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Korean Green Onion Chicken Pancake (Pa-Dak-Jeon)

Pa-Dak-Jeon (Korean Green Onion Chicken Pancake) is a crispy chicken pancake topped with fresh green onions and served with a savory soy dipping sauce. Marinate bite-sized chicken pieces, coat in a light starch batter, pan-fry until golden, then top with soaked green onion strips to balance the flavor. Serve hot with soy sauce for dipping or drizzling.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: beersnack, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: korean
Calories: 1350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 400 g boneless chicken thighs bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 spicy chili finely chopped
  • 4-5 garlic cloves Cut into thin pieces
  • 50 g green onions cut into long, thin strips
  • 2/3 tbsp salt Seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper Seasoning
  • 5 tbsp milk to remove any gamey smell
  • 6 tbsp potato starch or cornstarch
  • 6 tbsp water
Soy Sauce dipping
  • 4 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp cooking wine mirin
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp minced garlic

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. prepare boneless chicken thighs
  2. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces.(1cm dice size)
  3. Mix with 5 spoons of milk and season with salt and black pepper.
  4. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
  5. After marinating, drain the milk. Don't wash chicken.
Prepare the Green Onion Topping
  1. Cut green onions into thin, long strips.
  2. Soak in cold water for a few minutes,
  3. Rinse, and drain well.
Prepare the Batter
  1. Mix potato starch and water until smooth.
  2. Add the marinated chicken and coat evenly.
  3. Add chopped chilli and pieces of garlic
Pan-fry the Chicken Pancake
  1. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Spread chicken mixture evenly in the pan.
  3. Press lightly and cook until golden brown on both sides. ( about 7 mins each side)
Make the Soy Sauce
  1. Combine soy sauce, cooking wine, sugar, and garlic in a small saucepan.
  2. Bring to a quick boil, then remove from heat and cool.
serve in a big plate
  1. Place chicken pancake on a plate.
  2. Top with the crisp green onions.
  3. Drizzle with soy sauce or serve on the side for dipping.

Notes

Extra Tips for the Perfect Pa-Dak-Jeon

 1. Crispy Texture

  • Preheat the pan well: Add the chicken only when the oil is hot enough (a drop of batter should sizzle immediately).

2. Green Onion Upgrade

  • After soaking, toss the green onions lightly with a pinch of salt + a few drops of sesame oil.
    Serving on top gives them a glossy look and a more delicate flavour.

 3. Sauce Variations

  • Add 1 tsp of sesame oil or a few toasted sesame seeds to the soy sauce for a nutty aroma.
  • For a sweet & spicy kick, mix in gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or a small squeeze of gochujang.

 4. Serving Suggestions

  • Serve immediately while hot for maximum crispness.
  • Pair with chilled makgeolli (Korean rice wine) or a light beer; this is a popular combination in Korea!

 5. Meal Prep Tip

  • You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
  • You can also pre-make the soy dipping sauce and keep it chilled; it tastes even better after resting.