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You are here: Home > Archives > Recipes > Korean Recipes > Appetizers > Green Onion Pancakes, and the story of a blue frog

Green Onion Pancakes, and the story of a blue frog

March 26, 2012 by Holly Ford 60 Comments

Green Onion Pancakes

Once upon a time there lived a young frog boy named “Blue”.
They called him “Blue” because he was a very unusual blue frog.
Blue lived with his mother in a small cottage near a little stream deep in the mountain of South Korea.
His mother loved him very much and did the best she could to teach him, so that he could grow up to be well mannered and respectful. But alas! Blue was not the most obedient boy you can imagine. In fact he was quite rebellious and often showed the contrary behaviors.

If his mother asked him to clean the mess in his room, he would make even bigger mess. When she asked him to not to go to the dangerous part of village where the snake lives, he would head down there right away. Blue thought he was so courageous and smart.

All of his misbehavior made his mother worried. Very worried that she got ill.
The doctor came to help but didn’t know how to cure. Blue’s mother felt that she would die soon leaving her young son behind. She tried to explain the situation to Blue but he wasn’t willing to listen.
She realized that her son wouldn’t change his contrary behaviors, so she decided to ask him contrary to what she desired.

She wanted to be buried on the hillside but knowing her son, he would do exactly the opposite way; if she asked him to bury her on the hill, Blue would bury her on the side of the stream.  So she asked him the opposite way, “Son, when I die…, please, bury my body near the stream. NOT on the HILL…”

A few days later his mother died.
Upon his mother’s death, Blue finally realized that he had been foolish, and regretted for being so disobedient.
So, for the first time in his life, he decided to obey his mother’s wish. He buried her near the stream!
Then, the rain came down on the next day. The water in the stream overflowed and washed his mother’s grave away. Blue couldn’t help but crying as he watched his mother’s grave floating away from him. It was just too late for him to take it back.

Since that day, whenever it rains in Korea, you can hear the frog’s loud crying noise near any streams.
“Ribbit.., ribbit..,”

This is a one of the Korean folk tales that I told my kids as a bedtime story when they were young.
My daughter cried when she first heard it. She was 5 years old. This story helped her to understand the importance of being trust worthy.

So what does this story has to do with green onion pancakes?
Well, when there’s rain, Koreans like to eat this types of savory pancakes and talk about the blue frog.
This is the story that I heard from my mother, and she heard it from her mother, and so on…

This is a very easy to make savory pancakes with only a few ingredients.
The recipe will give quite nice crisp texture to the bite which we all love.
I used small shrimps but any seafood will work fine, or omit if you prefer it as vegan.

 

Cut the green onions into 2″ long and slice 1-2 chilies as well.

 

Mix cake flour, baking powder, salt and pepper.
You can use plain flour but cake flour will create the crispier texture.

Add ice cold water to the flour mix and stir.

Add one egg and whisk until combined. Do not over whisk.

The batter should be thin like breakfast pancake batter.

Add green onion, red chili, and shrimp.

Toss to wet all the ingredients.

Heat generous amount of oil in the skillet over medium heat, spread about 1/4 cups of batter and let it sear for 3-4 minutes.

Flip it over. Do you see the golden crust? It is quite crisp. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes to the other side.

Flip again to see what the other side looks like. Nicely browned!
You might need to adjust the heat level from medium to med-low.

Make dipping sauce by combining all the ingredients.
Serve your pancakes hot with this dipping sauce.

 

Have I seen a blue frog?
No.
But I could hear his crying as I bite on these crisp pancakes.
Ribbit.., ribbit..!
Let’s obey our parents…
whether we are young or old.

… a little food for thought of the day.

Pajeon

Green Onion Pancakes, and the story of a blue frog

Holly Ford
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Servings 10 pancakes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g 7oz small shrimps, peeled and cleaned
  • 1 bunch green onion cut into 2" long slices
  • 1-2 red chilies thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 1/4 cup cake flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • pinches of kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoon or more ice water
  • 1 egg
  • 2-4 tablespoon grape seed or canola oil

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1-2 teaspoon Korean chili flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds crushed with fingers

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Add water and egg, and whisk until just combined. The consistency of batter should be like breakfast batter. Add more water if batter seems too stiff.
  • Add the green onions and shrimps to the bowl, toss well to coat.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat, add 1/4 cupful of batter to the skillet and spread out thinly. Sear the pancakes 3-4 minutes until the edges seems to form a crust, flip to the other side.
  • Add more oil if the skillet seems dry. You should see the golden brown crust. Sear the other side of pancakes for another 3 minutes until golden as well.
  • You might need to adjust the heat to med-low in order not to burn the pancakes.
  • Serve hot with dipping sauce.

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Archives, Easy and Simple, Korean Recipes, Recipes Tagged With: Green Onion, Shrimp

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Comments

  1. leaf (the indolent cook) says

    March 26, 2012 at 7:27 am

    Aww, what a sad story. I want to give my parents a hug and make them pancakes now!

    Reply
  2. Leah Parra says

    March 26, 2012 at 7:55 am

    I remember reading that story from the korean folk books my mom got for me when i was younger.  And…I love korean pancake!! so so much…my halmunee made these sooo yummy for me as a child. And now my mom.  I shall make them for my little one soon!! I love your blog and all the korean food on here….makes me miss korean food so bad (i live in sicily)

    Reply
  3. Bernaschreiber says

    March 26, 2012 at 8:07 am

    So so amazing! Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
  4. beyondkimchee says

    March 26, 2012 at 8:10 am

    Thank you Leah. What a beautiful place you live in. Can you find Korean groceries there?

    Reply
  5. Bloggy says

    March 26, 2012 at 8:11 am

    The story and the recipe both are too good, the monsoons will be here in a month or two and I will surely make this and eat them, while blue cries nearby.

    Reply
  6. beyondkimchee says

    March 26, 2012 at 8:14 am

    You are so sweet. My daughter actually gave me a hug after she heard the story.

    Reply
  7. beyondkimchee says

    March 26, 2012 at 8:21 am

    Thanks Bloggy. Hope you can give it a try. It is quite appetizing especially on the rainy days.

    Reply
  8. Bloggy says

    March 26, 2012 at 9:02 am

    Yes surely, the moment i try and make it as tasty and beautiful as you did will surely be the first one to inform you.

    Reply
  9. MS BC says

    March 26, 2012 at 9:33 am

    you are AWESOME! i loveeeee these pancakes 😀

    Reply
  10. Leah Parra says

    March 26, 2012 at 9:34 am

    There is a small section on the navy base with kimchee(not good), and some Shin Ramen….thats about it!! I need some kimchee jigae out here and ttuk bo sam and…my favorite kimchee moomalangi.  My mom has attempted to try and send some from America, still waiting to receive it!!!

    Reply
  11. [email protected] says

    March 26, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    I loved this post, thanks for sharing a little Korean tradition with us. I like your food for thought of the day! I work in an elementary school and I see first hand the children that don't listen. 🙂

    I have been wanting to make a crispy Korean pancake, now you just reminded me to try it! It looks great for breakfast in my eyes. Too bad I didn't have it yesterday it rained here. 🙂

    Reply
  12. beyondkimchee says

    March 26, 2012 at 4:59 pm

    Lyndsey, this pancakes will tastes good whether it rains or shines. Hope you get to try soon.

    Reply
  13. Nami | Just One Cookbook says

    March 27, 2012 at 1:11 am

    I cannot believe I haven't stumbled your blog before too!  Thank you for stopping by my blog.  I need to look around when I blog hop. =P

    Your green onion pancakes look so delicious – your photos are gorgeous and I love how you put step by step photos (large and nice) in the post too.  So fun to follow you cook.  Nice to meet you!

    Reply
  14. Mohala Johnson says

    March 27, 2012 at 8:27 am

    This looks and sounds delicious!

    ~Mo
    http://www.mokekumileicreations.com

    Reply
  15. beyondkimchee says

    March 27, 2012 at 8:38 am

    Thanks for stopping by Nami. Hope to communicate with you often through our blogs.

    Reply
  16. lisa says

    March 27, 2012 at 11:01 am

    Holly,
    I have a recipe for scallion pancakes that calls for a little rice flour and more regular flour. The rice flour is supposed to make it crispy.  I think it works but do you think I can put more rice flour in than the regular flour and still have it come out?

    Thanks!,
    lisa

    Reply
  17. Amy Kim says

    March 27, 2012 at 1:25 pm

    yum yum yum! i love pa jun!

    and i vaguely remember this story. maybe because my brother and i were like blue when we were little kids. 🙂 i think it's time to tell my kids! 

    love your website and photos!

    Reply
  18. TastyGalaxy.com says

    March 27, 2012 at 1:37 pm

    Thank you for sharing the recipe and the story. I love green onion pancakes, and your recipe looks so simple and delicious!

    Reply
  19. beyondkimchee says

    March 27, 2012 at 5:58 pm

    Lisa
    Actually rice flour is to get a chewy texture not crisp. If you want crispier but doesn't have cake flour, add about 2-3 tablespoon of cornstarch to plain flour with a tiny pinch baking powder.The baking powder will leaven the batter slightly and help create the crisp texture

    Reply
    • lisa says

      October 1, 2012 at 4:31 am

      Thanks Holly! Sorry for the late response. You are right, when I make them with the rice flour the pancake is slightly chewy. I think I will try your cake flour suggestion!

      Reply
  20. beyondkimchee says

    March 27, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    Ha ha, we all were the blue frog in some degree.

    Reply
  21. Renee says

    March 28, 2012 at 10:37 am

    I made these last night and they were easy + delicious! Thanks for the recipe and the story. I love your blog!

    Reply
  22. beyondkimchee says

    March 28, 2012 at 5:26 pm

    I am glad that you liked it. Thanks Renee.

    Reply
  23. Bo Park says

    March 28, 2012 at 8:04 pm

    Oh I heard a version of this when I was growing up! The difference was that instead of the mother's death, she told him not to jump into the stream and that's exactly what he did, thus leading to his death. The funny thing is, my dad told me this story because I started doing what the boy frog did. It wasn't necessarily my fault at the time though, because I was joking around saying it was "opposite day". But after that day I never played "opposite day" again…

    Reply
  24. xoCATox says

    March 28, 2012 at 9:13 pm

    What a fantastic post! Lovely story… and those pancakes look divine! And simple too. I think I'll have to try it some day 🙂 

    Reply
  25. beyondkimchee says

    April 1, 2012 at 4:48 am

    Hi Bo
    My daughter used to love the story called, "The contrary Mary" and, to some degree, it was great for children to come up with creative ideas to be contrary I think. I never heard of the version of frog jumping into stream. That is even more sad.

    Reply
  26. RNB Research says

    April 1, 2012 at 10:48 pm

    This is my first
    time I visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially
    its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not
    the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work.

    Thank You

    Reply
  27. kitchenriffs says

    April 2, 2012 at 8:08 am

    Really nice story.  And a great pancake.  Although I totally like the breakfast pancakes with maple syrup, savory pancakes are more interesting to me.  A nice way to use veggies.  Thanks for this.

    Reply
  28. Angel says

    April 3, 2012 at 11:10 pm

    First visit.  Haven't had much Korean food, but love the recipes I've read so far.  Will be back to read more.  Great blog!!

    Reply
  29. beyondkimchee says

    April 4, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    Thanks Angel. Hope you be back again soon.

    Reply
  30. Mabel says

    April 12, 2012 at 12:07 pm

    I've tried making pajeon using just all purpose flour but didn't think it tasted as good as the packet flour. I haven't tried it with cake flour though… But I think adding sweet rice flour would give the pajeon some sticky, chewy (jjinduk) texture. 
    I love your blog a lot! I've started a blog myself and you're a huge inspiration.

    Thanks
    Mabel
    mdcooksfor2.blogspot.com

    Reply
  31. beyondkimchee says

    April 12, 2012 at 4:58 pm

    Hi Mabel
    Yes, you can add the rice flour if you like the chewy texture. I tried and I prefer without it in the savory pancakes. I just love the crispness that cake flour adds.
    Thanks for you sweet comment. Blogging is fun and wish you the best with your brand new blog.

    Reply
  32. Swathi says

    May 11, 2012 at 4:18 am

    I tried Korean pancake with all purpose flour and rice flour, loved it. I will try your version too. You have a nice blog. Sure I will come back for more Korean recipes.

    Reply
  33. jodi says

    May 15, 2012 at 12:26 am

    I made these tonight (coincidentally it’s raining), they were so good! Thanks for this recipe!

    Reply
    • Holly says

      May 15, 2012 at 12:28 am

      Great! I am glad that you liked it.

      Reply
  34. emmycooks says

    May 18, 2012 at 9:51 pm

    Those look gorgeous. And delicious. I am saving this recipe now! And I will be browsing your website to see what else to cook with it, this is a new cuisine for me!

    Reply
  35. tom says

    June 12, 2012 at 7:42 pm

    what lovely writing and beautiful photographs. yesterday i tried making pajeon for the first time ever as it has been raining in london for days. they were good and got gobbled up by my friends in seconds, but i think not crispy enough, i will try with your recipe next time x

    Reply
    • Holly says

      June 12, 2012 at 11:06 pm

      Hi Tom, I think pajeon will taste better in London than anywhere else 🙂
      To make crispier texture, the type of flour is one thing but also the right type of skillet you use and the temperature control is another. I use carbon steel skillet which I think it helps to create crisp texture outside. Also be generous with amount of oil you use to fry. Searing the outside crust to deep golden is the key.

      Reply
      • tom says

        June 19, 2012 at 6:52 am

        thank you holly, they worked even better this time, i think using a little less egg helped the crispiness as well. i’m now looking forward to more rainy days!

        Reply
        • Holly says

          June 19, 2012 at 9:52 am

          Thanks Tom. You have mastered the techniques of making the crisp Korean pancakes! Way to go!

          Reply
  36. Susan Kwon says

    June 30, 2012 at 3:53 am

    Love love love this blog!

    Reply
  37. Jiyuh says

    July 6, 2012 at 12:31 am

    Where are your turquoise chopsticks from???

    Reply
  38. sagajagads says

    July 28, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    thanks for sharing this lovely receipe

    Reply
  39. Christine says

    November 10, 2012 at 2:20 am

    This brought a smile to my face! I am half Korean, and my mom told me and my brother this story repeatedly as we were growing up! I used to tire of hearing it but I now find myself telling the same story to my own kids! I .make a version of this pancake with thinly sliced and diced zucchini, onions and green onions. YUM!

    Reply
  40. JC says

    July 23, 2013 at 1:20 pm

    hi holly! thank you for sharing this. it looks delicious and i’m eager to try this at home tonight!

    Reply
  41. Adela says

    August 14, 2013 at 9:11 pm

    Love your stories, love your blog! I’ve been talking about “Holly” to everyone…. you made cooking Korean dishes so easy and manageable. I like to add zucchini and mushrooms to my Pa-Jun. So delicious!

    Reply
    • Holly says

      August 15, 2013 at 3:06 am

      Thanks Adela. You are so sweet.

      Reply
  42. Sachi says

    October 23, 2013 at 2:27 pm

    I’ve read other recipes for green onion pancakes and this is the first one that has more than green onion in it. I know my family would love to eat this one esp. because of the addition of the shrimp. I like the look of the red chili in the pancake, but wondered about the heat level. Is there a kind of red chili that has moderate heat that you can recommend? I guess we can eat around it, huh. Thank you for sharing your recipes and I hope you’re feeling better! ^-^

    Reply
    • Holly says

      October 23, 2013 at 8:08 pm

      Hi Sachi, I used chili called lady finger chilies (very common Asian chilies). If you remove the seeds and the membrane, they are not that spicy at all.

      Reply
  43. Jack Lee says

    September 13, 2014 at 11:51 pm

    The story is about a GREEN frog, not a blue frog. In korean “chung” can mean both, but the folk tale is about a green frog who disobeyed his mother. (http://www.sejongsociety.org/korean_theme/korean_folk_tales/green_frog.html)

    Reply
    • Holly says

      September 16, 2014 at 4:16 pm

      Thanks for the clarification, Jack. I guess green frog makes better sense than blue frog.

      Reply

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Welcome to Beyond Kimchee!

Welcome to Beyond Kimchee

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I am Holly, a native Korean mother and a wife whose favorite place in the house is the KITCHEN. I hope you find lip-smackingly delicious Korean recipes and beyond in my site.

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