Recipe Hotteok

Hotteok, a popular Korean street food, is a delicious sweet pancake filled with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Traditionally enjoyed during the winter, these warm and crispy treats are a favorite among both locals and tourists. Making hotteok at home is not only fun but also allows you to customize the fillings to your taste. This guide will walk you through the ingredients, preparation steps, tips, variations, calorie information, and a conclusion.

Ingredients

Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Filling

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts, peanuts, or pecans)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Additional Ingredients

• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation

Dough Preparation

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Let it Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

Filling Preparation

1. Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped nuts, and sesame seeds (if using).

Shaping and Frying

1. Divide the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
2. Shape the Pancakes: Flatten each piece into a disk and place a tablespoon of the filling mixture in the center. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the filling inside.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
4. Fry the Pancakes: Place the filled dough balls in the skillet, seam side down. Flatten them gently with a spatula. Fry until both sides are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Drain and Serve: Remove the hotteok from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.

Tips

• Use Warm Water: Ensure the water is warm but not too hot to activate the yeast properly.
• Avoid Overfilling: Be careful not to overfill the dough to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
• Even Frying: Press the pancakes gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Serving Suggestions: Hotteok is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve with a hot beverage like tea or coffee.

Variations

• Savory Hotteok: Instead of a sweet filling, try using savory ingredients like cheese, vegetables, or ground meat seasoned with soy sauce and garlic.
• Fruit Filling: For a fruity twist, use chopped apples or pears mixed with sugar and cinnamon as the filling.
• Vegan Hotteok: Substitute the sugar with a plant-based sweetener and use a non-dairy milk alternative if desired.

Calorie Information

The calorie content of hotteok can vary based on the ingredients and portion size. On average, one hotteok pancake contains approximately:

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 6 g

Conclusion

Hotteok is a delightful Korean treat that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Whether you prefer the traditional brown sugar and nut filling or decide to experiment with savory or fruity variations, hotteok is sure to please. With this recipe, you can enjoy the authentic taste of Korean street food right in your own kitchen. Happy cooking!