Hotteok Recipe: Korean Sweet Pancakes
Learn how to make Hotteok, the popular Korean winter street food. These sweet pancakes are crispy on the outside and filled with a gooey, sweet syrup. Perfect for a comforting snack!
Ingredients for Hotteok
Main Ingredients
- 1¼ cup (157g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1 tsp instant dry yeast
- ½ cup (125ml) lukewarm milk
- Some cooking oil
Fillings
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
- 2 tbsp crushed nuts (walnuts, peanuts, almond slices, or sunflower seeds)
Step-by-Step Directions for Making Hotteok
Prepare the Dough
- Sieve the flour into a large bowl. Add salt, sugar, yeast, and lukewarm milk. Mix well to form a dough. Cover with plastic wrap and let it ferment at room temperature until the dough doubles in size (about 1 hour at 27°C/80.6°F).
Rest the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the gas. Cover again and let it rest for another 20 minutes.
Shape the Pancakes
- Coat your hands with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Flatten each piece in your hand and add about 1 tablespoon of the filling mixture (brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts) to the center. Seal the dough by gathering the edges together.
Cook the Pancakes
- Preheat a frying pan over medium heat and add a thin layer of cooking oil. Place the dough balls in the pan and cook until the bottom is lightly golden brown (about 30 seconds). Flip over and press down with a solid turner or hotteok press. Cook until the bottom is golden brown (about 1 minute). Flip one last time, reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and cook until the sugar filling fully melts (about 1 minute).
Serve
- Transfer the pancakes to a plate and repeat the cooking process with the remaining dough. Enjoy hot!
Serving Suggestions
Hotteok is best enjoyed while still hot, with the filling gooey and warm. Serve as a delightful snack or dessert, and pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect treat.
The Story Behind Hotteok
Hotteok, also known as Korean sweet pancakes, is a beloved street food, especially popular during the winter months. These pancakes were introduced to Korea by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900s and have since become a staple of Korean street cuisine. Traditionally filled with dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, Hotteok offers a sweet and comforting experience with each bite. Variations now include savory fillings like vegetables, kimchi, bulgogi, and cheese. The crispy exterior and sweet, gooey interior make Hotteok an irresistible treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether bought from a street vendor or made at home, these pancakes bring warmth and joy, embodying the essence of Korean comfort food.