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Savory Korean Cabbage & Chive Pancake (Kimchi-Style Buchimgae)

Savory Korean Cabbage & Chive Pancake (Kimchi-Style Buchimgae) is a flavorful, crispy-edged pancake made with napa cabbage, garlic chives, and tangy kimchi in a light batter. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish with a bold, spicy kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup cold water
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup well-fermented kimchi, chopped
  • 1/4 cup kimchi juice (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup napa cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1/2 cup garlic chives, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together cold water, egg, and kimchi juice if using.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
  4. Fold in chopped kimchi, napa cabbage, garlic chives, green onion, and optional carrots.
  5. Heat a generous layer of vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it out into a thin pancake, about 1/2 inch thick.
  7. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy, then carefully flip.
  8. Cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula.
  9. Flip once more if needed to crisp both sides evenly.
  10. Transfer to a cutting board, cool for 1–2 minutes, slice into wedges, and serve with dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Use well-fermented kimchi for deeper flavor and better color.
  • Cornstarch enhances the crisp texture of the pancake.
  • Kimchi juice adds an extra layer of umami and color—highly recommended if available.
  • Pairs well with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: kimchi pancake, Korean cabbage pancake, buchimgae, savory Korean snack, kimchi-style fritter