Description
Korean Cheese Pancake is a delicious savory treat combining a crispy, golden exterior with a melty mozzarella cheese center. This popular Korean street food dish is made from a simple batter enhanced with green onions and cooked on the stovetop to achieve the perfect balance of crunch and gooey cheese. It’s an appetizer that’s quick to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 large egg
Filling and Cooking
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
Garnish (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Extra chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Gradually add the cold water and egg while whisking until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. Gently fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped green onions, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Heat the pan: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking to ensure a crisp pancake.
- Cook the pancake: Pour the prepared batter into the skillet, spreading it evenly into a round shape about 1/2 inch thick. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bottom side turns golden brown and the edges start to crisp, indicating it’s ready to flip.
- Flip and finish cooking: Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula, then cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt properly and the pancake to become golden and crispy on both sides.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked pancake to a cutting board and let it cool slightly to avoid burns. Cut into wedges for easy serving. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions. Serve hot, ideally with a soy dipping sauce or your preferred accompaniment.
Notes
- For a spicy variation, mix in finely chopped kimchi or a small amount of gochujang into the batter before cooking.
- Serve with soy sauce or a soy-based dipping sauce to enhance the flavor profile.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other mild, melty cheeses if desired.
