Baek Jong-won's Zucchini Pancakes: Crispy and Easy Korean Jeon

Aehobakjeon (애호박전) is a traditional Korean dish made with thinly sliced zucchini coated in starch and pan-fried until crispy. Try this easy recipe by Baek Jong-won (백종원)!

Ingredients

• Zucchini (애호박): 1 medium (approx. 200g)
• Salt (소금): 1/2 tsp
• Starch Powder (전분가루): 2 tbsp (Potato starch recommended)
• Dried Shrimp (건새우)(Optional): 1 tbsp
• Cooking Oil (식용유): As needed (For frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Zucchini

1. Wash the zucchini thoroughly.
2. Use a mandoline slicer (만돌린 슬라이서) or a knife to thinly slice the zucchini into strips.

• The secret to achieving crispiness is to slice the zucchini to less than 2mm thickness.
  3. Place the sliced zucchini in a large bowl.

2. Season the Zucchini

1. Evenly sprinkle salt (소금)over the zucchini.
2. Gently toss the zucchini and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture.

3. Prepare the Batter

1. Gently squeeze out any excess water from the zucchini.
2. Add starch powder (전분가루)to the zucchini and mix well.
3. If using dried shrimp (건새우), finely chop it and add it to the zucchini mixture.

4. Pan-fry the Zucchini Pancakes

1. Add an appropriate amount of cooking oil (식용유)to a frying pan and heat over medium heat.
2. Scoop a spoonful of the zucchini mixture onto the pan and gently press down with the back of the spoon.
3. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

• Adjust the heat to prevent burning.

5. Finish and Serve

1. Place the cooked pancakes on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
2. Serve with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce + vinegar + red pepper flakes (간장+식초+고춧가루).

Tips

1. Thinly Slice

• Using a mandoline slicer ensures even thickness, resulting in crispier pancakes.
  2. Starch Choice (전분 선택)
• Potato starch yields a crispier texture.
  3. Adding Dried Shrimp (건새우 추가)
• Dried shrimp enhances the savory flavor; use as desired.
  4. Pan Control (팬 조절)
• Don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions and Plating

• Maintaining Crispiness (바삭함 유지)
  • Serve immediately while hot to maintain crispiness.
• Adding Garnishes (고명 추가)
  • Sprinkling finely chopped green onions or sesame seeds enhances visual appeal and flavor.

Baek Jong-won's (백종원) Aehobakjeon (애호박전) is an easy-to-make dish with a rich flavor. Make it at home! 😊