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Korean Crispy Fritters

Serves 4 to 6 Appetizer vegetarian, Appetizers

Korean Crispy Fritters

Korean Crispy Fritters, or Hobakjeon, are a cherished dish found on Korean home tables, especially during the bountiful summer months when zucchini is at its peak. These fritters are not tied to any particular holiday but are a beloved part of the everyday dining experience, often appearing as a side dish or banchan, ready to complement the main meal with their savory warmth and satisfying texture.

The fritters offer a delicate balance of tender zucchini embraced by a crispy, golden exterior, thanks to the simple yet effective combination of eggs and flour. The seasoning is subtle, with fine sea salt and black pepper allowing the freshness of the zucchini and the aroma of herbs to shine. Generously fried in oil, each bite delivers a comforting crunch that is as satisfying as it is delicious.

Ingredients

  • 3zucchini — grated
  • 2eggs
  • 4 tbspflour
  • for fryingoil
  • herbs — chopped
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by washing the 3 zucchini thoroughly under running water. Trim the ends, then grate them using a medium-sized grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to ensure your fritters turn out crispy and not soggy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 eggs until well combined. Add the squeezed zucchini to the bowl along with 4 tablespoons of flour. Season the mixture generously with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until you have a thick, cohesive batter.
  3. Prepare your frying setup by heating a generous amount of oil in a large, flat-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/4 inch. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles and bubbles immediately upon contact.
  4. Once the oil is hot, carefully spoon heaping tablespoons of the batter into the skillet, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form round fritters. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
  5. As the fritters cook, finely chop your choice of herbs. Common options include chives, scallions, or cilantro. These will be used to garnish the fritters, adding a fresh burst of flavor that complements the savory base.
  6. Once the fritters are golden and crispy on both sides, remove them from the skillet and drain briefly on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Immediately sprinkle the hot fritters with a little more fine sea salt to enhance their flavor.
  7. Transfer the fritters to a serving platter and sprinkle with the chopped herbs. Serve the Korean Crispy Fritters immediately while they are still hot and crispy, encouraging everyone at the table to share and enjoy.
Cover of Authentic Korean Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Korean Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Korean Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Korean volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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