How to Make Crispy and Savory Korean Mung Bean Pancakes (Nokdu Jeon) in 7 Steps

2024. 9. 6. 08:42카테고리 없음

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Nokdu Jeon, also known as Bindaetteok, is a traditional Korean savory pancake made from ground mung beans mixed with various vegetables and sometimes meat. These crispy, golden pancakes are a popular street food in Korea and are often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. Nokdu Jeon is loved for its hearty texture, rich flavor, and satisfying crunch.

Introduction to Nokdu Jeon

Nokdu Jeon is made by soaking dried mung beans, grinding them into a smooth batter, and then mixing in ingredients like kimchi, green onions, mung bean sprouts, and sometimes ground pork or beef. The mixture is then pan-fried until crisp and golden brown on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. Nokdu Jeon is typically served with a simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar, which complements the savory flavor of the pancakes perfectly.

Ingredients for Nokdu Jeon (2-3 Servings)

To prepare Nokdu Jeon for two to three people, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Pancakes:

  • Dried mung beans (nokdu): 1 cup
  • Water: 2 cups (for soaking beans)
  • Kimchi: 1/2 cup, chopped
  • Green onions: 2 stalks, finely chopped
  • Mung bean sprouts: 1/2 cup, chopped
  • Ground pork or beef: 1/4 cup (optional)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
  • Vegetable oil: 2-3 tbsp (for frying)

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
  • Vinegar: 1 tbsp (rice vinegar or white vinegar)
  • Sesame oil: 1 tsp
  • Sesame seeds: 1 tsp (optional)
  • Chopped green onions: 1 tsp (optional)
  • Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): 1/2 tsp (optional, for spice)

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Mung Beans

Start by rinsing the dried mung beans under cold water to remove any dust or debris. Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover them with 2 cups of water. Let the beans soak for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, until they have softened and absorbed most of the water.

Step 2: Grind the Mung Beans

Once the mung beans have soaked, drain them well and transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup of water and blend until you have a smooth, thick batter. The batter should be similar in consistency to pancake batter, but slightly thicker. If the batter is too thick, you can add a little more water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 3: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the kimchi, green onions, and mung bean sprouts into small pieces. If you’re using ground pork or beef, cook it in a pan with the minced garlic until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Set all the prepared ingredients aside.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground mung bean batter with the chopped kimchi, green onions, mung bean sprouts, and cooked meat (if using). Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick and hold together when scooped.

Step 5: Fry the Pancakes

Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, scoop about 1/4 cup of the batter into the pan and spread it out into a round pancake, about 1/2 inch thick. Fry the pancakes for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning. Cook the pancakes in batches, adding more oil to the pan as necessary.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once the pancakes are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining batter. Serve the Nokdu Jeon warm, either whole or cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 7: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and gochugaru (if using). Stir well to mix the ingredients. Serve the dipping sauce alongside the Nokdu Jeon for dipping, or drizzle it over the pancakes for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Nokdu Jeon

  1. Soak the Mung Beans Properly: Soaking the mung beans thoroughly is essential for achieving the right texture in the batter. The beans should be soft and fully hydrated before blending.
  2. Adjust the Heat While Frying: To get the perfect crispy texture without burning, fry the pancakes over medium heat. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain an even cooking temperature.
  3. Customize the Fillings: Nokdu Jeon can be customized with different fillings such as kimchi, vegetables, or meat. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Nokdu Jeon is a delicious and hearty Korean dish that brings together the earthy flavor of mung beans with the savory taste of vegetables and optional meat. These crispy pancakes are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Follow these seven steps to create authentic and flavorful Nokdu Jeon at home, and enjoy this traditional Korean favorite with a tangy dipping sauce.

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