Authentic Korean Seafood Pancake Recipe



Authentic Korean Seafood Pancake Recipe (Haemul Pajeon) & Mapo Market Guide

If you are planning a trip to Korea, visiting a traditional market is an absolute must. Among the most famous food hubs in Seoul is the renowned Mapo Market, famous for its historic Jeon (Korean Pancake) Alley. Here, locals, young adults, and office workers gather after work to unwind over crispy pancakes and a bowl of fresh Makgeolli (Korean rice wine).

Among all the savory pancakes available, Haemul Pajeon (Seafood Green Onion Pancake) is an undisputed favorite. Blessed with coastlines on three sides, Korea is famous for its abundant, fresh seafood. This rich food culture makes Haemul Pajeon the ultimate comfort food and the perfect pairing with local drinks like Makgeolli or Soju.

Follow this simple guide to recreate this classic Korean street food at home!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • Squid: 200g

  • Peeled Shrimp: 200g

  • Scallions (Green Onions / Small Scallions): 1/2 bunch

  • Korean Pancake Mix (Buchimgae Powder): 400g

  • Water: 100ml (adjust as needed for batter consistency)

  • Eggs: 2

  • Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, cooking oil

  • Dipping Sauce: Soy sauce

Ingredient Preparation

  1. Squid: Clean and slice into thin, long strips.

  2. Shrimp: Devein the back of the shrimp and slice them in half lengthwise.

  3. Scallions: Trim the roots, wash thoroughly, and pat dry. Keep the stalks whole or cut them to fit your frying pan.

  4. Batter: Mix 400g of Korean pancake mix with 100ml of water in a bowl. Whisk well until smooth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Arrange the Green Onions: Heat a generous amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lay the prepared scallions neatly across the bottom of the pan in a single layer.

  2. Pour the Batter: Ladle the pancake batter evenly over the scallions, shaping it into a neat circle that fills the pan.

  3. Add Seafood: Distribute the sliced squid and shrimp evenly over the top of the batter.

  4. First Flip: Once the edges crisp up and the batter starts to look translucent, carefully flip the pancake over.

  5. Add the Egg Layer: Crack an egg directly onto the flipped pancake. Break the yolk and gently spread the egg over the surface.

  6. Final Crisp: Flip the pancake one last time to cook the egg layer until golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestion

Remove the pancake from the heat and slice it into bite-sized squares or wedges. Serve warm on a large plate alongside a simple soy sauce dipping mixture (soy sauce with a splash of vinegar and sesame seeds).

Experience Authentic Korean Food Culture

With its crispy edges, tender seafood, and savory green onions, Haemul Pajeon offers a true taste of Korean street food culture. Whether you make it at home or taste it fresh in Seoul's Mapo Market, it is an unforgettable culinary experience that every traveler and food lover should try!