🇰🇷 South Korea · Food
Hobak Jeon (Pan-Seared Zucchini)
By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
🇰🇷 KRAI-generated imageA 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
check them off as you prepareHow 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.
🇰🇷 KRAI-generated imageMundo Match
This dish doesn't have a strong Mundo Match yet — but here's the closest ingredient overlap we found across the world's cuisines.


