CRISPY KIMCHI AND SCALLION PANCAKES

Crispy Kimchi and Scallion Pancakes image

Provided by Tracy Pollan

Yield 4-6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

For the dipping sauce:
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon chopped dried red chile pepper
1 teaspoon thinly sliced scallion
For the pancakes:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rice flour
Kosher salt
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup cold seltzer
1/4 cup kimchi liquid (reserved from draining the kimchi)
1 cup kimchi, drained and chopped
4 scallions, thinly sliced, green and white parts separated
1 tablespoon chopped fresh medium-spicy red chile pepper (such as Thai bird or cayenne)
3-4 tablespoons organic canola oil

Steps:

For the dipping sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, dried chile pepper, and scallion with 2 tablespoons water and stir to combine. Set aside.
For the pancakes:
Preheat the oven to 300°F.
In a large bowl, combine the two flours, 1/2 teaspoon salt, the egg, seltzer, and kimchi liquid and mix well to incorporate. Add the kimchi, scallion whites, and fresh red chile pepper and stir to combine.
In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1/2 tablespoon of the canola oil until shimmering. Ladle about 1/2 cup of the batter into the pan and cook undisturbed until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the pancake and cook until the second side is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and place in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining oil and batter, making six to eight 8-inch pancakes.
Remove the pancakes from the oven and slice into quarters. Garnish with the scallion greens and serve with the dipping sauce.