Hotteok (호떡)

Hotteok (호떡) is one of Koreas most popular street foods. These chewy pancakes are made from a mixture of wheat flour and glutinous rice flour, filled with a sweet mixture of brown sugar, crushed peanuts, and cinnamon. Once stuffed, the dough balls are flattened on a hot griddle with a special press, giving them their signature crispy outside and soft, chewy inside.

Origins from China to Korea

Hotteok traces its roots back to the Qing Dynasty in China. In the 19th century, Chinese merchants migrating to the Korean Peninsula introduced a type of pancake known as Xian Bing (鲜饼). Unlike Hotteok, however, Xian Bing was savory, typically filled with beef and onions.

Koreans adapted the recipe to suit their own tastes, creating a sweet version with sugar, nuts, and cinnamon filling. This transformation reflects Koreans preference for sweet flavors and their ability to localize foreign influences into unique dishes.

From Grilling to Frying A Key Turning Point

Until the mid-20th century, Hotteok was traditionally cooked over charcoal fires. Later, it evolved into the frying method used today, where the dough is cooked with oil on a flat griddle.

This shift was significant: frying not only enhanced the aroma but also gave Hotteok its iconic crispy exterior and chewy interior, making it more appealing and practical as a street snack.

Ssiat Hotteok A Busan Specialty

A major innovation came from Busan, where vendors developed Ssiat Hotteok (씨앗호떡), literally seed Hotteok. In this version, the sugar-filled pancake is deep-fried, then sliced open and stuffed with a mix of seeds and nuts such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts.

The added crunch and nutty flavor not only enhanced the taste and texture but also boosted its nutritional value.

Ssiat Hotteok rose to nationwide fame after being featured on the popular Korean TV show 1 Night 2 Days by celebrity Lee Seung Gi, cementing its reputation as a must-try Busan specialty. Its media exposure not only boosted Hotteoks popularity but also elevated the profile of Korean street food on the global stage.

Modern Variations

Today, Hotteok has expanded beyond its traditional sweet fillings. Modern versions include savory options such as vegetables, cheese, or meat, making it versatile enough to be enjoyed not just as a snack but also as a light meal.

For those who would like to try making Hotteok at home, all the essential ingredients are available at Rimping Supermarket.