Hotteok (Sweet Korean Pancakes) – Join us on an adventure that combines the comforting flavors of Korean street food with the irresistible sweetness of a dessert treat. Today we’re diving into the world of Hotteok those mouthwatering Korean Pancakes that are sure to make your taste buds dance with joy. With their tender dough and enchanting filling these pancakes are a must-try for any dessert lover. Let us be your guide as we take you through the process of creating these pockets of happiness.
Imagine this scene; your kitchen is filled with an aroma as the batch of Hotteok sizzles on the pan. It was a weekend morning when I embarked on my journey. The memory of my husband’s delight and my child’s impatient excitement as they eagerly waited for their share still warms my heart. These pancakes possess a quality that brings people together connecting us through the pleasure of indulgence.
What makes this Hotteok (Sweet Korean Pancakes) truly special?
What sets Hotteok apart is not only their taste but also the unforgettable experience they provide. Picture yourself taking a bite into a soft slightly chewy pancake that oozes with a filling. The delightful contrast between its crispy exterior and gooey interior takes you on an adventure, like no other. Hotteok effortlessly combines the enchantment of a classic Korean street treat, with the satisfaction of a dessert crafted with care.
What You Need To Make This Hotteok (Sweet Korean Pancakes) Recipe?
Flour: The delightful aspect of Hotteok lies in the blend of all purpose flour and rice flour. This unique combination is the secret, to achieving a balance between fluffiness and chewiness in these pancakes. Using high quality flours ensures a texture that will leave you craving for more.
Yeast: The addition of yeast works wonders by causing the dough to rise beautifully. This ingredient transforms the mixture into a texture that’s ideal for wrapping the filling. It’s important to use active yeast for results.
Granulated sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the dough while brown sugar takes the stage in the filling. The rich molasses notes in sugar create a treat that satisfies both your taste buds and your senses.
Ground cinnamon: A teaspoon of ground cinnamon combined with a touch of nutmeg creates a blend of comforting aromas. These spices infuse the filling with a depth of flavor that elevates your eating experience.
Nuts: Choosing between walnuts and pecans allows you to personalize your Hotteok. Walnuts bring nuttiness and a slight crunch while pecans offer a buttery richness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the filling. Follow your preferences without hesitation!
Milk and butter: The magical combination of milk and melted butter works wonders in creating the dough. The warmth, from milk activates the yeast while butter adds a texture that enhances this mouthwatering experience.
Cooking oil: Choosing the cooking oil is essential when aiming for those crispy and golden pancakes. It’s important to select an oil with a smoke point that allows for browning without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Steps To Make Hotteok (Sweet Korean Pancakes):
Step 1: In a large bowl mix together the all-purpose flour, rice flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar and salt.
Step 2: Pour in the milk and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the dough into a ball. Let it rise for 1 2 hours until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Once it has risen, divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Then flatten it to 4 inches wide.
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Step 5: Put 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center of each flattened dough circle.
Step 6: Fold the dough over the filling to create enclosed balls.
Step 7: Flatten these balls into pancakes about 3 inches
Step 8: Heat up 4 tablespoons of cooking oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Step 9: Cook the pancakes until they turn brown on both sides ( 30 seconds to 1 minute, per side).
Step 10: Add 1 tablespoon of water to the pan. Cover it with a lid. Let it cook for 30 seconds to allow the filling to melt.
Tip:
To make the Hotteok it’s about finding the right balance between sizzling and simmering. Here’s a fantastic tip to take your pancake game to the next level:
Start with a Sizzle; soon as you place the flattened dough with the filling onto the hot skillet listen closely for that delightful sizzle. It’s a sign that the dough is crisping up nicely in contact with the oil. Let it cook for around 30 seconds to 1 minute until it turns brown. Then add a tablespoon of water. Cover the pan with a lid. This creates a steam bath that allows the filling to transform into a creamy gooey masterpiece while keeping those pancakes soft and tender on the inside.
By mastering this sizzle and simmer technique you’ll achieve that contrast, between a crispy outer layer and an indulgent flavorful filling – just like they do in Korea with their beloved Hotteok!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of nut for the filling?
Of course! While the recipe suggests using walnuts feel free to try pecans. They’ll add a fun twist in both flavor and texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the dough ahead of time. Just make sure to cover it and refrigerate. When you’re ready to continue with the recipe let it come to room temperature and rise.
Are Hotteok best enjoyed warm?
Absolutely! Hotteok is best enjoyed when it’s still warm from the skillet. The combination of crispy exterior and melty filling creates a sensory experience.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Hotteok (Sweet Korean Pancakes)
Ingredients
Pancakes:
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- 1 packet yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup milk warmed
- 1 tbsp butter melted
- 4 tbsp cooking oil for frying
Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 3 tbsp walnuts chopped, substitute pecans
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl; mix together 1 1/4 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of rice flour, a packet of yeast, 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Next, add the wet ingredients; pour in 3/4 cup of warmed milk and 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir everything together until a dough forms.
- Allow the dough to rise; shape it into a ball and cover the bowl. Let it sit for around 1 to 2 hours until it almost doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into eight pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Then flatten them until they are 4 inches wide.
- Now it's time to fill and seal the pancakes; place 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each flattened dough circle. Fold over the dough to create a ball with the filling
- Gently flatten these filled balls into pancakes that are 3 inches wide.
- In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat four tablespoons of cooking oil.
- Fry the pancakes until they turn brown on both sides, which should take around half a minute to one minute per side.
- For some deliciousness add one tablespoon of water to the pan. Cover it with a lid. Allow them to steam for about half a minute so that the filling melts perfectly.
- Serve these delights and savor every bite! Experience the blend of textures and flavors that Hotteok offers providing you with an introduction, to the world of Korean street food and desserts.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
