Vegetable Pancake (Yachaejeon)

  

Kdrama-Inspired Yachaejeon: A Veggie Pancake Extravaganza

As an avid fan of Kdramas, I've found myself constantly inspired by the delicious dishes featured in my favorite shows. One recipe that particularly caught my attention is Yachaejeon, a Korean vegetable pancake. This dish not only satisfies my love for vegetables but also reminds me of the Filipino okoy, making it an instant favorite.

Yachaejeon is a versatile Korean pancake packed with vegetables, making it a nutritious and delightful dish. It’s typically served as a side dish or snack, perfect for any time of the day. The crispy edges and savory flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re a veggie lover or not.

Recipe video:

Variations:

• Seafood Yachaejeon: Add shrimp or squid to the vegetable mix for a seafood twist.
• Kimchi Yachaejeon: Incorporate chopped kimchi into the batter for a spicy and tangy flavor.
• Herb Yachaejeon: Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a fragrant variation.

Benefits of Eating Yachaejeon:

• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with a variety of vegetables, Yachaejeon provides essential vitamins and minerals.
• High in Fiber: The vegetables offer a good amount of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Versatile: It can be customized with different vegetables and proteins to suit your taste and dietary needs.
• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy people and college students, Yachaejeon is simple to make and requires minimal preparation time.

Ingredients:

• 200 g squash, julienned
• 200 g sweet potato, julienned
• 150 g carrots, julienned
• 1 pc onion, thinly sliced
• 2 pcs scallions or onion leeks, chopped
• 1 cup Korean pancake mix
• 1 1/4 cup cold water
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

For the dipping sauce:

• 1/4 cup cane vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 to 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp scallions or onion leeks (white part), finely chopped
• 2 pcs cayenne pepper, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Julienne the squash, sweet potato, and carrots.
• Thinly slice the onion and chop the scallions or onion leeks.

2. Make the Batter:

• In a large bowl, combine the Korean pancake mix with cold water.
• Stir until you get a smooth, lump-free batter.
• Add the prepared vegetables into the batter.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated.

3. Cook the Pancakes:

• Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
• Pour a portion of the vegetable mixture into the pan and spread it out evenly to form a pancake.
• Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
• Repeat with the remaining batter.

4. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:

• In a small bowl, combine cane vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
• Add minced garlic, chopped scallions, and cayenne pepper.
• Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

5. Serve:

• Serve the hot Yachaejeon with the dipping sauce on the side.
• Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy pancake and tangy dipping sauce.

Yachaejeon is more than just a pancake; it’s a delightful way to enjoy a medley of vegetables in a crispy, savory form. Whether you're enjoying it while binge-watching your favorite Kdrama or sharing it with family and friends, this Korean vegetable pancake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!