Step 1

[Making the Dough] Start by combining the 200g hotteok mix and 4g yeast in a large bowl. Mix them lightly. Then, pour in 200ml of warm water and knead with a spatula or your hands until a cohesive dough forms. If the dough is too sticky or too dry, adjust the water amount according to the hotteok mix package instructions. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow it to rise and become chewier.

Step 2

[Preparing the Japchae Filling] Now, let’s make the delicious japchae filling for your hotteok! Have your 80g of soaked glass noodles ready. Wash the chives and cut them into 5cm lengths. Thinly julienne the carrot. Preparing these ingredients beforehand will make the cooking process much smoother.

Step 3

Heat a pan over medium heat and add the 80g of soaked glass noodles. Pour in 1/2 cup of water, 2 Tbsp of cooking oil, and 1 Tbsp of soy sauce. Stir-fry the noodles until they absorb the seasoning and the liquid reduces. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy.

Step 4

Once the glass noodles have reduced, add the prepared chives and julienned carrots to the pan. Stir-fry them together. Now, add the filling seasonings: 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 + 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, a pinch of black pepper, and 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds. Stir-fry quickly until all ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly. Your flavorful japchae filling is now ready!

Step 5

[Assembling the Japchae Hotteok] Divide the risen hotteok dough into 2-3 portions. Flatten each portion into a circle. Place a generous amount of the cooled japchae filling in the center of each flattened dough. Carefully gather the edges of the dough to seal the filling completely, forming a round ball. Gently press down on the ball with your palm to flatten it into a hotteok shape.

Step 6

Heat a thick-bottomed pan or skillet over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of frying oil. Once the oil is moderately hot, carefully place the formed hotteok into the pan. As the hotteok turns golden brown, use a spatula or ladle to gently press down on it, cooking both sides until they are golden and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning; this is key for a perfect texture!

Step 7

[Making the Spicy Sauce] Let’s create a special sauce to enhance your hotteok! In a bowl, combine 5 Tbsp minced green onion, 1/2 cup spicy gochugaru, 2 Tbsp gochujang, and 1 Tbsp sugar. Mix well. Then, add 5 Tbsp cooking oil. For an extra depth of flavor, you can add 2-3 Tbsp of the hot oil used for frying the hotteok (optional). Stir everything thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well-emulsified.

Step 8

Arrange the perfectly fried japchae hotteok on a plate. Generously spoon the freshly made spicy and sweet sauce over the hotteok. You can garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy them while they are warm for the best experience – a crispy exterior, a chewy dough, and a savory-sweet filling. Make this special treat today for your family to enjoy!