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🇰🇷 South Korea · Food

Hobak Jeon (Pan-Seared Zucchini)

40 min
A relaxed effort
🔥 280 kcal
Nicely balanced
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Hobak Jeon (Pan-Seared Zucchini)🇰🇷 KRAI-generated image

A classic, delicate Korean vegetable pancake made of zucchini slices lightly coated in flour and egg. These golden, savory medallions are a staple side dish in every Korean household.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Slice the zucchini into thin, even rounds about 0.5 cm thick to ensure they cook evenly and retain a slight crunch.

  • 2

    Sprinkle the salt over the zucchini slices and let them rest for 15 minutes to draw out excess water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels.

  • 3

    Dredge each zucchini slice lightly in flour, shaking off the excess so only a thin, translucent layer remains.

  • 4

    Whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl until no white streaks remain and add the finely sliced red chili for garnish.

  • 5

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat; the oil should shimmer but not smoke.

  • 6

    Dip each floured zucchini slice into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off before placing it carefully into the hot skillet.

  • 7

    Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the edges turn golden and the egg coating is set; work in batches to avoid crowding the pan.

  • 8

    Serve warm with a simple dipping sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, and a drop of sesame oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hobak Jeon?+

Hobak Jeon is a Korean pan-fried dish consisting of sliced zucchini coated in flour and egg. It is commonly served as a side dish or appetizer during meals and festive occasions.

How thin should I slice the zucchini?+

About 0.5 cm is ideal; too thick and the center remains raw, too thin and they become mushy.

Can I use gluten-free flour?+

Yes, cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose blend works perfectly well for the coating.

Why do I need to salt the zucchini first?+

Salting draws out excess moisture, preventing the batter from slipping off and ensuring the zucchini cooks properly.

Should I brown the eggs?+

No, the coating should stay a pale, delicate yellow; avoid high heat which will darken the eggs and make them bitter.

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