How to Make Hotteok – The Easiest Way!
When I first tried making Hotteok (Korean sweet pancakes), I thought, "Just mix flour, sugar, and fry it, right?" The result? Sticky dough, sugar leaking out, and a burnt mess on my pan.
After multiple fails, I finally found the easiest way to make crispy, chewy Hotteok without the usual mess!
✔ No long fermentation needed! You can make it quickly. ✔ A trick to keep the sugar filling inside without leaking. ✔ A mess-free dough handling technique!
1. Hotteok Ingredients (Makes 5-6)
✅ Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dry yeast
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
✅ Sweet Filling
- 5 tbsp brown sugar (or white sugar)
- 2 tbsp crushed nuts (peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, etc.)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
Tip: - No need for long fermentation! With yeast, the dough is ready in just 30 minutes. - Try different fillings like honey, chocolate, red bean paste, or cheese!
2. Making the Dough – Super Easy Method
Instead of kneading for a long time, this quick-mix method keeps your hands clean and works perfectly!
✅ Steps for Perfect Dough
- In a bowl, mix warm water (180ml) + yeast (1 tsp) + sugar (1 tbsp). Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, and vegetable oil, then stir with a spoon.
- Once combined, cover and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Quick Rise Hack: - Place the bowl in a warm (40°C) oven, and the dough will rise in 20 minutes! - If you're in a hurry, just use the dough immediately—no problem.
3. Preparing the Sweet Filling – No Leaks Trick
The biggest problem with Hotteok? Sugar leaks out while cooking! Here's how to keep the filling inside perfectly.
✅ Making the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar (5 tbsp) + nuts (2 tbsp) + cinnamon powder (1/2 tsp).
- Pre-make small portions of the filling for easier stuffing.
Tip: - The filling should be fully sealed inside the dough to prevent leaks.
4. Shaping the Hotteok – Mess-Free Technique
Making Hotteok without getting flour all over your hands is possible! The secret? Use oil instead of flour when shaping the dough.
✅ Steps for Shaping
- Divide the dough into 5-6 portions.
- Lightly oil your hands instead of using flour (this prevents sticking).
- Flatten each piece, add filling, and carefully pinch the edges to seal.
Why use oil? - It keeps the dough soft and prevents sticking—no flour mess!
5. Cooking Hotteok – Crispy & Golden Perfection
✅ Frying Steps
- Preheat a pan on medium-low heat and add a little oil.
- Place the dough ball, seam side down, and let it cook for 30 seconds.
- Flip it over and press it down with a spatula.
- Cook on low heat for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
Tip: - Preheating the pan ensures a crispy crust with less oil. - Pressing it after flipping helps it cook evenly.
6. How to Enjoy Hotteok
- 🔥 Eat while hot for the best chewy texture.
- 🔥 Add honey + nuts for extra deliciousness.
- 🔥 Pair with tea, coffee, or milk.
- 🔥 Leftovers? Freeze them and reheat in an air fryer.
7. Five Key Tips for the Best Hotteok
- 🔥 Skip long kneading—just mix and rest for 30 minutes.
- 🔥 Use oil instead of flour to handle the dough mess-free.
- 🔥 Completely seal the filling to prevent leaks.
- 🔥 Press down after flipping for an even golden crust.
- 🔥 Experiment with different fillings like cheese or Nutella!
Final Thoughts
With this method, you’ll never have to struggle with messy, failed Hotteok again. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll make perfect crispy & chewy Hotteok every time! Now, go make some and enjoy!
