Name: Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancakes) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons fish sauce or soybean/miso paste (optional); 1 large egg; 1 cup very cold sparkling water (sparkling creates a crispier texture but regular water can be substituted); 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 bunch green onions/scallions, ends trimmed; 2 tablespoons oil for frying, divided; 2 tablespoons tamari or light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon water; 2 teaspoons honey; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds; Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving something irresistibly crispy, flavorful, and satisfying, then this Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancakes) Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to! These pancakes bring together the fresh bite of green onions with a delightfully crunchy batter that’s easy to whip up anytime. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish, they deliver authentic Korean comfort with every crispy bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it over and over again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with smooth, creamy white batter sits on a wooden board. A silver spoon rests inside the batter, partially submerged. Behind the bowl are fresh green onions with long white and green stalks, lying across a white marbled surface. To the left, there is a small white bowl containing beaten yellow eggs. The scene has a soft, natural light with a calm and fresh kitchen feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of texture and taste in your pancakes. From the sparkling water that gives delightful crispness to the fish sauce that adds an umami punch, every component works in harmony.

1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of your batter, providing structure and a soft texture inside the pancake.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Adds extra crunch by creating a lighter, crispier finish on the outside.
3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the batter perfectly.
2 teaspoons fish sauce or soybean/miso paste (optional): Gives a subtle umami depth that’s key to authentic Korean flavor.
1 large egg: Binds the batter together, contributing to its tender consistency.
1 cup very cold sparkling water: The secret to crunch—carbonation lightens the batter so it fries up perfectly crispy.
1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a mild, aromatic kick to the pancakes.
1 bunch green onions/scallions, ends trimmed: The star ingredient, packed with fresh and bright flavor.
2 tablespoons oil for frying, divided: Helps to give you that golden, crispy crust.
For dipping sauce: A simple mix of tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and a splash of water to perfectly complement each bite.

How to Make Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancakes) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

Begin by combining all the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl—tamari or light soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Stir everything until well mixed and set it aside. This sauce perfectly balances the crispy pancake with its tangy-sweet notes, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg and mix in the very cold sparkling water along with the fish sauce or miso paste if you’re using it. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined—avoid over-mixing to keep the batter light and tender once cooked.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Scallions

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Toss in half the minced garlic for a quick sauté to release its aroma. Then add half the scallions and cook them for about 30 seconds just to soften and brighten their flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

Arrange the sautéed scallions evenly in the pan. Pour half the batter over the scallions, tilting the pan to spread it out smoothly. Fry until the bottom turns golden brown and irresistibly crispy, then carefully flip to cook the other side until it’s browned and cooked through. Repeat this process for the second pancake.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once both pancakes are cooked, cut them into wedges and serve immediately alongside your dipping sauce. The combination of crispy edges, soft scallions, and the vibrant sauce will make you fall in love with this Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancakes) Recipe all over again.

How to Serve Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancakes) Recipe

A close-up view shows a golden pancake piece filled with green onions and bits of red pepper, held by a pair of wooden chopsticks above a white bowl containing dark dipping sauce. The pancake is thin with a slightly crispy, browned surface and visible layers of cooked batter mixed with green vegetable strips. The bowl is plain white and sits on a white marbled surface, with the background softly blurred to keep focus on the pancake and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding simple garnishes elevates your presentation and flavor experience. Sprinkle some additional toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh chives on top. For a pop of color and a bit of zing, add thinly sliced red chili or a few flakes of red pepper for mild heat.

Side Dishes

Pajeon are incredibly versatile but pair beautifully with light Korean side dishes. Think kimchi for a spicy-sour contrast, pickled radishes for crunch, or a fresh cucumber salad for cool crispness. These sides complement the pancakes without overwhelming their delicate flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Try serving your Pajeon with a drizzle of spicy mayo or a small bowl of gochujang (Korean chili paste) mixed into the dipping sauce for a fiery twist. You can also cut the pancakes into smaller bite-sized pieces for party platters—they make fantastic finger foods that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the pancakes from sogging, separate layers with parchment paper and avoid stacking too much.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? You can freeze cooked Pajeon by placing cooled pancakes flat in a freezer-safe bag separated with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to a month — perfect for busy days when you want a quick snack that tastes homemade.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your pancakes in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until crisp again, flipping once to warm through. Avoid microwaving to keep that signature crunch intact and delicious.

FAQs

Can I make Pajeon without fish sauce or miso paste?

Absolutely! The fish sauce or miso adds umami depth, but you can skip it for a milder version without sacrificing much taste. Just make sure to keep the seasoning balanced with salt.

Is sparkling water necessary for the recipe?

Sparking water is the secret to extra crispy pancakes thanks to its carbonation, but if you don’t have any, plain cold water works fine. Your pancakes will still be tasty, just slightly less crisp.

Can I add other vegetables to the batter?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in thinly sliced carrots, zucchini, or even seafood like shrimp or squid for your own customized Pajeon variation.

What kind of oil is best for frying Pajeon?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil work best for crisp frying without interfering with the pancake’s flavor.

How spicy is the dipping sauce?

The dipping sauce is mild by default, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or a touch of gochujang according to your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

Making this Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancakes) Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience, and the results are simply delicious! Crispy, fragrant, and bursting with flavor, these pancakes bring a little Korean comfort right to your kitchen. Give them a try the next time you want a quick meal or snack that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking, and enjoy every crispy bite!