Delicious and Authentic Korean Hoddeok Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of warm milk
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
  • 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or peanuts)

Steps and instructions

  1. Warm the milk and pour it into a bowl.
  2. Add the sugar and yeast to the bowl, stir until they dissolve, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  3. Add the salt, vegetable oil, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
  5. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts in a separate bowl.
  6. After the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle, add a spoonful of filling in the middle, gather the edges to seal the filling inside, and flatten it again carefully.
  7. Heat a pan over medium heat, add a little vegetable oil, and cook the hoddeok until it turns golden brown on both sides.

Tools for making

  • Bowl - A large bowl to mix and knead the dough.
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the ingredients, including the warm milk and sugar.
  • Mixing spoon - To stir and mix the ingredients together.
  • Damp cloth - To cover the dough while it rises.
  • Separate bowl - To mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts for the filling.
  • Pan - A frying pan to cook the hoddeok until golden brown.
  • Spatula - To flip the hoddeok while cooking.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
  • Add shredded cheese to the filling for a savory twist.
  • Include diced fruits such as apples or bananas in the filling for a fruity flavor.
  • Experiment with different spices in the filling, such as cardamom or nutmeg, for unique taste combinations.
  • Try using a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
  • Make a vegan version by substituting the milk with almond milk and using a plant-based butter substitute.
  • Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate hoddeok.
  • Replace the nuts in the filling with raisins or dried cranberries for a different texture.
  • Make a cream cheese filling by combining cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

Recipe overview

Hoddeok is a popular Korean sweet pancake, filled with a delightful mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Making Hoddeok at home is a simple and enjoyable process. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create these sweet treats from scratch. You will start by making a yeast-based dough, letting it rise, and then stuffing it with a deliciously sweet filling. After that, you will cook the pancakes on a pan until they're golden brown. The result is a warm, sweet, and slightly gooey pancake that has a nice, crispy exterior from the caramelized sugar. It's the perfect warm dessert for cold weather, or a comforting snack at any time. Enjoy the process of making this Korean delight and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond milk or soy milk.
  2. How long does the dough need to rise? The dough should be left to rise for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  3. Can I make the filling without nuts? Absolutely! If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the chopped nuts from the filling.
  4. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
  5. Can I freeze the hoddeok? Yes, you can freeze the hoddeok after cooking. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, simply microwave or heat them in a pan until warmed through.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Hoddeok is a delicious, sweet pancake that’s a popular street snack in Korea, particularly during the chilly winter months. Its origins date back to the late 19th century when western missionaries introduced yeast bread to Korea. The locals then adapted the recipe, filling these yeast-risen dough with a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, and cooking them on a griddle. Its sweet, gooey filling and chewy pancake exterior, akin to a flattened cinnamon bun, quickly made Hoddeok a much-loved comfort food. Today, you can find it in various forms, including those filled with ingredients like sweet red bean paste or even cheese, demonstrating the dish's evolution and the continuous culinary creativity of the Korean people.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.