I know a party starter when I see one. It’s the uncanny ability to stand out, draw a crowd, and get everyone stoked. Seoul Yummy Catering’s Kimchi Pancakes belong right here.
Stuffed with spicy kimchi, julienned carrots and spring onions, these crisp fried slices will be the life of every party – and buffet line.
But Kimchi Pancakes don’t just look good. Traditionally, they’re the go-to comfort food on rainy days. These days, they’ll be just as effective amping up the fun at a house party.
“I started preparing Kimchi Pancakes since I was a little girl”, Chef Lisa recalls while mixing kimchi, carrots and spring onion in a large bowl. Seasoning, water and tempura powder is added to the mix.
Chef Lisa first learnt the culinary ropes from her industrious mum, who was Head Chef of the family. Not surprisingly, Chef Lisa’s three younger siblings became her first satisfied customers.
Now, she’s taking a leaf from the book of “Lady Boss” – an affectionate term she’s coined for the director of Seoul Yummy Catering, Ms. Kim.
To ensure the quality of every slice of Kimchi Pancake on the catering line, Ms. Kim follows a family secret recipe, passed down from her dad.
To ensure the quality of every slice of Kimchi Pancake on the catering line, Ms. Kim follows a family secret recipe, passed down from her dad. This preparation takes place at the central kitchen, personally attended to by Ms. Kim. According to Ms. Kim, the same dedication has transformed her business from a food court outlet to a restaurant chain. Now, Ms. Kim has partnered premium caterer Catersmith to spice up buffet lines all over the island.
As I watch Chef Lisa hand knead the mishmash of ingredients to form an even blend, I begin to understand the work that goes into every Kimchi Pancake.
Stepping away from the mixing bowl, Chef Lisa pours a little oil onto the heated griddle. She then adds a ladleful of the orange mixture to it. The liquid begins to sizzle and solidify.
To serve up a truly crispy indulgence, Chef Lisa presses the mixture evenly with her frying spatula. She then flips the pancake and grills it till it’s crispy on both sides.
The work doesn’t end here, I remind myself. Tasked to satiate every guest at corporate events and house parties, Catersmith serves Kimchi Pancakes on porcelain plates under heat lamps. All this care is taken to ensure customers never get a soggy pancake.
Catersmith serves Kimchi Pancakes on porcelain plates under heat lamps. All this care is taken to ensure customers never get a soggy pancake.
The timing is impeccable. A completed Kimchi Pancake has appeared right before my eyes, courtesy of a very diligent Chef Lisa. I point out something of interest: “This pancake looks a little smaller than usual.”
“It is,” Chef Lisa replies, beaming. She’s made her version smaller and less oily – a greater crispy surface on every pancake. Brilliant!
She’s [Chef Lisa] made her version smaller and less oily – a greater crispy surface on every pancake. Brilliant!
I inspect the dish, whose reputation has preceded it. Ms. Kim claims these savoury pancakes make her kids go wild with excitement. I’m about to find out for myself.
Brandishing a fork, I take a bite of Chef Lisa’s creation. Then another. And another. “Oh, wow. This is really addictive!”
Every bite of the Kimchi Pancake sends a little shot of spiciness down my throat.
It’s amazing how this side dish, dipped in a little homemade vinegar chilli sauce, can leave my taste buds dancing in joy.
Every bite of the Kimchi Pancake sends a little shot of spiciness down my throat. It’s amazing how this side dish, dipped in a little homemade vinegar chilli sauce, can leave my taste buds dancing in joy.
With divine Kimchi Pancakes for dinner, what more can I ask –
Well, actually, maybe a bottle of milky rice wine? And some rocking Kpop beats, please.
