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Korean Tuna Pancakes (Chamchijeon)

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Chamchijeon, or Korean Tuna Pancakes, are savory and crispy golden bites made with canned tuna, eggs, and vegetables. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or protein-packed snack, they’re quick, flavorful, and served with a tangy soy-vinegar dipping sauce.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 pancakes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Korean

Ingredients

185 g canned tuna, well-drained

2 large eggs, beaten

30 g green onions, finely chopped

45 g onion, finely diced

20 g red bell pepper or chili, finely diced

20 g green bell pepper or chili, finely diced

1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)

2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Ground black pepper, a few sprinkles

Cooking oil (e.g., rice bran oil)

For the Dipping Sauce:

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon water

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, vinegar, and sugar to make the dipping sauce. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine tuna, beaten eggs, green onions, onion, bell peppers, mayonnaise (if using), flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a little cooking oil.
  4. Scoop heaping spoonfuls of the tuna mixture into the skillet and flatten slightly with the back of the spoon.
  5. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Press gently to check doneness—no egg should seep out.
  6. Repeat with remaining mixture, adding oil as needed.
  7. Serve warm with dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy with rice or other Korean side dishes.

Notes

  • Add chopped kimchi for a spicy twist.
  • Use tuna and salmon mix for deeper flavor.
  • Replace bell peppers with shredded carrots or zucchini.
  • Add sesame oil for extra aroma.
  • Use mini spoonfuls for appetizer-size pancakes.
  • Omit flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Top with green chili slices for added heat.
  • Serve in lettuce wraps with rice for a low-carb option.
  • Air-fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes as an alternative to pan-frying.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/korean-tuna-pancakes-chamchijeon/