Hotteok is a beloved Korean street food, especially popular during the colder months. These sweet, chewy pancakes are filled with a gooey mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts, which caramelizes as they cook. The outside is golden and slightly crisp, while the inside bursts with warm, molten filling. Traditionally enjoyed as a winter snack in Korea, Hotteok is sold by street vendors who press the dough flat on a griddle, releasing an irresistible aroma that draws in passersby. While the classic filling is sweet, modern variations include savory options like cheese or vegetables.
Preparation Time
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Preparation: 20 minutes
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Rising: 1 hour
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Cooking: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Serving Size
Makes about 8 pancakes.
Ingredients
For the dough:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
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¾ cup warm milk (or water)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the filling:
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½ cup brown sugar
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1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
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¼ cup chopped walnuts, peanuts, or sunflower seeds
For cooking:
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2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Detailed Recipe
Step 1 – Make the dough
In a large bowl, mix the warm milk (or water) with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add the flour, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Step 2 – Knead and rise
Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 3 – Prepare the filling
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Mix well and set aside.
Step 4 – Shape the pancakes
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it slightly with your hands. Place 1–2 teaspoons of filling in the center, pinch the edges together to seal, and shape back into a ball.
Step 5 – Cook the Hotteok
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little vegetable oil. Place a dough ball seam side down in the skillet and gently press it flat with a spatula. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the bottom is golden. Flip, press down again to flatten, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden on both sides and the sugar inside has melted.
Step 6 – Serve
Serve Hotteok hot, ideally fresh off the pan, as the filling will be beautifully molten and aromatic.
