10 Best Sauces for Korean Pancakes

Korean pancakes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Whether you’re making traditional Korean pancakes (jeon) or savory pancakes with vegetables (bindaetteok), the key to making them taste great is in the sauce.

From sweet and sour to spicy and tangy, there are many different sauces that can bring out the flavor of your Korean pancakes.

But which one should you choose?

In this article, I’ll walk you through 10 of the best sauces for Korean pancakes so that you can find the perfect match for your next meal!

What Are Korean Pancakes?

Korean pancakes, also known as jeon or buchimgae, are a type of savory pancake made with various ingredients such as vegetables, seafood, and meats.

They are usually served as an appetizer or side dish in Korean cuisine.

The batter is typically made from wheat flour and eggs mixed with water or broth to create a thin consistency.

The ingredients are then added to the batter before it is fried in oil until golden brown.

Korean pancakes can be enjoyed on their own or dipped into sauces like soy sauce and gochujang (a spicy red chili paste).

They can also be topped with sesame seeds for extra flavor.

These pancakes make a great snack or light meal when served alongside other dishes like kimchi and rice.

10 Best Sauces for Korean Pancakes

Korean pancakes are a delicious snack and can be enjoyed with a variety of sauces.

Here are ten great options that can be used to top your Korean pancakes:

1. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a dark, salty liquid made from fermented soybeans, wheat, and salt.

It is widely used in Asian cooking as a condiment and for seasoning.

Soy sauce has a rich umami flavor that adds depth to dishes and can be used to enhance the flavors of many ingredients.

Common Uses

Soy sauce is commonly used as an ingredient in marinades and sauces for meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, and tofu.

It can also be used to add flavor to stir-fries or soups.

In Korean cuisine specifically, soy sauce is often added to Korean pancakes (known as pajeon) along with other ingredients such as kimchi or seafood.

The savory combination of flavors makes these pancakes a delicious snack or meal any time of day!

2. Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made from red chili peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans and salt.

It has a thick, sticky texture with a sweet and spicy flavor.

The heat level of gochujang varies depending on the brand and how it was prepared.

Common Uses

Gochujang is used in many traditional dishes such as bibimbap (rice bowl), jjigae (stew) and tteokbokki (spicy stir-fried rice cakes).

It can also be used to season grilled meats or tofu, as well as marinades for fish or vegetables.

Gochujang can also be added to soups, stews and sauces for extra flavor.

For breakfast, try adding it to scrambled eggs or omelets for an extra kick of spice!

3. Sesame Oil and Salt

Sesame oil is a type of vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds.

It has a nutty flavor that works well in many dishes, including Korean pancakes.

Salt is an essential mineral used to season and enhance the flavor of foods.

Common Uses

Sesame oil and salt are commonly used when making Korean pancakes.

The sesame oil lends a nutty flavor to the dish, while the salt helps to bring out all of the other flavors in the pancake.

Sesame oil can also be used as a finishing touch on top of cooked pancakes for added flavor and texture.

Salt can be added at any stage during cooking or just before serving, depending on personal preference.

4. Honey Mustard Sauce

Honey mustard sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment made from honey, mustard, and other ingredients.

The combination of the two flavors creates a unique flavor that is perfect for dipping, drizzling, or marinating meats and vegetables.

Common Uses

Honey mustard sauce can be used as a dip for chicken nuggets, french fries, onion rings, and more.

It can also be used as a topping on burgers or sandwiches instead of ketchup or mayonnaise.

For those who enjoy cooking with Asian flavors, honey mustard sauce makes an excellent glaze for grilled salmon or pork chops.

Additionally, it can be used to marinate chicken wings before baking them in the oven.

5. Miso Paste

Miso paste is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans.

It has a salty, umami flavor and can be used to add depth of flavor to many dishes.

It is typically sold in jars or tubs, usually in the refrigerated section of Asian markets.

Common Uses

Miso paste can be used as a marinade for fish, meat, and vegetables.

It can also be added to soups, stews, sauces, dressings, and dips for an extra layer of flavor.

When using miso paste in cooking it should not be boiled or cooked for too long as this will destroy the beneficial enzymes and probiotics found in the paste.

Instead, it should be added towards the end of cooking time or served raw on top of dishes such as salads or noodles.

6. Kimchi Miso Dressing

Kimchi miso dressing is a traditional Korean condiment made with kimchi, miso paste, and other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sugar.

It has a slightly sweet and spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with savory dishes like Korean pancakes.

Common Uses

Kimchi miso dressing is commonly used to top off Korean pancakes.

It can also be used as a dipping sauce for fried foods or vegetables.

Additionally, it can be added to soups or stews for an extra kick of flavor.

The dressing can also be used to marinate meats or fish before cooking for an extra boost of umami flavor.

7. General Tso Sauce

General Tso sauce is a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers.

It is commonly used in Chinese-American cuisine as a condiment for fried dishes such as chicken or shrimp.

Common Uses

General Tso sauce can be used to make Korean pancakes more flavorful. Simply mix the ingredients together and pour over the pancakes before serving.

The sweetness of the sauce pairs well with the savory flavors of the pancake batter and toppings.

Additionally, General Tso Sauce can also be used as a dipping sauce for other types of fried foods such as spring rolls or egg rolls.

It can also be added to stir-fries or served over noodles for an extra kick of flavor.

8. Spicy Mayo

Spicy mayo is a condiment made from mayonnaise, sriracha (or other hot sauce), and sometimes garlic or onion powder.

It is used to add flavor and spice to sandwiches, burgers, salads, wraps, tacos, burritos, and more.

Common Uses

Spicy mayo can be used as a dipping sauce for French fries or sweet potato fries; it’s also great on fish tacos or in tuna salad. It can be used as a topping for burgers or grilled chicken sandwiches.

You can even use it as the base of a spicy macaroni salad with diced red onion and bell peppers.

For breakfast, you can try making an egg sandwich with spicy mayo – just spread some on one side of two slices of bread before adding your fried eggs!

9. Ketchup

Ketchup is a condiment made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices.

It is usually thick and sweet-tasting and has a slightly tangy flavor.

It is often used as a dipping sauce or spread on sandwiches or burgers.

Common Uses

Ketchup can be used in many dishes to add sweetness and depth of flavor.

It can be used as an ingredient in marinades, dressings, sauces, soups, stews, curries, casseroles, stir fries and more.

Ketchup also makes an excellent accompaniment to Korean pancakes; it adds a hint of sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the dish perfectly.

Ketchup can also be used as a dip for fried foods such as French fries or onion rings.

10. Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet and sour sauce is a popular condiment in many Asian cuisines.

It is made with sugar, vinegar, and other ingredients such as tomato paste, garlic, ginger, onions, or pineapple juice.

The flavor of sweet and sour sauce can vary from mild to spicy depending on the ingredients used.

Common Uses

Sweet and sour sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for Korean pancakes (pajeon).

It can also be used as a marinade for meats or vegetables before they are cooked.

The sweetness of the sauce helps to tenderize the food while adding flavor.

Sweet and sour sauce can also be served over rice dishes or noodles for an extra punch of flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many great sauces that can be used to enhance the flavor of Korean pancakes.

From soy sauce to spicy mayo, there is something for everyone.

Some of the best sauces for Korean pancakes include soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), sesame oil and salt, honey mustard sauce, miso paste, kimchi miso dressing, general tso sauce, spicy mayo, ketchup, and sweet and sour sauce.

Each of these sauces will add a unique flavor and texture to your pancakes, making them more enjoyable than ever.

So, the next time you make Korean pancakes, don’t forget to top them off with one of these delicious sauces.