# Korean Beef Pancakes

> Wanja Jeon (완자전)

By David Kim for Nosh with David. Full page: https://noshwithdavid.com/recipes/korean-beef-pancakes/

- Cuisine: Korean
- Course: Appetizer
- Time: prep 15 min, cook 30 min, total 45 min
- Serves: 4

## Ingredients

### For the Patties

- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 block soft tofu (drained, crumbled)
- 1 onion(s) (finely minced)
- 2 green onion(s) (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg(s) (for binding)

### For the Coating

- 2 egg(s) (beaten)
- 1/4 cup flour (for dredging)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for pan-frying)

### For Serving

- soy sauce
- green onion(s) (sliced)
- sesame seeds

## Instructions

1. Drain tofu well and crumble into small pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled tofu, minced onion, green onions, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, black pepper, and one beaten egg.
3. Mix thoroughly but gently until well combined.Form the mixture into small, flat patties about 2-3 inches in diameter.
4. Place flour in a shallow dish and beaten eggs in another.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Dredge each patty in flour, then dip in beaten egg.
7. Fry patties until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

## Notes

#### Recipe Tips

- Don't skip the tofu - it keeps the patties tender

- Make patties uniform in size for even cooking

- Keep heat at medium to ensure thorough cooking

- Don't overcrowd the pan

- Press patties gently in the center to prevent puffing

#### Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

- Steamed rice

- Various banchan

- Dipping sauce

- In lunch boxes

- As part of a Korean meal

#### Variations

- Add finely diced carrots or zucchini

- Use ground pork or chicken

- Include chopped mushrooms

- Add gochugaru for spice

- Mix in minced water chestnuts for crunch

#### Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.

## Nutrition per serving

- Calories: 528
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 213 mg