Sweet Potato and Kimchi Pancakes
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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These sweet potato and kimchi pancakes offer a delightful balance of earthy sweetness and fermented tang. This vegetarian dish transforms humble root vegetables into a vibrant, textural treat, with the spicy kick of kimchi and fresh chillies cutting through the richness. The julienned sweet potato creates a lacy, crisp exterior while remaining tender in the centre, making them an excellent choice for a light lunch or an impressive starter.
Perfect for those seeking a quick and healthy homemade snack, these savoury pancakes are packed with the gut-friendly benefits of fermented cabbage and vitamin-rich sweet potatoes. Serve them immediately while they are at their crispest, paired with a simple soy-vinegar dipping sauce to enhance the bold, salty flavours of the kimchi.
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Ingredients for Sweet Potato and Kimchi Pancakes
450g sweet potatoes
240ml packed kimchi (200g), very thinly sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh serrano chillies (including seeds
amount depends on heat of kimchi)
160g thinly sliced spring onions (from about 2 bunches)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon kosher salt
180ml plain flour
About 120ml corn oil or lard
Accompaniment: soy-vinegar dipping sauce
Equipment: an adjustable-blade slicer
How to make Sweet Potato and Kimchi Pancakes
Peel sweet potatoes and julienne using slicer (about 1450ml ).
Stir potato together with remaining ingredients except oil. Let mixture stand at room temperature until wilted and moist, about 5 minutes, then stir again.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Filling a 1/3-cup measure halfway full with potato mixture for each pancake and working in batches of 5 or 6, tap out into oil, gently flattening pancakes with a spatula to about 1/4 inch thick. Cook until golden brown, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Flip, adding a little more oil if necessary, and cook until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Add oil to skillet between batches as needed. Serve warm, with dipping sauce.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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