Korean Seafood Pancake

Instructions

1. Prepare the batter
   In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, rice flour, and salt. Slowly add cold water while whisking to create a smooth batter. Add the beaten egg and sesame oil, mixing until well incorporated. The batter should have a consistency slightly thicker than pancake batter.
2. Prepare the seafood
   Clean and devein the shrimp, slice the squid into small pieces, and remove mussels from their shells. Pat all seafood dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier pancake.
3. Mix in the ingredients
   Add the green onions, shrimp, squid, mussels, and red bell pepper to the batter. Gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Cook the pancake
   Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Pour half of the batter mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly to form a pancake about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure seafood pieces are distributed evenly throughout the pancake.
5. Crisp the first side
   Cook for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Press down occasionally with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Add a few drops of oil around the edges to enhance crispiness.
6. Flip and finish cooking
   Carefully flip the pancake over using a large spatula (or slide it onto a plate first, then flip it back into the pan). Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil around the edges of the pancake. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the seafood is fully cooked.
7. Prepare the dipping sauce
   While the pancake is cooking, make the dipping sauce by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame seeds, and Korean red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
8. Serve the pancake
   Transfer the pancake to a cutting board and slice it into squares or triangles. Serve immediately while still hot and crispy, with the dipping sauce on the side. Traditionally eaten as a shared dish, with everyone taking pieces from the communal plate.