Hotteok (호떡): Sweet and Gooey Korean Pancakes

Hotteok (호떡) is a popular Korean street food that’s loved for its crispy exterior and sweet, gooey filling. These warm, chewy pancakes are filled with a delicious mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts, which melts into a syrupy center as the pancakes cook. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack on a chilly day or a comforting dessert after a meal, hotteok is a perfect choice. This delightful treat is especially popular in the winter months, offering a warm, comforting bite that’s hard to resist. Easy to make at home and endlessly customizable, hotteok is a must-try for anyone who loves sweet, sticky goodness!

Why You’ll Love Hotteok

1. Crispy on the Outside, Gooey on the Inside: Hotteok offers the perfect combination of textures—crispy on the outside with a warm, gooey filling that melts in your mouth.

2. Easy to Customize: While the classic filling features brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, you can easily swap in other ingredients like chocolate, red bean paste, or even Nutella for a fun twist.

3. Perfect for Snacking: Whether enjoyed as a midday snack or a dessert, hotteok is an irresistible sweet treat that’s perfect for any time of the day.

4. Comforting and Warm: Especially popular during the colder months, hotteok provides a warm, cozy experience that will satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you feeling comforted.

How to Enjoy Hotteok

1. Serve Warm: Hotteok is best served fresh and warm, right off the skillet, when the sweet filling is still gooey and the dough is perfectly crisp.

2. Great for Sharing: Whether you’re making hotteok for family, friends, or a cozy night in, these sweet pancakes are perfect for sharing and enjoying together.

With its chewy texture and sweet, syrupy filling, Hotteok is a treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Easy to make and endlessly delicious, it’s the perfect snack or dessert for anyone looking to experience the best of Korean street food. Give it a try and enjoy the irresistible flavors of hotteok!

Hotteok (호떡) – Korean Sweet Pancakes

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup warm water

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon dry yeast

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup sweet rice flour (optional, for extra chewiness)

For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or peanuts (optional)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)

For Frying:

• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar and dry yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast starts to foam.

   • Add the all-purpose flour, sweet rice flour (if using), salt, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft, sticky dough forms.

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and honey (if using). This will be the sweet, gooey filling for the hotteok.

3. Shape the Dough:

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.

   • Flatten each ball slightly with your hands, place about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center, and carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling to seal it. Shape it back into a ball, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed.

4. Fry the Hotteok:

   • Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.

   • Place the filled dough balls in the skillet, seam side down, and cook for about 30 seconds.

   • Using a spatula, gently press down on each hotteok to flatten it into a round pancake shape. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the hotteok is golden brown and crispy, and the filling has melted inside.

5. Serve:

   • Once the hotteok is cooked through and crispy on both sides, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

   • Serve hot and enjoy the sweet, gooey filling!

Optional Variations:

• Sweet Fillings: Try adding chocolate chips or sweet red bean paste to the filling for a different flavor.

• Savory Hotteok: For a savory version, replace the sugar filling with a mix of cheese, vegetables, or ground meat.

Tips:

• Dough Handling: The dough will be sticky, so oil your hands slightly to make it easier to work with.

• Filling Ideas: You can also experiment with different fillings, such as sesame seeds, coconut flakes, or even Nutella for a modern twist!

Serving Suggestions:

• Perfect Snack: Hotteok is best enjoyed warm and fresh, with the gooey filling oozing out when you take a bite. It’s perfect as a street snack or a sweet treat with tea or coffee.

This Hotteok recipe creates chewy, crispy pancakes filled with a sweet and nutty center, making it a delightful snack or dessert. Enjoy the rich flavors of Korean street food right in your own home!