Hotteok: Sweet Korean Pancakes

Introduction

Hotteok is a popular street food in South Korea known for its delicious sweet flavor and chewy texture. These Korean pancakes are filled with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon, creating a perfect blend of flavors that make them irresistible to both locals and visitors.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine lukewarm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
3. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon for the filling.
4. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls. Flatten each ball and place a spoonful of the filling in the center. Seal the edges to enclose the filling.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the filled dough balls in the pan and flatten with a spatula. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
6. Remove from the pan and serve hot. Enjoy the sweet and indulgent Hotteok!

What is Hotteok?

Hotteok is a popular Korean street food made of a sweet and chewy pancake filled with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and nuts. It is fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, creating a delightful contrast in texture.

How is Hotteok different from regular pancakes?

Unlike traditional pancakes, Hotteok is filled with a sweet syrupy filling and is typically cooked by pan-frying instead of griddling. The filling melts and caramelizes during cooking, giving Hotteok its unique sweet and gooey center.

What are common variations of Hotteok?

While the classic Hotteok filling consists of brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and nuts, variations may include ingredients like chocolate, cream cheese, fruits, or savory options like cheese and vegetables. The possibilities are endless!