Korean Cheese Hotteok

Name: Korean Cheese Hotteok
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 medium-sized potato (300g); 2-3 tbsp rice flour; 1 tbsp sugar; ¼ tsp salt; Shredded mozzarella cheese; 1-2 tbsp oil (for cooking)

Published: February 14, 2026

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this tasty treat even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy potato and gooey cheese creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Versatile Snack: Serve these hotteoks as appetizers or enjoy them as a filling snack at any time of the day.
Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields five servings, making it great for sharing with friends and family during gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Korean cheese hotteok, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure a perfect outcome.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Steamer basket or pot with lid
Fork
Spoon
Non-stick frying pan

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: This is essential for combining your ingredients evenly and mashing the potatoes.
Steamer basket: Using a steamer ensures that the potatoes cook evenly while retaining their moisture.
Fork: Perfect for mashing potatoes smoothly without lumps.
Non-stick frying pan: Helps in cooking the hotteok without sticking, allowing for easy flipping.

Ingredients

To make Korean cheese hotteok, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Potato Pancake

1 medium-sized potato (300g)
2-3 tbsp rice flour
1 tbsp sugar
¼ tsp salt

For the Filling

Shredded mozzarella cheese

For Cooking

1-2 tbsp oil (for cooking)

How to Make Korean Cheese Hotteok

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel off the potato skin then chop into big chunks.
Steam for 10-15 minutes until soft.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Transfer the steamed potatoes to a mixing bowl.
Add in rice flour, sugar, and salt.
Use a fork to mash the potatoes and mix all ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Scoop out some dough using a spoon and roll it into a ball in your palm.
Use your thumb to gently push out and flatten it.

Step 4: Add Cheese Filling

Place shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of the flattened dough.
Wrap the dough around the cheese and pinch to seal the seams.

Step 5: Cook the Hotteok

Roll the cheese-filled dough into a ball again and flatten it slightly.
Heat some oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
Lower the heat and pan-fry both sides until golden brown (about 10-12 minutes).

Now you have delicious Korean cheese hotteok ready to enjoy! These crispy treats are perfect as a snack or shared with friends during any occasion.

How to Serve Korean Cheese Hotteok

Korean cheese hotteok is a delicious snack that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether as a quick bite or part of a larger meal, serving it with the right accompaniments can enhance its flavors.

Simple Dipping Sauces

Soy Sauce: A light soy sauce adds a savory touch to the cheesy goodness.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds a hint of sweetness and spice for those who enjoy a little kick.

Fresh Vegetables

Cucumber Sticks: Crisp cucumber sticks provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of hotteok.
Carrot Ribbons: Thinly sliced carrots offer a sweet crunch, balancing the dish perfectly.

Pickled Sides

Pickled Radishes: These tangy bites cleanse the palate and complement the richness of the hotteok.
Kimchi: A classic side that adds bold flavors and heat, enhancing your hotteok experience.

How to Perfect Korean Cheese Hotteok

Creating the ultimate Korean cheese hotteok takes some practice. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve perfect results every time.

Choose the Right Potato: Starchy potatoes like Russets work best for this recipe, giving you a fluffy texture.
Get the Cheese Mixture Right: Use good quality shredded mozzarella for that irresistible cheese pull.
Control Your Heat: Start with medium-high heat to get a nice crust, then lower it to cook through without burning.
Seal Well: Ensure your dough is properly sealed around the cheese to prevent any leaks during cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Cheese Hotteok

Pairing your Korean cheese hotteok with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry: Sautéed tofu with vegetables and spicy sauce pairs well with the mild flavor of hotteok.
Vegetable Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with veggies add variety and texture to your meal.
Seaweed Salad: A refreshing seaweed salad brings a hint of umami that works nicely with cheesy pancakes.
Miso Soup: Light miso soup complements the richness of hotteok while providing warmth and comfort.
Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw offers crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the dish.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds sweetness and brightness, making for a delightful contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Korean cheese hotteok turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Using the wrong type of potato – Not all potatoes are suitable for this recipe. Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a better texture.
Overcooking the potatoes – If you steam the potatoes too long, they can become watery. Aim for 10-15 minutes until just soft.
Not sealing the dough properly – If you don’t seal the seams well, the cheese might ooze out while cooking. Make sure to pinch the edges tightly.
Skipping the oil – Cooking without enough oil can lead to sticking or uneven browning. Use 1-2 tablespoons of oil for frying.
Flattening too much – If you press down too hard on the dough, it may lose its shape and texture. Flatten gently to maintain a fluffy pancake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover hotteok in an airtight container.
They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Korean Cheese Hotteok

Place cooled hotteok in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 2 months.

Reheating Korean Cheese Hotteok

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 30-45 seconds, but this may make them softer.
Stovetop – Heat in a pan over medium heat with a little oil until warmed and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Korean cheese hotteok.

What is Korean Cheese Hotteok?

Korean cheese hotteok is a delicious crispy pancake filled with gooey melted cheese. It’s a popular snack in Korea known for its delightful cheese pull!

Can I make Korean Cheese Hotteok ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and fill it with cheese in advance. Store it in the fridge before cooking, or freeze them for later use.

How do I customize my Korean Cheese Hotteok?

You can add different fillings such as sweet red bean paste or chopped vegetables alongside cheese for extra flavor and texture.

What can I serve with Korean Cheese Hotteok?

These pancakes pair well with dipping sauces like soy sauce or spicy chili sauce, adding another layer of flavor.

Final Thoughts

Korean cheese hotteok offers a scrumptious blend of crispy exterior and cheesy goodness that is sure to impress anyone! This versatile recipe allows for various fillings and customization options—so feel free to get creative! Enjoy making this delightful snack at home!

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