Modeum Jeon Recipe by Asia Market for Mid-Autumn Festival

Modeum Jeon, often simply referred to as "Jeon," is a quintessential Korean dish enjoyed during Chuseok, the Korean Mid-Autumn Festival. This holiday, much like its Chinese counterpart, is a time for family reunions and giving thanks for the harvest. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest.

Modeum Jeon, which translates to "assorted pancakes," consists of various ingredients such as vegetables, fish, and meats that are battered and pan-fried. This dish reflects the Korean tradition of using seasonal and harvested ingredients, making it especially significant during Chuseok.

Ingredients

  • 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
  • 1 sweet potato, thinly sliced
  • 200g beef (or pork), thinly sliced
  • 200g white fish fillets, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 200g shrimp, cleaned and deveined
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Preparation:

    • Sprinkle salt on the zucchini, carrot, and sweet potato slices, and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
    • Season the beef, fish, and shrimp with salt and pepper.

  2. Batter and Fry:

    • Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add vegetable oil.
    • Dredge each piece of vegetable, fish, beef, and shrimp in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs.
    • Fry in batches until each piece is golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Add more oil as needed between batches.
    • Place cooked Jeon on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

  3. Serve:

    • Arrange the assorted Jeon beautifully on a platter. Serve with a side of soy sauce for dipping.

Jeon Recipe for Mid-Autumn Festival

Variations

Modern Twist

Introduce a dipping sauce combining soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of chili flakes to add a modern zing and complement the mild flavors of the Jeon.

Shop Our Range of Sauces

Personal Cooking Suggestions

  • Ensure the slices of vegetables and meats are of uniform thickness to promote even cooking.
  • Keeping the frying oil at the correct temperature (medium heat) is crucial to prevent the Jeon from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.

Modeum Jeon, with its delightful array of flavors and textures, encapsulates the spirit of sharing and thankfulness inherent in Chuseok.

This dish not only celebrates the agricultural bounty of Korea but also brings families together in a festive, delicious way.

As you prepare and share Modeum Jeon, you embrace the rich culinary traditions that enhance the significance of the Korean Mid-Autumn Festival.