Pan-fried Breaded Zucchini, Hobakjeon
호박전
Here is another great way to enjoy delicious and healthy zucchini. This can be served as a main dish, banchan (side dish), appetizer, snack or party food. You can easily add beautiful decorations to make your table eye-goggling.
You can use this exact same recipe for other vegetables or tofu. See pan-fried breaded tofu here.
Buy Korean ingredients online here.
Here is another great way to enjoy delicious and healthy zucchini. This can be served as a main dish, banchan (side dish), appetizer, snack or party food. You can easily add beautiful decorations to make your table eye-goggling.
You can use this exact same recipe for other vegetables or tofu. See pan-fried breaded tofu here.
Buy Korean ingredients online here.
INGREDIENTS
shop these ingredients online »main ingredients | ||
| 4 | Zucchini, Korean (Grey Squash) 애호박 | |
| 2 cups | Flour 밀가루 | |
| 4 | Egg 계란 | |
| ¼ cup | Salt 소금 | |
| 1⅓ tbs | Black Pepper 후추 (optional) | |
| ¾ cup | Vegetable Oil 식용유 | |
for decoration & dipping sauce | ||
| ¼ cup | Soy Sauce (regular) 왜간장 | |
| ¼ cup | Vinegar 식초 | |
| ¼ cup | Water 물 | |
| 1⅔ tsp | Garlic (minced) 다진 마늘 | |
| 2 | Green Onion 파 | |
| 8 | Red Chili Pepper 붉은 고추 (optional) | |
| 8 | Green Chili Pepper 풋고추 (optional) | |
| 1 oz | Ssukgot (Crown Daisy) 쑥갓 (optional) | |
Optional Ingredients and Substitutions
Ssukgot (crown daisy) This is mainly for decoration. You can omit this or you can use other herbs. But, please note that using other herbs with a strong flavor or aroma will alter the taste of the whole dish. Use only if you like the particular herb taste. Also, some herbs like parsley are not traditionally used in Korean cooking. So, while you can add whatever you like, keep in mind that you may be adding a fusion kick.
Chili peppers In this dish, chili peppers are used for decoration and in the dipping sauce. Chili peppers in the dipping sauce add a nice, subtle spicy kick. But, you can omit it or you can add gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) or dried chili pepper instead.
Buchimgaru You can use buchimgaru (korean pancake mix) instead of regular flour for extra flavor and crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breading is coming off the zucchini. What's wrong?
Breading might come off if:
1) You forgot to dredge the zucchini in flour or buchimgaru before coating with eggs; or
2) The surface of zucchini was very wet (i.e., if you soaked zucchini in the water after slicing and did not pat-dry it with a towel)
3) Your pan is not good. if your pan is not non-stick or too old, the breading will stick to the pan.
4) You forgot to oil the pan, and the breading is sticking to it.
My tofu is not crispy enough. How come?
If you like crispy texture, you'll want to add more oil, pre-heat and cook on high heat. Be extra careful when you add zucchini to a preheated pan. Hot oil can splash everywhere (especially if your hands were wet and dripping). Have a splash guard or a lid ready in case. If you want them extra crispy, you can always deep-fry them.
More questions?
Please leave your questions below in the comments section. We will do our best to answer as soon as we can.
instructions |
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summary |
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Ingredient amounts in the recipe instructions are for the default serving size. |
Click to enlarge photos. |
Ingredient amounts in the recipe summary are for the default serving size. |
1. Wash & CutWash zucchini. Dry it with a kitchen towel. Cut zucchini into ⅛” (3 mm) slices. |
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1
Wash zucchini Dry Slice into ⅛” (3 mm) |
2. Prep 1Mince 1 clove of garlic. Chop ½ green onion. |
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2
Mince 1 garlic clove Chop ½ green onion. |
3. Prep 2 (OPTIONAL)Wash and thinly slice red and green chili peppers. If the slices are too thick, they won’t stick to the zucchini. Wash and pat-dry ssukgot (crown daisy). Chili peppers can be used for decoration and dipping sauce. Ssukgot (crown daisy) is used for decoration only. Decoration is optional. And you can make simple dipping sauce without chili peppers although they add a nice kick to the sauce. |
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3
Wash & slice
Wash & pat-dry
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4. SeasonSprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the zucchini slices. |
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4
Season zucchini both sides
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5. Dredge in flourLightly dredge the zucchini slices in flour or buchimgaru (korean pancake mix). |
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5
Dredge in flour or buchimgaru |
6. Coat with eggBeat an egg with ⅛ tsp of salt. (You may need more eggs depending on the size of zucchini.) Coat with egg by dipping the zucchini slices in the egg mix. Flip the zucchini in the egg mix so all sides are coated. |
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6
Beat an egg with ⅛ tsp salt Coat zucchini with egg |
7. PanfryCoat a nonstick pan with vegetable oil and preheat for 1 minute. Add zucchini slices. Add sliced chili peppers and ssukgot (crown daisy) on top for decoration. Cook until the bottom is light golden brown. If you pan-fry on high heat, it will be crispier. If you want softer texture, cook on low heat. |
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7
Coat pan with vegetable oil
Add zucchini Decorate with chili peppers & ssukgot Cook tofu until light golden brown |
8. FlipFlip the zucchini. Cook until the other side is golden color. Transfer them onto paper towel or a flat strainer to drain oil. |
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Flip Cook until golden Place paper towel |
9. Dipping sauceMix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of water, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, ½ tsp of minced garlic. Add sliced chili peppers and chopped green onions. You can add ground sesame seeds if you want a more nutty flavor. |
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9
Mix
Add
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10. ServeArrange the zucchini on a plate. Serve it with a dipping sauce on the side. |
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10
Serve |
1 min
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