Borisaeu Buchujeon || Small Dried Shrimp and Chive Pancake, 보리새우부추전 Leave a comment

Borisaeu Buchujeon (보리새우부추전) is a savory and aromatic Korean pancake (jeon) featuring two key ingredients: small dried shrimp (borisaeu, 보리새우) and chives (buchu, 부추). This jeon is characterized by the umami-rich and slightly salty flavor of the dried shrimp, the mild oniony taste of the chives, and a satisfyingly chewy and slightly crispy texture. It’s a popular side dish, appetizer, or snack that is relatively easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

The Key Ingredients: Small Dried Shrimp and Chives

• Small Dried Shrimp (Borisaeu): Borisaeu are tiny shrimp that have been dried, concentrating their natural sweetness and a significant amount of umami flavor. They also provide a slightly chewy texture to the pancake. Unlike larger shrimp, these small dried ones are often used whole in dishes, adding a burst of savory seafood essence in every bite.
• Chives (Buchu): Buchu, also known as garlic chives or Chinese chives, have a mild garlic-onion flavor that is less pungent than regular onions. They contribute a fresh, herbaceous note to the pancake and provide a slightly chewy texture as they cook. Their vibrant green color also adds visual appeal.

The Flavor Profile: Savory, Umami, and Mildly Oniony

Borisaeu Buchujeon offers a delightful combination of savory and umami flavors from the dried shrimp, balanced by the mild oniony taste of the chives. The dried shrimp release their concentrated seafood essence as the pancake cooks, permeating each bite with a rich, slightly salty, and deeply satisfying taste. The chives provide a refreshing counterpoint, preventing the pancake from being overly rich and adding a subtle aromatic complexity.

The Textural Elements: Chewy and Slightly Crispy

The texture of Borisaeu Buchujeon is satisfyingly varied:

• Chewy Shrimp: The small dried shrimp, even after being incorporated into the batter and cooked, retain a pleasant chewiness that adds a unique element to the pancake.
• Slightly Chewy Chives: The chives soften as they cook but still offer a slight chewiness, contributing to the overall texture.
• Crispy Edges: When cooked properly, the edges of the jeon become slightly crispy, providing a pleasant contrast to the softer interior.
• Tender Batter: The batter itself, typically made from flour and water or broth, creates a tender and cohesive base for the shrimp and chives.

Nutritional Aspects

Borisaeu Buchujeon offers some nutritional benefits:

• Dried Shrimp: A good source of protein and minerals like calcium.
• Chives: Contain vitamins (such as Vitamin C and Vitamin K) and antioxidants.
• Relatively Low in Fat: When cooked with a moderate amount of oil, it can be a relatively light dish.

The Preparation Process: Simple and Flavorful

Preparing Borisaeu Buchujeon is a straightforward process:

1. Preparing the Ingredients: The dried shrimp are often briefly soaked in water or broth to soften them slightly. The chives are washed and chopped into short lengths.
2. Making the Batter: A simple batter is made using flour (all-purpose or a mix with rice flour for crispiness), water or broth, and sometimes a beaten egg for binding. The consistency is usually thin enough to spread easily in the pan.
3. Combining Ingredients: The soaked dried shrimp and chopped chives are mixed into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4. Cooking the Pancake: A thin layer of the batter with the shrimp and chives is poured onto a lightly oiled, preheated pan. It’s cooked over medium heat until the bottom is golden brown and the edges are crispy.
5. Flipping and Finishing: The pancake is carefully flipped and cooked on the other side until it is also golden brown and cooked through.

How It’s Typically Enjoyed

Borisaeu Buchujeon is best enjoyed hot and is often served with a simple dipping sauce to enhance its flavors:

• Soy Sauce-Based Dipping Sauce: A common sauce is made with soy sauce, vinegar, a touch of sugar or rice syrup, and sometimes chopped scallions or thinly sliced chili peppers for a bit of heat.
• Simple Seasoning: Some people enjoy it without any sauce to fully appreciate the natural flavors of the shrimp and chives.

It is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish to accompany a larger Korean meal, a flavorful appetizer to start a meal, or a satisfying snack on its own. The combination of savory shrimp and aromatic chives makes Borisaeu Buchujeon a delightful and easy-to-enjoy Korean pancake.

This image was created using customized data from the Korea Tourism Organization's TourAPI, which is freely accessible under the Public Domain License Type 3. This data can be downloaded for free from api.visitkorea.or.kr. (본 이미지는 ‘한국관광공사’에서 작성하여 공공누리 제3유형으로 개방한 ‘한국관광공사 TourAPI의 맞춤형데이터’를 이용하였으며, 해당 저작물은 ‘api.visitkorea.or.kr’에서 무료로 다운받으실 수 있습니다.)