Soybean Sprout Kimchi Jeon

This Soybean Sprout Kimchi Jeon is a simple, comforting Korean pancake made with well-fermented kimchi, crunchy soybean sprouts, and shrimp. It’s easy to make and full of flavor, perfect for a quick meal or a cozy side dish.

Yield: 15 Pieces

Short Korean Lesson

• SeungIn (승인) = Approval
• JinHaeng (진행) = In Progress

Video Instructions

Main Ingredients:

• 1 Generous Cup Well-Fermented Kimchi
• 1 Generous Cup Soybean Sprouts (3 oz)
• 6 Large Shrimp (⅓ Cup, Chopped)
• ¼ Cup Green Onions, Finely Chopped
• Cooking Oil, For Frying

Batter Ingredients:

• ½ Cup All-Purpose Flour
• ½ Cup Korean Frying Mix
• ⅔ Cup Water
• ¼ Cup Kimchi Brine
• ½ Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Hot Pepper Flakes)
• ½ Tbsp Sugar
• ½ tsp Soup Soy Sauce
• ½ tsp Fish Sauce
• 2-4 Pinches Salt (Optional)

Directions

Chop 1 generous cup of well-fermented kimchi into ½-inch pieces and set aside without squeezing out the liquid. Spoon out ¼ cup of kimchi brine directly from the kimchi container and reserve it for the batter.

Chop 1 generous cup of soybean sprouts (3 oz) into ½-inch lengths and finely slice ¼ cup of green onion.

Peel and finely chop 6 large shrimp (about ⅓ cup).

In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour and ½ cup Korean frying mix.

Add ⅔ cup water and ¼ cup kimchi brine. Season the batter with ½ Tbsp of gochugaru, ½ Tbsp sugar, ½ tsp soup soy sauce, and ½ tsp fish sauce. Add 2–4 pinches of salt, if needed. If you want your Kimchi Jeon spicier, you can add ½ tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean hot pepper powder).

Once everything is well mixed, the batter will have the consistency shown in the picture.

Add the chopped kimchi, soybean sprouts, shrimp, and green onion to the batter.

Gently stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Generously coat a medium-high heat pan with cooking oil (about 2 Tbsp), then scoop a spoonful of batter into the pan and spread it into a round shape, about 2 inches in diameter.

Fry on the same heat (not too high) for 8–10 minutes, until both sides of the pancake are golden brown.

Here’s a tip for making crispy and delicious Kimchi Jeon: if you have a hotteok press at home (if not, a flat-bottomed plate works too), use it to press the pancake down evenly while it’s in the pan.

 

Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, flavorful Kimchi Jeon!