If you are craving a snack that’s crispy on the outside, chewy and fluffy on the inside, and filled with ooey-gooey melted cheese, then you’re going to love this Korean Cheese Hotteok Recipe. This delightful Korean street food transforms simple potatoes and mozzarella into mouthwatering pancakes that boast an irresistible cheese pull every single time. Quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, this Korean Cheese Hotteok Recipe brings a wonderful fusion of textures and flavors that’s perfect for when you want a comforting treat that’s anything but ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior. Each one plays a role in delivering the authentic texture and taste that define Korean Cheese Hotteok.
- 1 medium-sized potato (300g): The base of the dough, providing softness and a fluffy texture when steamed and mashed.
- 2-3 tbsp rice flour: Helps bind the dough and adds a subtle chewiness as well as a light crispness during frying.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness to complement the savory cheese filling.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The star ingredient inside that melts perfectly to create the ultimate cheese pull.
- 1-2 tbsp oil for cooking: Essential for frying and creating that golden crunchy crust.
How to Make Korean Cheese Hotteok Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Dough
Start by peeling your potato and chopping it into large chunks. Steam these chunks for about 10 to 15 minutes until they’re tender and easy to mash. Steaming retains moisture that makes the dough soft and fluffy—exactly what you want for this recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients
Transfer the steamed potatoes to a bowl while still warm, then add the rice flour, sugar, and salt. Using a fork, mash everything together into a smooth dough. The rice flour is key here because it gives just enough structure without making the hotteok dense or tough.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Dough
Scoop out a spoonful of the dough and roll it into a ball in your palm. Then use your thumb to gently press and flatten it into a small disc. Place a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese right in the center. Wrap the dough around the cheese by pinching the edges closed so no cheese spills out.
Step 4: Flatten and Prepare for Frying
Roll the cheese-stuffed dough ball gently to make sure it’s evenly shaped, then flatten it into a little pancake. It should be thick enough to hold the cheese inside but not too thick that it doesn’t cook through properly.
Step 5: Pan-fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the flattened cheese pancakes in the pan, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Fry both sides for about 10 to 12 minutes until the outside is gorgeously golden brown while the cheese inside melts perfectly.
How to Serve Korean Cheese Hotteok Recipe
Garnishes
While Korean Cheese Hotteok is delicious on its own, you can enhance the experience with a dusting of powdered sugar for subtle sweetness or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add a bit of crunch and nutty flavor. A drizzle of honey can also complement the cheesy filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cheesy pancakes with a simple side like freshly sliced cucumbers or a tangy kimchi salad to balance the richness. A warm cup of green tea or a refreshing barley tea can round out the snack perfectly, offering a palate-cleansing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try stacking the hotteok on a platter alongside different dipping sauces such as spicy gochujang mayo or garlic soy sauce. You can also experiment by stuffing the dough with other fillings like sweet red bean paste and cheese for an adventurous taste journey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh for up to two days but try to enjoy them sooner to preserve the cheese’s lovely melt.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked Korean Cheese Hotteok by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-friendly bag for up to one month. This way, you’ll have homemade hotteok ready for a delicious snack anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop frozen or refrigerated hotteok into a pan over medium heat until heated through and the outside is crisp again—usually about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! Mozzarella is ideal for its melting quality and mild flavor, but you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a sharper taste. Just make sure the cheese melts well.
Why is rice flour used instead of wheat flour?
Rice flour helps achieve the chewy, tender texture unique to Korean hotteok. It also creates a crispier crust compared to wheat flour, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Can I bake Korean Cheese Hotteok instead of pan-frying?
While baking is possible for a healthier option, pan-frying delivers the best crispy exterior and gooey interior. Baking might make the pancakes less crisp and chewy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Since this recipe uses rice flour and potatoes, it is naturally gluten-free, but always check your rice flour packaging to ensure no cross-contamination if you have gluten sensitivities.
How can I make the cheese pull even better?
Use freshly shredded mozzarella and don’t overfill the dough to avoid tearing. Also, gently seal the dough edges to keep the cheese from leaking as it melts during frying.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Korean Cheese Hotteok Recipe, it’s easy to understand the hype around this comforting snack. It’s perfect for satisfying cheesy cravings without fuss, delivering crispiness and ooze in every bite. So, gather your simple ingredients and make this delightful pancake that’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Korean Cheese Hotteok Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 hotteoks
Description
Korean cheese hotteok is a delicious snack featuring crispy, chewy, and fluffy potato pancakes stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make recipe combines steamed potato dough with rice flour and sugar, pan-fried to golden perfection for the ultimate cheesy pull and satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Potato Dough
- 1 medium-sized potato (300g)
- 2–3 tbsp rice flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
Filling
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (quantity as desired for stuffing, approximately ¼ cup per hotteok)
Cooking
- 1–2 tbsp oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the potato: Peel the potato and chop into large chunks. Steam them for 10-15 minutes or until very soft and tender.
- Make the dough: Transfer the steamed potatoes to a bowl. Add rice flour, sugar, and salt. Use a fork to mash and combine all ingredients thoroughly into a smooth dough.
- Shape the dough: Scoop a spoonful of dough into your palm, roll it into a ball, and flatten it gently with your thumb to create a small disc.
- Add the cheese: Place shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of the dough disc. Wrap the dough around the cheese and pinch the seams tightly to seal.
- Form the hotteok: Gently roll the cheese-filled dough ball again and flatten it to form a thick pancake shape.
- Pan-fry: Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Place the hotteok in the pan, then reduce heat to medium-low. Pan-fry the pancakes until both sides are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping carefully.
Notes
- Use a non-stick ceramic frying pan with a heat-resistant handle for best results.
- Rice flour options include Thai rice flour or Mochiko sweet rice flour for different textures.
- Steam potatoes thoroughly to ensure a smooth dough.
- Pinch seams tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
- Adjust oil quantity as needed for frying, but avoid too much to keep pancakes crispy.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
