Kimchi Pancakes

If you are not a fan of kimchi or don’t even know what it is for that matter, then you will either ignore this post or read on out of curiosity!  Kimchi is a Korean fermented side dish made of fermented vegetables and spices.  There are a wide variety of combinations.  Most will include cabbage but after that you may find a combination of cucumbers, radishes, onions, carrots and even apples included.  Kimchi has many health benefits but the major one is its rich abundance of probiotics that contribute to a healthy microbiome.

I was first introduced to kimchi pancakes at our local city farmer’s market.  There is a Korean vendor that I always stop at to purchase my supply of kimchi.  They also serve several Korean style food items so I decided to try the kimchi pancake topped with spiced pork and fresh greens.  Well, I fell in love with these little guys!  Although this was definitely a healthier choice on my part, I’m not certain what kind of flour they use in the pancake batter or what type of oil they fry them in.  That’s the hazard of eating out, we’re never quite sure what the restaurants put in our food.  Sooooo needless to say, I decided to make them at home…my way!

Notes:  I like to serve mine incorporated into my meal.  Almost like a tortilla.  I’ll stack it with some protein, veggies and fresh greens (and maybe a sauce).  They are also delicious alone or with an asian dipping sauce on the side.  

If you don’t have a food processor, beat the eggs in a mixing bowl, add dry ingredients and mix well.  Lastly, add cut up kimchi and liquid.

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 2 Tbsp potato starch or tapioca flour
• ¼ cup coconut flour
• ½ tsp himalayan salt
• 1 cup kimchi
• 2-3 Tbsp of water or kimchi juice
• 1-2 green onion (optional)
• coconut or butter for frying (or in a spray form)

Directions:

1. Add eggs, potato starch, flour and salt to a food processor.  Blend for about 1 minute.
2. Add kimchi, green onion, and juice/water.  Pulse a few times until kimchi is broken up into smaller pieces.  Mixture will be somewhat watery.
3. Coat the bottom of a skillet with a small amount of oil and heat over medium heat.
4. Pour ¼ cup of kimchi mixture into the hot skillet.  If the egg starts to spread out, use a spatula to pull the edges back.  Also, use the spatula to evenly disperse the kimchi over the pancake.
5. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom.  Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, checking often to ensure pancake doesn’t burn.  (They cook quickly!)