Vegan Kimchi Pancakes

Total time35 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time20 min

5.0

(4)

These crispy, savory pancakes are the kind of snack that disappears fast — golden and crackling at the edges, tender in the middle, and packed with the funky, tangy punch of kimchi in every bite. The batter comes together in minutes using pantry staples like flour, cornstarch, and baking powder, with cold water and kimchi brine doing the heavy lifting on flavor. One thing worth knowing: not all kimchi is made without fish sauce or shrimp paste, so sourcing a specifically vegan kimchi is the key step that makes this recipe work for plant-based eaters. Once you've got that, every other ingredient is naturally free of animal products — no swaps or substitutions needed. The dipping sauce is a bright, punchy mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a little sugar that comes together in about thirty seconds and ties the whole plate together. This recipe makes four servings, so it's great as a shared appetizer or a light meal alongside a simple salad. Serve them straight from the pan while the edges are still shatteringly crisp — they're at their absolute best hot.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the batter

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cornstarch
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup cold water
1 cup vegan kimchi, roughly chopped
3 tbsp kimchi brine (from the jar)
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1 tsp toasted sesame oil

For frying

4–5 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil), divided

For the dipping sauce

2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp gochugaru (korean red pepper flakes) (optional)

For serving

1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the gochugaru, if using. Set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold water, kimchi brine, and 1 tsp sesame oil, and stir until a smooth batter forms with no dry streaks.

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