. 100-150g)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Choosing the right beef for Yukjeon is key! You can make a generous 4-serving portion for around $20. Opt for tender cuts like sirloin, tenderloin, or striploin, and avoid beef with too much sinew or excessive fat. (Sinew can make the cooked jeon tough and unappetizing.)
Step 2
The ingredients for delicious Yukjeon are surprisingly simple. For a 4-serving recipe, you’ll need about 200-300g of beef (around $20, depending on market price), 4-5 eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. That’s all you need to get started!
Step 3
Tip for delicious Yukjeon 1: Proper Seasoning! The reason some Yukjeon might lack flavor is due to insufficient seasoning or improper cooking. For beef slices (approx. 3x10cm), sprinkle about 1/3 teaspoon of salt evenly over the surface.
Step 4
For black pepper, use about 1/4 teaspoon per beef slice (for 3x10cm slices). When seasoning, layering the beef slices on top of each other allows the salt and pepper to penetrate more evenly, enhancing the overall flavor.
Step 5
Stacking the seasoned beef slices in layers helps the salt and pepper to meld into the meat more uniformly, leading to a richer taste. This simple step significantly elevates the final flavor of your Yukjeon.
Step 6
After seasoning with salt and pepper, let the beef rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you’re making this on a hot summer day, it’s best to refrigerate the beef while it’s seasoning to maintain freshness.
Step 7
Prepare your egg wash and flour. Gently place the beef slices onto the flour, and lightly press to coat both sides evenly. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can break the meat. Simply lift and turn to coat.
Step 8
After coating the beef with flour, dip it into the prepared egg wash. It’s crucial to follow this order: flour first, then egg wash. This ensures the coating adheres well and prevents the Yukjeon from falling apart during cooking.
Step 9
Here’s how your beef should look after being coated in flour and egg wash. Aim for a coating that’s neither too thick nor too thin, similar to what’s shown in the picture, for perfectly cooked Yukjeon.
Step 10
Tip for delicious Yukjeon 2: Cook on Low Heat! Cooking beef jeon over high heat will quickly burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Always cook over low heat to ensure it’s cooked through and remains tender and juicy.
Step 11
Since Yukjeon cooks quickly, it’s best to start by cooking only a few pieces at a time. This allows you to get a feel for the cooking process. Once you’re comfortable, you can increase the number of pieces you cook simultaneously.
Step 12
Cooking time is approximately 3 minutes total. Cook one side for 1 minute, flip and cook the other side for 1 minute, then flip again for 30 seconds, and finally flip one last time for another 30 seconds. This ensures even cooking.
Step 13
Don’t forget to replenish the cooking oil in the pan periodically. This step is vital to prevent the Yukjeon from turning dark brown or burning, and it helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.
Step 14
Tip for delicious Yukjeon 3: Drain Excess Oil! After cooking, place the Yukjeon on paper towels or parchment paper for a moment to drain any excess oil. This makes the jeon less greasy and results in a cleaner, more refined flavor.
Step 15
Your delicious Beef Yukjeon is now ready! While the beef itself is flavorful, it can sometimes be slightly rich. Serving it with soy sauce or a tangy dipping sauce will complement the flavors beautifully. (If you bought your Yukjeon from a butcher, serving it with their recommended scallion salad is a fantastic idea!)
