Hotteok Recipe: A Delicious Korean Street Food Treat
Hotteok, the beloved Korean street food, is a delightful treat that's surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe will guide you through creating these sweet, chewy pancakes filled with a warm, gooey mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 8 hotteok. Adjust quantities as needed.
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For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and your hotteok will rise properly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Adding a little more flour as needed prevents stickiness.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Filling:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Mix well.
Assembling and Cooking the Hotteok:
- Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll each piece into a thin circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter. Aim for a consistency that's not too thick, to ensure a crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Fill the Hotteok: Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture in the center of each circle.
- Seal the Hotteok: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and pinch the edges to seal tightly, preventing leakage during cooking. You can crimp the edges for a decorative look.
- Cook the Hotteok: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the hotteok in the hot oil, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up. The filling will begin to melt and bubble, creating that signature deliciousness.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the hotteok from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, sweet goodness!
Tips for the Perfect Hotteok:
- Don't overfill: Too much filling can cause the hotteok to burst during cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet hotteok, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling.
- Experiment with fillings: Get creative! Try adding other ingredients to your filling, such as raisins, chopped dates, or even a hint of cardamom.
Serving Suggestions:
Hotteok is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra special treat. Enjoy!
This recipe ensures your hotteok turns out perfectly, every time. Happy cooking!
