These Korean Spicy Pork Pancakes bring together the rich flavors of ground pork, spicy gochujang, and tangy kimchi in a crispy pancake form that’s irresistible. The perfect blend of savory and spicy, these pancakes are an ideal choice for any meal of the day. The addition of kimchi adds a unique twist, elevating the dish with a sour kick that balances the heat beautifully.
Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering, these pancakes are a fantastic way to enjoy Korean flavors at home. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and pair wonderfully with a dipping sauce or some extra chopped scallions for a fresh bite. This recipe is versatile, allowing for different fillings or toppings depending on what you have on hand, making it a great staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1/2 lb ground pork
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1/2 small onion, finely chopped
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1/4 cup scallions, chopped
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1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
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1 egg
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup water
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1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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Vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
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In a large bowl, mix the ground pork with the finely chopped onion, scallions, kimchi, egg, flour, water, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, and salt. Stir well to combine everything into a thick batter-like consistency.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Scoop spoonfuls of the pork mixture and gently flatten them into small pancakes using a spoon or spatula.
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Fry the pancakes in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Serve hot with a dipping sauce or garnish with extra chopped scallions if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Appeal of Korean Spicy Pork Pancakes
One of the most appealing aspects of Korean Spicy Pork Pancakes is their ability to bring the bold and vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine into your home with minimal effort. With just a few key ingredients, you can recreate this beloved dish that showcases the essence of Korean cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Korean food or someone new to this cuisine, these pancakes will quickly become a go-to recipe for satisfying your cravings for something spicy and savory.
The key to the dish’s allure lies in the delicate balance between flavors. Ground pork provides a rich, savory base, while gochujang adds the perfect amount of heat. Kimchi contributes a tangy, fermented flavor that enhances the overall complexity of the dish. Additionally, the crispy exterior adds a satisfying texture contrast to the tender interior, making every bite a delightful experience.
The Role of Gochujang in Korean Cooking
At the heart of Korean Spicy Pork Pancakes is gochujang, a fermented chili paste that plays a crucial role in many Korean dishes. Gochujang adds a unique flavor profile, combining heat, umami, and a slight sweetness. It’s made from a blend of chili powder, fermented soybeans, and rice, creating a thick, spicy paste that enhances the depth of flavor in various dishes, from stews and soups to pancakes like this one.
The distinctive taste of gochujang brings out the best in the pork, helping it absorb the spicy, savory heat while keeping the overall flavor balanced. The heat level can be adjusted by adding more or less gochujang depending on your tolerance for spice. Gochujang’s versatility is what makes it such a key ingredient in Korean cooking, and its deep, umami-rich taste perfectly complements the other ingredients in this recipe.
Kimchi’s Unique Contribution to Flavor
Another standout ingredient in Korean Spicy Pork Pancakes is kimchi, the fermented vegetable dish that is widely regarded as Korea’s national food. Traditionally made with cabbage, radishes, and a mix of spices, kimchi provides a tangy, sour, and spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with the pork and gochujang. The fermentation process brings out a deeper complexity in the kimchi, making it an essential part of many Korean dishes.
In the case of the Korean Spicy Pork Pancakes, kimchi not only adds a burst of flavor but also helps balance the richness of the pork and the heat from the gochujang. The chopped kimchi infuses the pancakes with a unique zest, making each bite a flavor-packed experience. The added crunch of the kimchi complements the crispy texture of the pancake, further enhancing its overall appeal.
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Pancakes
While Korean Spicy Pork Pancakes might look simple to prepare, achieving the perfect texture and flavor requires some attention to detail. One important aspect is the cooking method. These pancakes are traditionally fried in a skillet, allowing them to develop a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the interior tender and moist.
It’s important to use the right amount of oil for frying. Too little oil can result in a pancake that is unevenly cooked, while too much oil can make the pancakes greasy. The goal is to achieve a crisp, light golden crust that contrasts nicely with the juicy pork inside. Cooking the pancakes on medium heat is crucial to avoid burning the outside before the pork is fully cooked.
Another important tip is not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the pancakes in batches, giving each pancake enough space to cook evenly. This ensures a uniform crispiness and prevents the pancakes from sticking together. Be patient while frying, as the perfect crispy texture is well worth the wait.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Korean Spicy Pork Pancakes are typically served with a simple dipping sauce, such as a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of vinegar. This dipping sauce provides an additional layer of flavor, adding a bit of saltiness and acidity that balances the richness of the pancakes. You can also serve the pancakes with a side of fresh, tangy kimchi for an extra punch of flavor.
If you’re looking to make the dish a complete meal, serve the pancakes alongside steamed rice or a refreshing cucumber salad to provide a contrast to the spice. For a more traditional approach, you can pair the pancakes with a bowl of miso soup or a Korean-style vegetable side dish (banchan) to round out the meal.
Variations and Customizations
While the recipe for Korean Spicy Pork Pancakes is already flavorful and satisfying, it’s also highly customizable. You can add a variety of vegetables or ingredients to the pancake batter to suit your tastes. For example, adding finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can increase the freshness of the dish while adding extra nutrients.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the ground pork with tofu or tempeh. Simply crumble the tofu or tempeh and mix it with the gochujang, kimchi, and other seasonings for a delicious plant-based alternative. The texture of tofu or tempeh will absorb the flavors just as well as pork, providing a hearty and satisfying meal.
For those who prefer a milder version, you can reduce or eliminate the gochujang and substitute it with a more subtle chili paste or powder. This allows you to control the heat level and make the dish more accessible to those who are sensitive to spice. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different dipping sauces, such as a soy-based sauce or a tangy sweet and sour dip.
Conclusion
Korean Spicy Pork Pancakes are an exciting and flavorful dish that brings a taste of Korean street food to your home. With its crispy texture, spicy gochujang kick, and the tangy kick from kimchi, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a quick weeknight meal, or looking to impress friends and family, these pancakes are sure to deliver a satisfying experience.
The combination of savory pork, spicy gochujang, and fermented kimchi creates a complex and delicious flavor profile that highlights the best of Korean cuisine. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can make these pancakes in no time. Plus, the dish’s versatility allows for endless variations, making it a recipe you can adapt to suit your personal preferences.
If you haven’t yet tried Korean Spicy Pork Pancakes, now is the perfect time to give them a try. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main course, they offer an unforgettable taste of Korea’s culinary tradition that is both fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat.