Savory Korean Seafood Jeon
Crispy pan-fried seafood pancakes packed with shrimp, squid, and a savory eggplant puree center. This Korean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs shrimp, squid, eggplant for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 8 oz, cleaned and sliced squid
- 1 medium, mashed eggplant
- 2 tbsp gochugaru
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 stalks, chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix mashed eggplant, gochugaru, soy sauce, and green onions. Set aside.
- Step 2: In another bowl, combine shrimp, squid, rice flour, and 1 tbsp water. Stir until a batter forms.
- Step 3: Heat 1/4 cup oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop 1/4 cup batter into the pan, spread into a circle, add 2 tbsp eggplant mixture to the center, then cover with remaining batter. Flatten slightly.
- Step 4: Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to paper towels, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve with spicy dipping sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Savory Korean Seafood Jeon take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Savory Korean Seafood Jeon?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Korean Seafood Jeon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Savory Korean Seafood Jeon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Savory Korean Seafood Jeon?
Korean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
