Servings
Font
Back
0 from 0 votes

Crispy Korean Vegetable Pancakes (Yachaejeon)

Make crispy Korean vegetable pancakes (Yachaejeon) with a simple batter and fresh veggies. No pancake mix needed—just pantry staples for a crunchy, golden bite!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 491 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Appetizer , Snacks
Cuisine: Korean

Ingredients

  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 carrot
  • 2 fresh chilies (fingerlong chilies) optional
  • 1/2 onion thinly sliced
  • 1 small bunch green onion sliced
  • 2 tbsp dried shrimp optional
  • 4 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
  • 8 tbsp oil for frying
Pancake batter mix
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup Potato Starch or cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1-1/4 cup ice water
Dipping sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp vinegar either rice wine or white vinegar
  • 2 tsp water
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Thinly shred zucchini, carrots, and chilies with a mandoline or knife. Cut onions and green onions into thin slices. Thinner cuts cook more evenly in the batter.
  2. Place sliced vegetables in a large bowl. If using dried shrimp, finely chop or blend it in a mini food processor, then add to the vegetable mixture in a bowl.
  3. Sprinkle in flour, potato starch (or cornstarch), baking powder, and salt. Pour in ice-cold water and mix until the vegetables are evenly coated. The batter should be light but hold together. Sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs over the mixture and toss briefly. This helps absorb moisture and enhances crispiness.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet over medium heat. Pour a ladleful of batter (about 1/4 of batter amount) into the pan, spreading it thinly and evenly. A thickness of about ⅜ inch ensures crispiness—too thin may tear, too thick won’t crisp properly.
  5. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the edges set and the surface looks dry. Add more oil as needed. Gently rotate with a spatula for even browning and to prevent sticking. Flip when golden brown. If edges seem dry, add a little oil. Cook another 2-3 minutes until both sides are crispy and golden brown. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.

Notes

  •  
  • Don’t skip the onions and green onions! They add savory depth and natural sweetness, balancing the flavors.
  • Add panko last minute: Helps absorb moisture and keeps the pancake extra crispy.
  • No eggs needed: A simple flour and starch batter holds everything together while keeping it light and crunchy.
  • Use ice-cold water: Slows gluten development for a lighter, crispier texture when fried.
  • How to Flip Korean Pancakes Without Breaking: Let the pancake cook undisturbed until the bottom is crispy before flipping. Rotate it slightly with a spatula to loosen it from the pan and let all the surface brown evenly. Or move the pan in a swirling motion to rotate the pancake. Flip the pancake carefully to keep it intact

Nutrition Information

Calories 491kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 46g (15%) Protein 12g (24%) Fat 29g (45%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 8g Monounsaturated Fat 18g Trans Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 84mg (28%) Sodium 702mg (29%) Potassium 439mg (13%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 2920IU (58%) Vitamin C 45mg (50%) Calcium 113mg (11%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 491

% Daily Value*

Calories 491kcal 25%
Carbohydrates 46g 15%
Protein 12g 24%
Fat 29g 45%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8g 47%
Monounsaturated Fat 18g 90%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 84mg 28%
Sodium 702mg 29%
Potassium 439mg 9%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 2920IU 58%
Vitamin C 45mg 50%
Calcium 113mg 11%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.