Name: Vegetable Pancake with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 zucchini (grated or julienned); 1 carrot (grated or julienned); ½ red onion (julienned); ¼ head cabbage (julienned); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp chickpea flour; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp turmeric; ½ tsp baking powder; ½ cup water; Avocado oil or olive oil (for frying); ½ cup peanut butter (or tahini); 3 tbsp soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free); ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp ground ginger; 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust spice as needed); 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce; 2-3 tbsp water (to thin as needed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

If you have been on the lookout for a vibrant, crispy, and utterly delicious snack or light meal, you will absolutely adore this Vegetable Pancake with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe. This dish offers a perfect blend of fresh, crunchy vegetables wrapped in a golden, savory pancake, paired with a creamy, bold peanut sauce that delivers just the right kick of spice. It’s a joy to prepare and even more delightful to eat, combining wholesome ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and exciting for your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch, a party appetizer, or a creative dinner option, this recipe shines in flavor and texture every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with coleslaw, showing thin shredded layers of white cabbage, orange carrot, thin green celery sticks, and small purple onion strips. The vegetables are mixed well with a creamy, light beige dressing. A pink spatula with a black handle is partially in the bowl, coated with the dressing on one side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a white cloth is softly folded and placed nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential to achieving that perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color in the Vegetable Pancake with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe. Each component brings something special, from the slight earthiness of the chickpea flour to the crunch of fresh vegetables and the fragrant warmth of spices.

Zucchini: Grated or julienned to add moisture and softness to the pancakes.
Carrot: Provides natural sweetness and a bright pop of color.
Red onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and a bit of bite.
Cabbage: Brings crunch and body to the batter.
All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together with structure and a light texture.
Chickpea flour: Adds nutty flavor and enhances the pancake’s sturdiness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate the natural flavors.
Turmeric: Infuses a warm color and subtle earthiness.
Baking powder: Helps the pancakes become light and fluffy.
Water: Adjusts the batter consistency to perfect thickness.
Peanut butter (or tahini): The creamy base for the dipping sauce, rich and nutty.
Soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free): Adds salty umami depth to the sauce.
Garlic powder and ground ginger: Bring aromatic warmth and subtle spice to the sauce.
Sriracha: Packs the sauce with the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a mild fruity contrast.
Water: Used to thin the dipping sauce to just the right consistency.

How to Make Vegetable Pancake with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by grating or julienning the zucchini, carrot, red onion, and cabbage. This step ensures that the vegetables mix evenly into the batter, giving your pancakes an appealing texture with plenty of fresh vegetable bites in every mouthful.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, chickpea flour, salt, black pepper, turmeric, and baking powder. Stir these dry ingredients until fully blended. Gradually add water, stirring to form a thick but spreadable batter. Once your batter is ready, fold in the prepared vegetables, making sure that every shred is coated and ready to cook into those crispy, golden pancakes.

Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

While the batter rests, whip up the dipping sauce by combining peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce in a bowl. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency, so it’s silky-smooth and perfect for dipping without overpowering the pancakes.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a splash of avocado or olive oil. Using a ¼ cup measure, scoop the batter into the pan and flatten it gently with a spatula until it spreads into a circle covering the pan’s base. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until the edges are crisp and golden. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes until fully cooked through and wonderfully crisp.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Once cooked, serve these delights warm, accompanied by the spicy peanut dipping sauce. The contrast of crispy edges, tender vegetable bits, and creamy, fiery sauce is what makes this Vegetable Pancake with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe an absolute winner every time.

How to Serve Vegetable Pancake with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe

A white plate with a golden brown vegetable pancake that has a rough, crispy texture, topped with small green onion pieces scattered on top. The pancake is partially sliced, with one piece slightly pulled away, showing layers of orange and white vegetable strands inside. A light brown peanut sauce with a smooth texture is drizzled on the pancake slice. A pair of light wooden chopsticks lie diagonally across the plate’s bottom right. On the white marbled surface, there is a small white bowl filled with a similar peanut sauce to the left and a small white bowl with bright green chopped onions to the lower right. Part of another white plate with more vegetable pancakes is visible at the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes can brighten the dish and add layers of texture. Think sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or chopped fresh cilantro for a hint of herbal freshness that complements the warm spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp cucumber salad or pickled radishes. These sides bring a cooling balance that highlights the richness of the peanut sauce and the warmth of the spices in the pancakes.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, stack the pancakes in a neat tower and drizzle extra peanut dipping sauce over the top. Alternatively, lay them out on a large platter surrounded by small bowls of additional dipping sauce and fresh veggies for a fun, interactive sharing platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have pancakes leftover, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When well covered, they keep their flavor and crispiness fairly well and make for quick, tasty snacks or meals the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked pancakes by placing parchment paper between each one and storing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep their best quality for up to 2 months. This makes it easy to enjoy the Vegetable Pancake with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe anytime you crave a crunchy, veggie-packed bite.

Reheating

To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and re-crisped. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the pancakes soft and soggy, losing the delightful texture that makes this recipe so special.

FAQs

Can I substitute other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just make sure to julienne or grate them finely so they cook evenly within the pancake batter.

Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

The Vegetable Pancake with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe can easily be made gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and using tamari instead of soy sauce.

How spicy is the dipping sauce? Can I adjust it?

The sauce has a moderate level of heat from the sriracha, but you can absolutely dial it up or down depending on your preference by adding more or less sriracha or sweet chili sauce.

Can I make the batter ahead and store it?

It’s best to prepare and cook the pancakes right after mixing the batter to keep the vegetables fresh and maintain the best texture. However, you can prep the veggies in advance and mix them in just before cooking.

What oil is best for cooking these pancakes?

Avocado oil or olive oil works wonderfully due to their mild flavor and good smoke point. You can also use other neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil depending on what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Vegetable Pancake with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of my personal favorites because it’s so easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and wonderfully versatile. The combination of crunchy vegetables, golden crispy edges, and that zesty peanut sauce creates a harmony that keeps me coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover all the little joys packed into every bite.