How to Make Hotteok: A Taste of Korea in Your Kitchen

Hotteok, also known as Korean sweet pancakes, are a beloved street food delicacy in Korea. These warm, chewy delights are filled with a gooey, sweet filling that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden brown pancake, only to be met with a burst of cinnamon, brown sugar, and crunchy peanuts. Sounds delicious, right? Well, the good news is, you don’t have to book a flight to Korea to enjoy this treat! This guide will show you How To Make Hotteok right in your own kitchen, with easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Authentic Hotteok

Making hotteok from scratch might seem intimidating, but I assure you, it’s surprisingly straightforward. Plus, using fresh ingredients makes a world of difference in terms of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (you can also substitute with half all-purpose and half bread flour for a chewier texture)
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (around 100-110°F)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus extra for greasing and cooking)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon powder
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for added nuttiness)

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel
• Non-stick skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Small bowl for mixing the filling
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Guide to Hotteok Perfection

1. Activate the Yeast: In the large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

3. Knead the Dough: Add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture, along with the vegetable oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until it starts to come together, then transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough.

4. Let the Dough Rise: Lightly oil the mixing bowl, place the dough back in, and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, combine all the filling ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

6. Shape and Fill the Hotteok: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc, about 4-5 inches in diameter. Place a generous tablespoon of the filling in the center of each disc.

7. Seal and Flatten: Bring the edges of the dough together to enclose the filling completely, pinching and twisting the seam to seal it well. Gently flatten the filled dough ball with your hand into a thick disc.

8. Cook to Golden Perfection: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly oil it. Cook the hotteok for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

   • Pro-Tip: To ensure the filling melts beautifully, slightly flatten the hotteok while cooking by gently pressing down on them with a spatula.

Hotteok Cooking on a Griddle

9. Serve Warm and Enjoy! Serve the hotteok immediately while they’re still warm and the filling is gooey. You can enjoy them as is, or add a drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.

Tips for Hotteok Success

• Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not too wet. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
• Filling Variations: Get creative with the filling! You can add different nuts like walnuts or pecans, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or even dried fruits like cranberries or raisins.
• Storage: Leftover hotteok can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day. Reheat them on a griddle or in a microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm again.

FAQs About Making Hotteok

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

A: Yes, you can! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step and add it directly to the dry ingredients.

Q: My hotteok filling is leaking out during cooking. What am I doing wrong?

A: This could be because the dough wasn’t sealed properly or the heat was too high. Make sure to pinch the edges tightly and cook them over medium heat to avoid any leakage.

Q: What can I serve with hotteok?

A: Hotteok is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. For a savory twist, try dipping it in our special hot sauce recipe!

Hotteok Platter

A Taste of Korean Tradition

Making hotteok is more than just following a recipe; it’s about experiencing a part of Korean culture in your own home. These sweet pancakes are best enjoyed with family and friends, sharing stories and creating memories over warm, delicious food. So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and treat them to a taste of Korea with this easy and delightful hotteok recipe!

Don’t forget to share your hotteok creations with us! We’d love to hear about your experience and any creative variations you come up with. Happy baking!