Yukjeon (Korean Beef Pancake): Juicy, Savory, and Tender
Yukjeon (Korean Beef Pancake): Juicy, Savory, and Tender
How to Make Juicy and Savory Yukjeon: A Simple Recipe for the Whole Family
Yukjeon is a dish loved by everyone, and this recipe makes it incredibly simple and delicious! We’ve been making it often lately because it’s so quick and tasty. It’s perfect as a side dish or a delightful appetizer.
Main Ingredients- Beef Rump (Hongdukkae-sal) 1 geun (approx. 600g)
- 4 Eggs
Seasoning & Other Ingredients- Pancake mix (or flour) as needed
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp Minced garlic
- Pancake mix (or flour) as needed
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp Minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 1 geun (about 600g) of beef rump, the star of our Yukjeon. This cut is lean with minimal fat, offering a pleasant chewiness and a clean flavor, making it ideal for Yukjeon. Using thinly sliced beef will shorten the cooking time.
Step 2
Lay 2-3 layers of paper towels on a large tray or cutting board. Place the beef slices one by one on the paper towels. Lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper. This step helps to remove any gamey odor and enhances the overall flavor. Handle the beef gently, especially if it’s very thin, to prevent it from breaking apart.
Step 3
In a bowl, crack 4 eggs. Add a pinch of salt and a little black pepper. Stir in 1 teaspoon of minced garlic to add depth and counteract any eggy smell. Whisk the eggs gently with a fork until the yolks and whites are combined. Avoid whisking too vigorously to prevent excessive foam, as a smoother batter is preferable.
Step 4
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil (or olive oil). Lightly coat one slice of seasoned beef with pancake mix, then dip it thoroughly in the egg batter. Carefully place the coated beef slice into the hot pan. Let it cook over medium heat for about 1 minute, allowing the egg to set. Cooking over medium heat rather than high heat prevents burning and ensures the beef cooks through evenly.
Step 5
Once the egg coating on the beef starts to turn golden brown and set, carefully flip it using a spatula. Cook the other side for another minute over medium heat. Once both sides are evenly golden brown, your delicious Yukjeon is almost ready. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the beef.
Step 6
Transfer the freshly cooked Yukjeon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This makes the dish even more savory and clean-tasting. Yukjeon is best enjoyed immediately while hot, so serve it promptly!
Step 7
If you have leftover egg batter, you can add some thinly sliced onions or green onions to it and fry them up for an extra treat. Yukjeon is a wonderful side dish for any meal and pairs perfectly with makgeolli (Korean rice wine). Enjoy this delicious dish with your whole family!
