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Crispy vegetable pancakes served with Asian dipping sauce on a plate

Crispy Vegetable Pancakes

Delicious and crunchy vegetable pancakes served with a savory Asian dipping sauce, ideal for appetizers or a light meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the pancakes
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini squeeze out excess moisture for crispiness
  • 1/2 cup shredded potato optional, adds extra crispiness
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
  • 2 pieces green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 large eggs or substitute with flax eggs for vegan option
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour substitute: gluten-free 1:1 flour or chickpea flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch adds extra crunch
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed vegetable oil, for frying use neutral oil with high smoke point
For the dipping sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar use maple or agave to keep it vegan
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • 1 tablespoon water to thin, if needed

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Shred the carrots, zucchini, and potato. Finely chop the cabbage and green onions.
  2. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Make the batter
  1. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs (or flax mixture), flour, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
Combine ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine the drained vegetables and green onions. Pour the batter over them and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Cooking
  1. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Drop 2–3 tablespoonfuls of the mixture into the skillet for bite-sized pancakes, or 1/4 cup for larger ones. Flatten each mound into a thin round.
  3. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan and add more oil as needed.
Serve
  1. Transfer cooked pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack to stay crisp.
  2. Make the dipping sauce by whisking soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), grated ginger, and chili flakes in a small bowl, adding water to reach desired consistency.
  3. Plate the pancakes and serve with the dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

For vegan option, use flax egg mixture and adjust flour/cornstarch. Store cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.