Korean Pancakes with Mixed Seeds & Cheese: Easy Recipe

Hotteok, the beloved Korean street food, offers a delightful explosion of sweet and savory flavors in every bite. These delectable pancakes, crafted from a simple yet magical dough, are then filled with a warm, gooey mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and often nuts or seeds. The slightly crispy exterior gives way to a soft, chewy interior, creating a truly unforgettable textural experience. Imagine the irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon and caramelized sugar filling the air – a sensory delight that perfectly captures the essence of Korean street food culture.

From humble beginnings to a global culinary phenomenon, hotteok's popularity is well-deserved. This recipe guides you through every step, from creating the perfect dough to achieving that signature crispy-chewy texture and perfectly browned exterior. Ready to embark on a culinary journey and learn how to make these irresistible Korean pancakes at home? Let's get started!

Tools Needed

  • bowl
  • cling film
  • pan

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Make the Dough

  • Combine water, flour, sugar, and oil. The mixture should be around 38-39°C.
  • Add yeast to the water mixture; it should foam.
  • Mix the activated yeast mixture with the flour.
  • Cover the dough and let it double in size for about an hour.
Prepare the dough: Combine water, flour, sugar, and oil. The mixture should be around 38-39°C.Activate yeast: Add yeast to the water mixture; it should foam.Combine wet and dry ingredients: Mix the activated yeast mixture with the flour.First proof: Cover the dough and let it double in size for about an hour.
Make the Dough
  • Gently fold and press the dough to release air bubbles.
  • Let the dough rise again.
Knock down the dough: Gently fold and press the dough to release air bubbles.Second proof: Let the dough rise again.
Make the Dough

Step 2. Prepare the Fillings

  • Combine toasted mixed seeds, brown sugar (or white sugar), and cinnamon.
  • Grate cheese.
Prepare the filling (sweet): Combine toasted mixed seeds, brown sugar (or white sugar), and cinnamon.Prepare the filling (savory): Grate cheese.
Prepare the Fillings

Step 3. Assemble and Shape the Pancakes

  • Take a portion of dough, place filling in the center, pinch and seal the edges to form a ball. (Practice makes perfect!)
Form the pancakes: Take a portion of dough, place filling in the center, pinch and seal the edges to form a ball. (Practice makes perfect!)
Assemble and Shape the Pancakes

Step 4. Cook the Pancakes

  • Heat oil in a pan. Cook the pancakes over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. They will puff up.
Cook the pancakes: Heat oil in a pan. Cook the pancakes over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. They will puff up.
Cook the Pancakes

Read more: Gochujang Korean BBQ Rice Bowl: 15-Minute Recipe

Tips

  • Even the proofing doesn’t take that long, unlike traditional yeasty dough.
  • The dough is very watery. It will run a little bit under heat; that’s fine.
  • For the cheese filling, grating the cheese makes it easier to handle and prevents spillage.
  • Don't worry if some sugar spills out during cooking; it's part of the process.

Nutrition

  • Calories: Insufficient data
  • Fat: Insufficient datag
  • Protein: Insufficient datag
  • Carbs: Insufficient datag

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of cheese in the pancakes?

Absolutely! Experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, or even a Korean cheese like mozzarella for a unique flavor.

2. What if my dough is too sticky?

Add a tablespoon or two of flour at a time until the dough becomes easier to handle. Don't add too much, or the pancakes will be tough.


Enjoy your delicious, homemade Korean pancakes! These savory-sweet treats are perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. We hope you have fun experimenting with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique variations.