Hotteok
Korean Sweet Pancakes
Hotteok are delicious, chewy Korean sweet pancakes, traditionally enjoyed as a popular street food, especially during colder months. The yeasted dough encases a warm, gooey filling of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour(Provides structure to the dough.)
- 1/2 cup Glutinous rice flour (mochiko)(Adds chewiness and a slightly sticky texture, crucial for authentic hotteok.)
- 1 tsp Active dry yeast(Leavens the dough, making it soft and airy.)
- 1 cup Lukewarm water(Around 105-115°F (40-46°C), to activate the yeast.)
- 1/2 tsp Salt(Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.)
- 1 tbsp Sugar (for dough)(Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to the dough.)
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar(The classic sweet filling. Dark or light brown sugar can be used.)
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon(Adds warmth and spice to the filling.)
- 1/4 cup Chopped walnuts or peanuts(Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Can be substituted with other nuts or seeds.)
- 3-4 tbsp Vegetable oil or other neutral oil(For pan-frying the hotteok.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water, 1 tbsp sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, glutinous rice flour, and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture. Mix with a spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
First rise: Lightly grease the mixing bowl. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
⏱️ 1.5 - 2 hours - 4
Prepare the filling: While the dough is rising, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts in a small bowl. Mix well. If the brown sugar is clumpy, you can break it up with your fingers.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Shape the hotteok: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Take one portion of dough and flatten it into a small disc (about 3-4 inches in diameter) in your palm, making the edges thinner than the center. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling mixture in the center of the dough disc. Carefully gather the edges of the dough to enclose the filling completely, pinching to seal. Roll it gently into a ball.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 6
Cook the hotteok: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place a filled dough ball, seam-side down, into the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Gently flatten the hotteok with a spatula or a flat-bottomed pan (like a tortilla press or another skillet) to about 1/2 inch thickness. Be careful not to press too hard, or the filling might leak out.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 7
Flip and continue cooking: Flip the hotteok and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and the filling is hot and slightly melted. Add more oil as needed for subsequent batches. Cook until both sides are golden brown and crispy, and the pancake is cooked through. The internal sugar filling will be very hot.
⏱️ 4 minutes - 8
Serve immediately: Remove the hotteok from the skillet and serve immediately while they are warm and the filling is gooey. Be cautious when taking the first bite as the sugar filling can be extremely hot.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to a good hotteok is the chewy dough and the molten sugar filling. Don't overcook, or the sugar will burn.
- ✓Be extremely careful when eating hotteok, as the hot sugar filling can cause severe burns if it leaks out.
- ✓Hotteok are best enjoyed fresh off the pan, making them a perfect winter street food treat.
- ✓If your brown sugar filling is too dry, you can add a tiny bit of melted butter or a teaspoon of water to help it become more gooey.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add toasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds to the filling for extra texture.
- For a savory twist, omit the sugar and cinnamon and fill with a mixture of cheese (like mozzarella) and chopped scallions.
- Experiment with different nuts like pecans or almonds.