Lee Young-ja’s Pick! Refreshing ‘Lettuce Pancake’ Recipe Instead of Kimchi
Lee Young-ja’s Pick! Refreshing ‘Lettuce Pancake’ Recipe Instead of Kimchi
Trendy Restaurant’s Latest Episode Recommendation! Master the ‘Lettuce Pancake’ with Leftover Lettuce
Introducing a unique way to enjoy fresh lettuce: the ‘Lettuce Pancake’! This was the star dish of Lee Young-ja’s ‘Lettuce Omakase’ for Melomance’s Kim Min-seok on the show ‘Omniscient Interfering View’. If you often find yourself with leftover or slightly wilted lettuce, this recipe transforms it into a crispy, savory pancake. Move over, kimchi salad – this recipe is a game-changer! It’s a delightful fusion dish that will awaken your appetite.
Ingredients- 1/2 bag lettuce (approx. 150g)
- 1/2 squid (minced or thinly sliced)
- 1 cup pancake mix (100g)
- 1 cup water (200ml)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (5g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the fresh lettuce under running water. Then, use paper towels or a colander to drain all the moisture. Properly draining the lettuce is key to achieving a crispy, non-soggy pancake. Once dry, cut the lettuce into bite-sized, visually appealing pieces. Avoid cutting them too small, as this can diminish the texture.
Step 2
Add 1 tablespoon of pancake mix to the chopped lettuce and gently toss to coat. This light coating of flour helps the batter adhere better and contributes to a crispier final texture. Handle the lettuce gently to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of pancake mix and 1 cup of water. Whisk until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps, to create the batter. Stir in 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic for added flavor. It’s best not to overmix; just combine until the flour is incorporated. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 4
Add the lightly floured lettuce and the prepared squid to the batter. Gently mix everything together. The squid adds a pleasant chewiness and enhances the umami flavor, so don’t skip it! Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated in the batter.
Step 5
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Spoon portions of the batter into the pan, shaping them into half-moons or flat circles. Fry until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. A beautiful golden hue indicates your delicious lettuce pancakes are ready! Serve with a sweet and tangy soy sauce or a simple dipping sauce (soy sauce with vinegar).
