Even if you‘re not familiar with mung beans, don’t let that stop you from trying this delicious Korean “jeon,” or fritter.

With a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior, this warm pancake is made from ground mung beans and topped with chopped vegetables. Some vendors add extra ingredients like pork or kimchi to boost the flavor.

It’s often served with a soy-based dipping sauce, blended with vinegar, sesame oil and scallions, which enhances the savory taste of the pancake.

Nokdujeon was traditionally prepared as part of food offerings for Korean ancestral ceremonies, but today, it has become a beloved snack for locals at traditional markets, where street vendors make large batches to satisfy eager customers.

For the perfect pairing, enjoy this delicious dish with a glass of Korean rice wine, or makgeolli.

(Nokdujeon, mung bean pancake, Korean-style mung bean fritters, savory nokdu jeon, traditional Korean pancake made with mung beans)