The Ultimate Guide to Making Korean Desserts at Home

Making Korean desserts at home can be an exciting culinary adventure that brings the rich flavors and textures of Korea right into your kitchen. From the beloved bingsu to soft and chewy rice cakes, Korean desserts are a delightful blend of taste and artistry. This guide will take you through some popular desserts, their ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to create these treats at home.

Bingsu: Korean Shaved Ice

Bingsu is a popular summertime dessert that consists of finely shaved ice topped with various ingredients. Here’s how you can make a classic red bean bingsu.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of finely shaved ice
  • 1/2 cup of sweetened red beans (pat)
  • 1/4 cup of condensed milk
  • Fresh fruit (such as mango or strawberries)
  • Fruit syrups or powder (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Shave ice using a blender or an ice shaver until you have a fluffy texture.
  2. Place the shaved ice in a bowl and shape it to form a small mountain.
  3. Top with sweetened red beans and fresh fruits.
  4. Drizzle condensed milk and any additional syrups over the top.
  5. Serve immediately, allowing each person to mix their toppings as they like.

Injeolmi: Korean Rice Cake

Injeolmi is a chewy rice cake coated with powdered soybean flour. It’s both delicious and versatile.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sweet rice flour (also called glutinous rice flour)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup powdered soybean flour

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix sweet rice flour, water, and sugar until smooth.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a steaming dish and steam for about 20 minutes.
  3. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then knead the dough until smooth.
  4. Dust your hands and working surface with soybean flour. Shape the dough into small, bite-sized pieces.
  5. Roll each piece in soybean flour to coat. Serve them as snacks or desserts.

Hotteok: Sweet Korean Pancakes

Hotteok is a street food favorite, especially in the colder months. These sweet pancakes are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, filled with a warm syrup.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dry yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Filling: 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon chopped nuts, and a pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Let it sit until frothy for about 10 minutes.
  2. Add flour and salt, mixing until you form a dough. Knead until smooth and let it rise for about an hour until doubled.
  3. Divide the dough into small balls and flatten each one in your palm.
  4. Place a teaspoon of the filling into the center and pinch the dough closed to seal.
  5. Cook each pancake on a hot skillet until golden brown, pressing down to flatten them as they cook.
  6. Serve warm for the best experience!

Choco Pie: Korean Snack

Choco Pie is a famous treat in Korea, consisting of two chocolate cakes with a marshmallow filling, covered in chocolate. Making them at home is a fun process.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter