Korean Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon)

For the Dipping Sauce:

Step 1: Combine the soy sauce, gochugaru, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, ginger, scallions and garlic in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 2: For the pancakes: Heat 1 inch of water in a medium saucepan over high heat until boiling. Put the mussels or clams in the pan, cover tightly with a lid and cook until the shells are open and the meat is just cooked, about 5 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly. Pick the meat from the shells and set aside. Discard the shells.

Step 3: Add the all-purpose and rice flours, potato starch, sesame oil and egg to a large bowl. Add the ice water and whisk until well incorporated. The batter consistency should be loose, like heavy cream. Add the shrimp, squid, scallions, chile, shallot, garlic, chives, 3/4 teaspoon salt and the mussel or clam meat and mix well.

Step 4: Heat 2 tablespoons of the canola oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup of the batter to the skillet and spread it evenly until it is in a single layer, using a spatula if necessary. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the sides are crisp and small bubbles form on top, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the pancake and cook the other side until brown and crispy, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the pancake twice more, once again on each side, and cook for 30 seconds per side to ensure the pancake becomes crispy. Repeat with the remaining pancake batter and canola oil.

Step 5: Transfer the pancakes to a serving platter and cut into wedges. Serve with the dipping sauce.

Cook’s Note: We tried this with cornstarch and potato starch, but preferred the potato starch. In a pinch, you can use cornstarch though. Frying smaller pancakes, as opposed to 1 big pancake, is easier to handle and you get more crispy bits.