Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha Seafood Pancake (해물파전)
Why this food?
The crispy, chewy Korean seafood pancake from Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha's seaside village. Koreans say the sound of rain is the same as pajeon sizzling in oil. This is the rainy-day K-drama food.
🇰🇷 K-Culture Tip
Koreans say the sound of rain (빗소리) is identical to the sound of pajeon sizzling in hot oil — so the smell of rain literally triggers cravings for pajeon nationwide. This isn't just a saying: rainy-day pajeon orders spike at Korean restaurants across the country. Coastal Koreans like those in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha use the day's fresh catch, making each village's version slightly different.
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Substitute Ingredients
All available at Walmart
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
Green onions 파 | Green onions / scallions Cut into 2-inch pieces — they are the main filling, not a garnish Shop at Walmart |
Shrimp 새우 | Frozen cooked shrimp (thawed) Chop into small pieces before adding to batter Shop at Walmart |
All-purpose flour 밀가루 | All-purpose flour King Arthur Use cold water — warm water makes the batter gummy Shop at Walmart |
🛒 Can't find it at Walmart? Try a Korean grocery store
Your Shopping List
Walmart edition
- 1 bunch Green onions / scallions
- 4 oz Frozen cooked shrimp (thawed)
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
Instructions
- 1
Mix batter: 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1/2 cup cold water + 1 egg + big pinch of salt
- 2
Fold in 4 oz chopped shrimp + 1/2 cup sliced green onions + optional imitation crab torn into strips
- 3
Heat 3 tbsp neutral oil in a large pan over medium-high until shimmering hot
- 4
Pour all batter in, spread into an even circle — press down firmly with spatula
- 5
Cook 4-5 minutes until underside is deep golden brown, then flip carefully and cook 3 more minutes
- 6
For dipping sauce: mix 2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp rice vinegar + 1 tsp sesame oil + pinch sugar
