How to make Hotteok

Why cooks start here

Hotteok is cooked the way winter streets cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a korean family cook actually puts it on the table.

Hotteok is a beloved street food in South Korea, especially popular during the chilly winter months. Vendors line the streets, skillfully frying these filled pancakes to order, their sizzling griddles a beacon for hungry passersby. This home version captures that street-side warmth, offering a comforting taste of winter no matter where you are. Each bite of Hotteok delivers a delightful contrast: a crisp, golden exterior giving way to a soft, chewy interior filled with a sweet mixture of brown sugar, seeds, and a hint of cinnamon. The generous use of oil ensures a satisfying richness, while the hand-judged salt balances the sweetness perfectly.