Name: Quick & Easy Korean Zucchini Fritters (Hobak Jeon) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 0.885 lb zucchini (or 2 x 7-inch long zucchinis); 2 large eggs; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1/4 cup potato starch (or cornstarch for gluten-free, or all-purpose flour); 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil); 2 tbsp regular soy sauce (or tamari sauce or coconut aminos for gluten-free); 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar/apple cider vinegar); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tsp sesame seeds; 1/2 tsp gochugaru (or red pepper flakes/sliced chilis)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 45 reviews

If you are craving a delightful snack or a light side dish that bursts with fresh flavors, my Quick & Easy Korean Zucchini Fritters (Hobak Jeon) Recipe is absolutely the answer. These little golden patties are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with the subtle sweetness of zucchini combined with a savory edge from the perfect dipping sauce. What I love about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together using simple pantry staples, yet delivers a satisfying dish that feels truly special every time. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a longtime fan, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two dark green zucchinis are placed vertically side by side on the left on a white marbled surface. To their right, nine clear glass bowls with different ingredients are neatly arranged in three rows. The top row has bowls with white salt, dark soy sauce, and light brown sesame seeds. The middle row contains light yellow oil, a small bowl of golden liquid, and amber-colored liquid. The bottom row shows white flour, a bowl with two cracked raw eggs showing yellow yolks and clear whites, and a small bowl with a light clear liquid. The setup is clean and bright with the bowls and ingredients clearly visible, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Before you start, gather a handful of straightforward ingredients that work in harmony to create this irresistible dish. Each component brings something unique—whether it’s texture, flavor, or color—making these fritters shine in their simplicity and authenticity.

Zucchini: Choose medium-sized zucchinis for the perfect balance of moisture and flavor.
Eggs: These bind the fritters and add a light richness to the batter.
Salt: Essential for drawing out excess moisture and enhancing the natural sweetness of zucchini.
Potato starch (or cornstarch/all-purpose flour): Creates a crispy coating and keeps fritters from being soggy.
Sesame oil: Adds a warm, toasted aroma that’s iconic in Korean cooking.
Vegetable oil: For frying, pick a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that perfect golden crust.
Soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos): Forms the base of the dipping sauce, delivering salty umami flavor.
Rice vinegar (or white/apple cider vinegar): Brings a bright acidity to balance the soy in the dipping sauce.
Sesame seeds: A lovely finishing touch offering nutty crunch and pretty specks on the sauce.
Gochugaru (or red pepper flakes/sliced chilis): Adds a gentle heat, making the dipping sauce beautifully vibrant.

How to Make Quick & Easy Korean Zucchini Fritters (Hobak Jeon) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Salt the Zucchini

Start by slicing your zucchinis into even 1/4-inch thick rounds, removing the ends to ensure each fritter cooks uniformly. Then, lay them out in a single layer and sprinkle salt generously on both sides. This step is a little magic trick that draws out the watery moisture, ensuring your fritters crisp up instead of steaming in the pan. Let them rest for about 10 minutes, then gently pat dry with kitchen paper to remove any excess liquid.

Step 2: Coat with Starch

Next, dredge each zucchini slice in potato starch or your chosen flour substitute. This thin layer is absolutely crucial as it gives the fritters their signature crispy crust. Make sure every bite is covered but avoid leaving thick clumps—shake off the extra flour before moving on. Arrange the coated slices on parchment paper so they don’t stick together while you get ready for the next steps.

Step 3: Make the Egg Batter

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs with toasted sesame oil. This mixture not only helps the starch adhere better to the zucchini but infuses a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the vegetables. It’s a simple step that elevates the whole dish.

Step 4: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each starch-coated zucchini slice into the egg batter before placing it carefully into the hot pan. Fry in batches to avoid crowding, giving each side about 2-3 minutes until they shimmer with a gorgeous golden-brown color. Transfer the cooked fritters to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil so they stay crisp and delightful.

Step 5: Whip Up the Dipping Sauce

While your fritters are cooling just a bit, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, remaining sesame oil, sesame seeds, and gochugaru in a small bowl. This tangy, savory, slightly spicy dipping sauce is the perfect partner for your zucchini fritters, adding an irresistible kick of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Korean Zucchini Fritters (Hobak Jeon) Recipe

A small golden brown fried zucchini slice with a crispy texture is held by black chopsticks above a clear glass bowl filled with dark soy sauce sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Behind, a white plate is stacked with many similar fried zucchini slices, showing their round shape, golden crust, and green edges. The setup rests on a white marbled surface next to a folded white textured cloth. The image focuses closely on the dipping action. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your fritters to the next level, sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions or a pinch of extra toasted sesame seeds on top. These garnishes boost the visual appeal and add subtle layers of flavor that make each bite even more memorable.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice and other Korean staples like kimchi or a fresh cucumber salad. The fritters provide a crispy, hearty contrast that’s perfect alongside lighter or fermented sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn the zucchini fritters into a Korean-style appetizer platter by serving them with a variety of dipping sauces—such as spicy gochujang mayo or garlic soy dip. Or stack them with layers of paper-thin radish for a playful snack that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra fritters, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing to keep them from becoming soggy.

Freezing

Freezing zucchini fritters is absolutely possible! Arrange cooked fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month, making quick meals a breeze.

Reheating

For crispy leftovers, reheat the fritters in a skillet over medium heat or pop them into a toaster oven rather than microwaving, which can make them lose their delightful crunch. A few minutes on each side should do the trick to restore that fresh-from-the-pan crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use another vegetable instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! While zucchini is the classic choice for hobak jeon, thin slices of sweet potato or eggplant can also be delicious. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as some veggies may require a little longer to soften or crisp up.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use potato starch or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour to coat the zucchini, and swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for the dipping sauce. This simple swap keeps the recipe flavorful and fully gluten-free.

Is there a vegan version of this fritter?

For a vegan twist, you can substitute the eggs with a mixture of chickpea flour and water to create a similar binding effect. Keep in mind the texture will be slightly different, but it will still be tasty!

Why do I need to salt the zucchini before cooking?

Salting draws out excess water from zucchini, preventing watery batter and soggy fritters. It concentrates the flavor and is key to achieving that irresistible crispy texture we all love.

Can I make the dipping sauce less spicy?

Definitely. Simply reduce or omit the gochugaru or red pepper flakes and adjust seasoning to your taste. The sauce will remain flavorful, just milder and perfect for sensitive palates.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this Quick & Easy Korean Zucchini Fritters (Hobak Jeon) Recipe as much as I do. It’s a wonderful way to bring a little Korean home cooking warmth to your table without much fuss. Crisp, fresh, and perfectly seasoned — these fritters are a delicious reminder that simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavors. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite!