Korean Cheese Hotteok Recipe

If you are craving something irresistibly gooey, crispy, and utterly comforting, the Korean Cheese Hotteok Recipe is just the treat you need. Imagine a fluffy, chewy potato pancake with a molten center of melted mozzarella cheese that stretches with every bite. This snack is quick to make and perfect for any time you want a satisfying cheesy indulgence. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon or a fun gathering, these hotteoks are sure to win hearts and taste buds alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this Korean Cheese Hotteok Recipe, each playing a vital role in building the perfect texture and flavor. The potato provides a soft, fluffy base, rice flour gives that wonderful chew, and mozzarella creates the magical cheese pull that makes every bite exciting.

• 1 medium-sized potato (300g): The star of the dough, steamed to create a fluffy and tender texture.
• 2-3 tbsp rice flour: Adds chewiness and helps bind the dough without heaviness.
• 1 tbsp sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances the crispy pancake.
• ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavor layers without overpowering.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: The ooey-gooey filling that melts perfectly inside.
• 1-2 tbsp oil for cooking: Provides a golden crust and crispy finish when pan-fried.

How to Make Korean Cheese Hotteok Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potato

Start by peeling the potato and cutting it into large chunks. Steam the pieces for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they become soft enough to mash easily. This steaming step ensures the potato maintains moisture while getting tender—perfect for our dough base.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Transfer your warm steamed potatoes into a bowl. Add rice flour, sugar, and salt, then mash everything together using a fork until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This simple mix will give you a dough that’s both fluffy and pliable.

Step 3: Shape and Fill

Take a spoonful of the dough and roll it into a ball in your palm. Then, gently flatten it using your thumb to create a small pocket. Place a generous amount of shredded mozzarella right in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the cheese, pinching all seams tightly to seal in that melty goodness.

Step 4: Form the Pancakes

Roll your cheese-stuffed dough gently into a ball again, then flatten slightly to form your hotteok shape. This will help them cook evenly and develop a perfect golden crust.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Place your prepared hotteok pancakes in the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low, and fry for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until both sides turn golden brown and crispy. The result is a beautiful contrast of textures with molten cheese inside.

How to Serve Korean Cheese Hotteok Recipe

Garnishes

While these hotteoks are delicious on their own, sprinkling a pinch of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of honey can add an exciting twist. Fresh herbs like chopped scallions also bring a hint of freshness that complements the cheesy richness flawlessly.

Side Dishes

Pair your Korean Cheese Hotteok with light sides to balance out the indulgence—think pickled radish, a crisp cucumber salad, or even a warm bowl of kimchi. These sides add acidity and crunch, making your snack experience even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these hotteoks on a wooden board lined with parchment paper, and offer small dipping bowls filled with soy sauce or a sweet chili sauce. You can even experiment with different cheese blends inside to surprise your guests and create new versions of the classic Korean Cheese Hotteok Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover hotteoks, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They might lose a bit of their crispness but will still be delicious when reheated properly.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the uncooked stuffed pancakes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. This way, they can last up to 1 month, ready for whenever a quick cheesy snack craving hits.

Reheating

To bring leftover or frozen Korean Cheese Hotteok Recipe back to life, pan-fry on medium heat with a little oil until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that satisfying crunchy exterior and gooey center.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese besides mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is ideal for that classic stretchy melt, you can try cheddar, gouda, or a mix of cheeses depending on your flavor preferences. Just keep in mind that moisture content affects melting too.

Is rice flour necessary for making hotteok?

Rice flour helps give the dough its signature chewiness and prevents it from becoming too dense. While you could experiment with other flours, rice flour is a key ingredient to achieve authentic texture in this Korean Cheese Hotteok Recipe.

Can I make hotteok without steaming the potatoes?

Steaming ensures the potatoes retain moisture and achieve the right softness. Boiling could work, but make sure to drain thoroughly and mash very well to avoid soggy dough that won’t hold together as nicely.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?

Take care to pinch the dough seams tightly when wrapping the cheese and avoid overfilling. Also, rolling gently into a ball before flattening helps create a sealed dough pocket, keeping the cheese snug inside as it melts.

What kind of oil is best for frying hotteok?

A neutral oil with a medium-high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, is perfect for frying hotteok. It helps achieve a golden brown crust without imparting strong flavors.

Final Thoughts

Making the Korean Cheese Hotteok Recipe at home is such a joyful experience, especially when you see that incredible cheese pull and taste the delicious fusion of crispy, soft, and cheesy textures. It’s a perfect snack to share with friends or simply to treat yourself. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of those comfort foods you’ll want to make over and over again. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

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