How to Make Your Own Korean Desserts with Simple Ingredients

Korean desserts are known for their unique flavors, beautiful presentation, and delightful textures. If you're eager to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s easy to make your own Korean desserts at home using simple ingredients. Here is a guide to making a few popular Korean sweets that are perfect for any occasion.

Bingsu (Shaved Ice)

Bingsu is a refreshing Korean dessert perfect for hot summer days. The base of this dessert is finely shaved ice, which you can top with a variety of ingredients. For a classic version, try this:

Ingredients:

  • Ice cubes
  • Condensed milk
  • Red bean paste (or your choice of fruit, like strawberries or mangoes)
  • Sweetened mochi pieces
  • Fruit syrup for drizzling

Instructions:

  1. Shave the ice using a blender or ice shaver until it resembles fluffy snow.
  2. Place the shaved ice in a large bowl.
  3. Drizzle condensed milk over the ice.
  4. Add red bean paste or fresh fruit on top.
  5. Finish with mochi pieces and a drizzle of fruit syrup.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious mix of textures and flavors!

Hotteok (Sweet Syrup-filled Pancakes)

Hotteok is a popular winter snack, featuring crispy pancakes filled with a sweet syrup. Making them is fun and simple!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast
  • 1 cup of warm water
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
  • Cooking oil

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. Add warm water gradually and knead into a dough.
  3. Cover the dough and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  4. Meanwhile, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  5. After the dough has risen, divide it into small balls. Flatten each ball and place a spoonful of the brown sugar mixture in the center.
  6. Seal the dough around the filling and shape it into a ball.
  7. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the filled dough balls, flatten gently, and cook until golden brown on both sides for about 3-4 minutes.
  8. Serve hot and watch the sweet syrup ooze out as you take a bite.

Injeolmi (Rice Cake Coated with Bean Powder)

Injeolmi is a chewy rice cake made from glutinous rice flour and coated in soy or mung bean powder. It’s another delicious treat that’s easy to make.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of glutinous rice flour
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1/4 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of roasted soybean powder or mung bean powder
  • Starch for dusting

Instructions:

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. Stir until smooth.
  2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave for 1 minute. Stir, then microwave for another minute. Repeat until the mixture becomes a sticky and thick dough.
  3. Pour the mixture onto a lightly dusted surface and let it cool slightly.
  4. Once cool enough to handle, knead the dough until smooth.
  5. Cut the dough into small pieces and roll them into balls or flatten them into small discs.
  6. In a bowl, coat the rice cakes with roasted soybean or mung bean powder.
  7. Enjoy the chewy texture and nutty flavor of In