Korean Cheese Hotteok
Introduction
Korean Cheese Hotteok is a delicious twist on the traditional Korean sweet pancake. It is stuffed with melted cheese, giving it a gooey, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with its crispy exterior. This dish is popular during the colder months and makes for a delightful treat at any time of the day.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Korean Cheese Hotteok at home allows you to enjoy this tasty street food in the comfort of your own kitchen. It is a fun recipe to try, especially if you love sweet and savory flavors. Plus, you can customize the filling to your liking!
How to Make Korean Cheese Hotteok
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup brown sugar or powdered sugar (for filling)
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly.
- In another bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Slowly add the yeast mixture to the flour. Stir until combined.
- Add vegetable oil and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth.
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- Flatten each ball and place a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese and a teaspoon of brown sugar in the center.
- Fold the edges over the filling and pinch them to seal the dough.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, and coat it with a little oil.
- Place the filled dough seam-side down on the pan and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Press the hotteok with a spatula while cooking for even browning.
- Serve hot and enjoy the gooey cheese inside!
How to Serve Korean Cheese Hotteok
Korean Cheese Hotteok is best served hot right off the pan. You can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for added sweetness. It makes a perfect snack or dessert!
How to Store Korean Cheese Hotteok
If you have leftovers, let them cool down and place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month.
Tips to Make Korean Cheese Hotteok
- Ensure your water is warm, not hot, when activating the yeast.
- Don’t overfill the hotteok with cheese or sugar, or they may burst while cooking.
- Experiment with different fillings, such as nuts or chocolate, for variety.
Variation
For a different flavor, you can make savory hotteok by using ingredients like cooked vegetables, ground meat, or kimchi as the filling instead of cheese.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use other melting cheeses like cheddar or gouda if you prefer.
2. Is hotteok vegan?
Traditional hotteok is not vegan, but you can use plant-based cheese and omit the egg in the dough to make a vegan version.
3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead, let it rise, and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and cooking.
