How to Make Delicious Korean Desserts with Simple Ingredients

Korean cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and unique dishes, and desserts are no exception. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a variety of delicious Korean desserts at home. Below are some easy recipes and tips to help you dive into the world of Korean sweets.

1. Patbingsu (Shaved Ice with Red Beans)

Patbingsu is a popular Korean dessert, especially during the hot summer months. This refreshing treat combines shaved ice, sweetened red beans, and various toppings.

Ingredients:

  • Shaved ice (or finely crushed ice)
  • Sweetened red beans (pat)
  • Condensed milk
  • Fresh fruit (such as strawberries, mangoes, or bananas)
  • Rice cake (optional)
  • Ice cream (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Place a generous amount of shaved ice in a bowl.
  2. Top with sweetened red beans.
  3. Add fresh fruit slices and rice cake pieces if using.
  4. Drizzle with condensed milk and add a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.

2. Songpyeon (Rice Cake)

Songpyeon are traditional Korean rice cakes filled with sweet ingredients and are often made during the Chuseok holiday. They are simple and fun to make.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of sweet rice flour (also known as glutinous rice flour)
  • ¾ cup of water
  • 1/4 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts
  • 1/2 cup of sweet red bean paste (or any filling of your choice)
  • Sesame seeds for dusting

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the sweet rice flour, sugar, and water until smooth.
  2. Steam the mixture for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  3. Let it cool slightly, then knead until pliable.
  4. Take a small piece, flatten it, and place a teaspoon of filling in the center. Pinch the edges to seal.
  5. Roll the filled rice cakes in sesame seeds.

3. Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)

Hotteok is a delightful Korean street food dessert, known for its warm, gooey filling. These sweet pancakes are perfect for colder weather.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of yeast
  • 3/4 cup of warm water
  • 1/2 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or peanuts)
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and warm water in a bowl. Let it rise for about 1 hour.
  2. In another bowl, mix the brown sugar and nuts to create the filling.
  3. Divide the dough into small balls, flatten each one, and put a tablespoon of filling inside. Seal it and shape it back into a ball.
  4. Heat oil in a pan. Fry the pancakes, pressing them down gently, until golden brown on both sides.

4. Bungeoppang (Fish-Shaped Pancakes)

Bungeoppang is a delightful Korean street food made in the shape of a fish and filled with sweet red beans or custard.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1 cup of water
  • Sweet red bean paste or custard for filling

Instructions: