Hobak Jeon is a delicious and simple Korean dish made with zucchini slices lightly battered and pan-fried until golden and crispy. The zucchini retains its fresh, tender texture while the outer layer adds a satisfying crunch. Often served as a side dish or appetizer, Hobak Jeon is loved for its balance of flavors, from the mild sweetness of zucchini to the savory umami of the dipping sauce. It’s quick to prepare and offers a perfect way to enjoy this versatile vegetable.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for batter)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for crispiness)
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Chopped green onions (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Wash and trim the ends off the zucchinis. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
- Lightly salt the zucchini slices and set them aside for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This will help them crisp up better when frying. After 10 minutes, pat them dry with paper towels.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch together. The cornstarch helps create a crispier texture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to season. You can adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Coat the Zucchini:
- Dip each zucchini slice into the flour-cornstarch mixture, making sure it’s lightly coated. Then dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s well-coated. Finally, coat it again with the flour mixture.
- Pan-Fry the Zucchini:
- Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the coated zucchini slices in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the zucchini for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove the slices and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame seeds, and minced garlic (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve the pan-fried zucchini hot, with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy it as a side dish, snack, or appetizer!
The crispy exterior and tender inside make Hobak Jeon a simple but delicious way to enjoy zucchini. Pair with rice and other Korean dishes for a complete meal!
