Wanja Jeon (Korean Mini beef patties)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
254 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
Korean
Wanja Jeon (Korean Mini beef patties)
Description
Wanja Jeon blends ground beef with crumbled extra-firm tofu, finely chopped onion and green onion, garlic, soy sauce, and seasonings such as sugar, sesame oil, and rice wine to add umami and depth. The tofu is pressed to remove excess moisture and mixed well for even texture. The meat mixture is shaped into small balls then gently flattened into mini patties.
Before cooking, each patty is coated with flour and dipped in beaten egg to form a delicate crust once pan-fried in oil over medium heat. The patties cook until they become firm and springy when pressed, indicating doneness. The resulting flavor is savory with subtle sweetness and the texture balances tenderness with a light crispness on the surface.
These patties serve well as bite-sized snacks or appetizers, often accompanied by dipping sauces or side dishes. Their size and mild seasoning make them versatile for various meal contexts.
The recipe notes suggest preparing a dipping station to efficiently coat multiple patties before cooking to streamline the frying process. Using medium heat with appropriate oil quantity ensures the patties cook through without burning.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef (you can also use 1/4 lb ground beef + 1/4 lb ground pork)
- 4 oz tofu this is about 1/4 of a standard 14 to 15 oz tofu package or 1/2 of the package shown below, extra firm
- 1/4 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1 Tbsp green onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp garlic (chopped)
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp cooking rice wine or mirin
- 1 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- 2-3 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp sesame seeds (crushed)
For coating
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 egg beaten
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu by putting it in a cheese cloth and removing the excess water by wringing the liquid out of the tofu. This also breaks up the tofu into crumbles which will mix evenly with the ground meat.
- Chop up the onions, green onions and garlic. Garlic shown in picture is frozen garlic made in advance.
- Get all the beef stuffing ingredients and the seasonings into a bowl. This is all the 13 ingredients listed above!
- Mix all the ingredients well with your hands
- Make the patties by first taking some in your hand and rolling it into a ball.
- Once they are rolled into balls, you can then squash them down between your hands to make into little mini patties
- Prepare a dipping station next to your stove by filling two shallow bowls – one with flour and the other with beaten eggs. Coat beef patties in flour first. It is good to coat several patties at a time so that you can put the patties in the pan right after another.
- Heat the pan on medium heat with about 2 T of oil. When the oil is hot, lower the heat to medium. Add the flour and egg coated patties into the pan. Cook until the patties are firm or springy when pressed – this means they are fully cooked.
Notes
- Press tofu in cheesecloth to remove excess water, creating crumbles that mix evenly into the meat.
- Chop onions, green onions, and garlic finely to distribute flavor evenly.
- Coat patties with flour before dipping into beaten eggs to achieve a light crust during frying.
- Prepare flour and egg coating stations to coat several patties at once for efficient cooking.
- Fry patties in medium heat oil until firm and springy when pressed, indicating they are fully cooked.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 254 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 254kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 122mg | 41% |
| Sodium | 366mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 241mg | 5% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 135IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2.2mg | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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