**Introduction**
If you’ve ever wandered the streets of Korea in the chilly months, you’ve likely encountered the irresistible aroma of hotteok sizzling on a griddle. Hotteok is a beloved Korean pan-fried pancake filled with a sweet, gooey mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. This street food favorite transforms simple ingredients into a warm, comforting treat that’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Perfect as a snack or dessert, hotteok offers a unique taste of Korea’s rich culinary tradition to food lovers worldwide.
**Main Content**
*Ingredients for 1 Serving (makes 2 large hotteok)*:
– All-purpose flour: 120g
– Warm water (about 40℃): 75ml
– Active dry yeast: 3g
– Sugar: 10g
– Salt: 1g
– Vegetable oil: 10ml (for dough and frying)
*Filling*:
– Brown sugar: 30g
– Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp (approximately 1g)
– Crushed walnuts or peanuts: 15g
*Recipe Steps*:
1. **Prepare the dough**: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with the sugar. Let it sit for about 5-7 minutes, until frothy. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and 5ml vegetable oil, and mix until a soft dough forms.
2. **Knead and proof**: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to an hour, or until doubled in size.
3. **Prepare the filling**: Combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and crushed nuts in a small bowl.
4. **Shape the hotteok**: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions. Flatten each piece into a small disc about 8cm in diameter. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each disc.
5. **Seal the dough**: Carefully bring the edges of the dough together over the filling, pinching them closed to seal completely. Gently flatten each ball into a thick pancake about 10cm in diameter.
6. **Cook the hotteok**: Heat 5ml vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the pancakes in the pan and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the bottom.
7. **Press and flip**: Using a spatula, press each pancake gently to flatten it further, then flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until browned. The sugar inside will melt and create a delicious syrupy center.
8. **Serve warm**: Transfer the hotteok to a plate and enjoy immediately while the filling is molten and sweet.
**Conclusion**
Hotteok is an iconic Korean street snack that perfectly balances crispy texture with a sweet, nutty filling. It’s easy to make at home and offers a cozy taste of Korea’s winter streets no matter where you are. Try this recipe as a comforting treat or introduce your friends to a new favorite pancake from Korea’s pan-fried and pancake category. Enjoy the sweet, sizzling bite of tradition in every mouthful!
