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Pajeon

Pajeon — a classic korean dish made simple at home.

60 min3 servesmedium

Pajeon is a classic vegetarian Korean recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 3 and comes together in roughly 60 minutes from prep to plate. It sits in the comfortable middle ground: nothing intimidating, but it rewards a little patience during the roughly 60 minutes of active cooking. The method is straightforward, with each step doing one clear job so the finished dish tastes balanced rather than busy.

The headline ingredients here are tofu, garlic and cucumber. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them. A few sensible swaps: tofu can be swapped for halloumi or extra-firm tofu in a pinch.

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Nutrition · per serving

232

kcal

36g

Protein

14g

Carbs

31g

Fat

main

Ingredients

  • tofu2
  • garlic4
  • cucumber3 tbsp
  • carrot150 g
  • sesame oil4
  • mirin2 tbsp
  • gochugaru2 cloves
  • saltstaple
  • pepperstaple

Method

  1. 1
    Step 1 ~12 min

    Prep all ingredients for pajeon and measure them out.

  2. 2
    Step 2 ~12 min

    Heat oil in a pan and sauté aromatics until fragrant.

  3. 3
    Step 3 ~12 min

    Add main ingredients and cook until just done.

  4. 4
    Step 4 ~12 min

    Season with salt, pepper and finish with fresh herbs.

  5. 5
    Step 5 ~12 min

    Plate and serve hot.

Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 60 minutes.

Pro tips & common mistakes

  • This is a longer cook, so taste as you go and adjust salt in small increments. It is much easier to season up at the end than to rescue a dish that has been over-salted early.
  • Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pajeon take to cook?
From prep to plate, Pajeon takes about 60 minutes and yields 3 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
Is Pajeon vegetarian?
Yes — this version of Pajeon is fully vegetarian. If you want to make it vegan, swap any dairy or eggs for a plant-based equivalent of the same texture.
What are the key ingredients in Pajeon?
The headline ingredients are tofu, garlic, cucumber. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 2 servings or double for 6. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
How should I store the leftovers?
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
Can I freeze Pajeon?
Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
What should I serve with Pajeon?
Pajeon pairs naturally with classic korean sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.