Simple Korean Pancake (Chijimi)

Korean pancakes, often known in Japan as Chijimi, are a simple yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a side, snack, or even a light meal. Unlike Western pancakes that are sweet and fluffy, or Japanese okonomiyaki that often include cabbage and pork, Korean pancakes are savory and packed with vegetables, seafood, or meat. The batter is made by mixing flour with water and a little seasoning, then pan-fried until golden and slightly crisp.

This version uses Chinese chives and onion, giving the pancake a fresh aroma and satisfying texture. While it’s traditionally served with a soy sauce and vinegar dipping sauce, the batter is so flavorful that you can enjoy it on its own, which also makes it a kid-friendly snack.

Interestingly, while in Japan we usually call this dish Chijimi, in Korea it’s more commonly called Buchimgae. I once mistakenly kept calling it Chijimi to Korean friends, only to realize later that it wasn’t the local term! A fun reminder that food often carries different names across cultures.