Traditional Korean Yook Gwa: Sweet Fried Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

500g of fresh ginger
1 cup of honey
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of water
1/2 cup of cornstarch
1/4 cup of pine nuts
1/4 cup of sesame seeds

Steps and instructions

Peel and slice the ginger into thin strips. Set them aside for later use.
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
Add the sliced ginger into the saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until the ginger becomes soft.
Drain the ginger strips and pat them dry using a kitchen towel.
Spread the cooked ginger strips on a baking tray and let them dry for about 2 hours in a warm place.
Once they are completely dry, dust the ginger strips with cornstarch.
Prepare a honey syrup by combining honey and a little water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until it thickens to a syrup consistency.
Add the dusted ginger strips to the honey syrup and let them soak for about an hour.
After an hour, remove the ginger strips from the syrup and place them on a baking tray. Sprinkle with pine nuts and sesame seeds.
Let the Yook Gwa dry for another couple of hours before serving.

Tools for making

Knife - To peel and slice the ginger.
Saucepan - For cooking the ginger and preparing the honey syrup.
Baking tray - To dry the ginger strips and later place them for the final drying process.
Kitchen towel - To pat dry the cooked ginger strips.

Recipe variations

Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a slightly richer flavor.
Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the honey syrup for a hint of spice.
Coat the ginger strips with crushed almond or pistachio instead of pine nuts and sesame seeds.
For a gluten-free option, use corn flour or rice flour instead of cornstarch.
Add a splash of lemon or orange juice to the honey syrup for a citrusy twist.
Include a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to enhance the flavor.
Dip the dried ginger strips in melted dark chocolate for a decadent treat.
Serve the Yook Gwa with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Recipe overview

Yook Gwa is a traditional Korean sweet that combines the zing of ginger with the rich sweetness of honey. This recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that offers a unique dessert experience. The process of making Yook Gwa requires careful preparation and patience, but the end result is a delicious reward well worth the effort. Expect to simmer, dry, and coat ginger strips in a honey syrup before finishing them off with a sprinkle of pine nuts and sesame seeds. The result is a sweet, chewy, and slightly spicy treat that's perfect for special occasions or just a regular afternoon snack. Enjoy the process and the delicious result!

Common questions

Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh ginger? No, it is recommended to use fresh ginger for this recipe as it provides the best flavor and texture.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener? While honey is the traditional sweetener used in Yook Gwa, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave syrup if desired.
How long does it take for the ginger to dry? It takes approximately 2 hours for the ginger strips to dry after spreading them on a baking tray, but the drying time may vary depending on the thickness of the strips and the humidity in your environment.
Can I skip dusting the ginger with cornstarch? No, dusting the ginger with cornstarch helps to absorb excess moisture and gives a nice coating to the ginger strips.
Can I add other nuts or seeds? Yes, you can experiment with different nuts or seeds according to your preference. Some popular additions include almonds or walnuts.

Serving dishes and utensils

Saucepan - A medium-sized saucepan is needed to cook the ginger and make the honey syrup.
Baking tray - A baking tray is used to dry the ginger strips and for the final drying step of the Yook Gwa.
Kitchen towel - A kitchen towel is necessary to pat dry the cooked ginger strips.
Spatula - A spatula can be useful for stirring the ginger in the saucepan and flipping the ginger strips on the baking tray.
Whisk - A whisk is needed to dissolve the sugar in the water and to stir the honey syrup.

Origin stories

Yook Gwa is a traditional Korean sweet treat often enjoyed during the festive period of Chuseok, which is the Korean harvest festival. This delicacy has its roots in the royal court cuisine of the Joseon Dynasty, where it was cherished for its medicinal properties. The ginger, a key ingredient, is believed to have warming properties and beneficial effects on the digestive system. It is a perfect example of a food where health meets taste, a philosophy intrinsic to Korean culinary traditions. To this day, Yook Gwa holds a special place in the Korean heart, invoking fond memories of family gatherings and shared joy.

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.