The Ultimate Korean Dessert Recipe Guide

Korean desserts, known for their unique flavors and textures, are a delightful aspect of Korean cuisine. Whether you're a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, this ultimate guide will take you through some of the most popular Korean desserts and how to make them at home.

1. Tteokbokki (Sweet Rice Cakes)

Tteokbokki is a popular street food that can also be enjoyed as a dessert when made with sweet elements. These chewy rice cakes are often paired with a sweet sauce. For a dessert version, use a sweet soy sauce, sugar, and top with sesame seeds and chopped nuts.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sweet rice flour (glutinous rice flour)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Mix sweet rice flour, water, and sugar in a bowl.
  2. Steam the mixture for about 20-25 minutes until it becomes firm.
  3. Cut into pieces, drizzle with sweet soy sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds.

2. Bingsu (Shaved Ice)

Bingsu is a refreshing dessert perfect for hot summer days. It consists of finely shaved ice topped with a variety of ingredients such as sweetened condensed milk, fruit, and red bean paste.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups ice, finely crushed
  • 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • Fresh fruits (strawberries, mangoes, etc.)
  • Red bean paste (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Shave the ice into a fluffy texture using a shaved ice machine or a blender.
  2. Layer the shaved ice in a bowl.
  3. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the top and add fresh fruits.
  4. Add red bean paste if desired. Serve immediately!

3. Hotteok (Sweet Syrup-Stuffed Pancakes)

Hotteok is a beloved Korean street food made from a dough filled with a sweet syrup mixture, perfect for dessert lovers. It's crispy outside and chewy inside, making it an irresistible treat.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • Chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Slowly add warm water and knead until smooth.
  2. Let the dough rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
  3. Prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
  4. Divide the dough into small balls, flatten them, and place a spoonful of the filling in the center. Seal and shape into pancakes.
  5. Fry in a pan with a bit of oil until golden brown on both sides. Serve warm!

4. Korean Pear Salad with Honey

This unique dessert salad combines the natural sweetness of Korean pears with honey and nuts, making it a light and refreshing option.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Korean pears, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Slice the Korean pears and arrange them on a plate.
  2. Drizzle honey over the pears.
  3. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top and garnish with fresh mint.

5. Jeolpyeon (Korean Rice Cake)

Jeolpyeon is a traditional Korean rice cake made with glutinous