Quick and Easy Korean Baked Goods for Busy Nights

In the fast-paced world we live in, finding time to bake can be a challenge. But Korean baked goods offer a delicious solution that is both quick and easy to prepare. Here are some delightful recipes that you can whip up on busy nights, allowing you and your family to enjoy the sweet and unique flavors of Korea without spending hours in the kitchen.

1. Korean Sweet Potato Bread (Goguma Bread)

This fluffy and slightly sweet bread is made with mashed sweet potatoes, making it a nutritious choice for a quick snack or dessert.

• Ingredients: 2 cups bread flour, 1 cup mashed sweet potato, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup butter, 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) of instant yeast, and a pinch of salt.

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix the bread flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Combine the milk, melted butter, and instant yeast in another bowl, then add in the mashed sweet potato.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and knead until smooth (about 10 minutes).
4. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the dough into rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

2. Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

This savory-sweet treat has taken the internet by storm. It's perfect for those who love a blend of flavors!

• Ingredients: 1 loaf of bread (French or Italian), 1/2 cup cream cheese, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened), 2 tbsp parsley (chopped), and 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional).

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the cream cheese, minced garlic, softened butter, and parsley in a bowl until well combined.
3. Slice the loaf of bread horizontally and spread the cream cheese mixture generously between the slices.
4. Optionally sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
5. Wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes. Unwrap and bake for an additional 5 minutes for a crispy finish.

3. Korean Donuts (Chapssal Doughnuts)

These chewy donuts are made from sweet rice flour, giving them a unique texture that’s hard to resist!

• Ingredients: 1 cup sweet rice flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 cup water, and oil for frying.

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix sweet rice flour, sugar, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add water until a thick batter forms.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
4. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of batter into the hot oil, frying until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes on each side).
5. Drain excess oil on a paper towel, and sprinkle with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar if desired.

4. Korean Honey Butter Chips

If you're looking for a snack that's both sweet and salty, these chips are perfect to satisfy your cravings!

• Ingredients: 2 large potatoes, 2 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup butter, salt to taste.

Instructions:
1. Thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
2. Heat oil in a pan for frying, and fry the potato slices until crispy and golden.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and mix in honey and salt.
4. Remove the chips from the oil and immediately coat them in the honey butter mixture.

5. Korean Red Bean Bread (Patbingsu Bread)

This sweet bread filled with red bean paste is not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying!

• Ingredients: 2