Cheat Korean Hotteok using Frozen Roti
Filled with nuts and dried fruits, these crispy pancakes are a cheat version of Korean hotteok using frozen roti and can be ready in under 15 minutes.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl, blender, saucepan
Ingredients
Filling (Option A)
- ½ cup mixed nuts
- ¼ cup dried fruit raisins, cranberries or dates
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup
Filling (Option B) - Mix well
- 1 tbsp softened butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Rest of ingredients
- 4 frozen roti
- 2 tbsp butter for frying
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Place the mixed nuts and dried fruit in a blender or food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Transfer to a bowl and mix with the cinnamon powder.
- Add either the maple syrup OR the butter and brown sugar mixture. Stir until the filling comes together.
- Remove the frozen roti from the freezer. Peel away the top layer of plastic but leave the roti resting on the bottom layer. This makes it easier to handle as it softens.
- Spoon 1/4 of the filling into the centre of each roti.
- Fold the edges towards the middle, overlapping them to form a sealed parcel.
- Melt a little butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Place the parcel folded-side down in the pan.
- Scatter sesame seeds over the exposed surface while the dough is still uncooked so the seeds adhere properly.
- Cook until the bottom is golden brown and crisp, about 2–3 minutes.
- Carefully flip and cook the sesame seed side until golden and crisp. Add more butter if needed.
Notes
Cheat Korean Hotteok - Quick Q&A
1. What is hotteok? Hotteok is a popular Korean street snack made from a sweet dough filled with ingredients such as brown sugar, nuts and cinnamon. The dough is fried until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy inside.
2. Do I have to use a particular brand or type of roti?
No. Any frozen roti or roti paratha will work for this recipe. Use whatever brand you normally buy. The key is to work with the roti while it is still frozen or only partially thawed, as this makes it easier to fill and fold. 3. Do I need to thaw the frozen roti first?
No. In fact, it is easier to work with frozen roti. Remove the top layer of plastic but leave the roti on the bottom layer while you add the filling. This prevents the dough from becoming too soft and sticky. 4. What can I use as a hotteok filling?
You can use a mixture of nuts, dried fruits, cinnamon and a sweetener such as maple syrup, honey or brown sugar. Traditional Korean hotteok often contains brown sugar and nuts, but you can customise the filling to suit your taste. 5. Why add maple syrup or butter and sugar to the filling?
The sweetener helps bind the nuts and dried fruits together so the filling stays moist and doesn't taste dry. Maple syrup creates a lighter filling, while butter and brown sugar produce a richer, more caramel-like centre. 6. Can I make these hotteok ahead of time?
They are best enjoyed fresh from the pan when the outside is crispy. However, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until needed. 7. Can I air fry these hotteok?
Yes. Brush the hotteok lightly with melted butter and air fry at 180°C for 6–8 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different from pan-fried hotteok but still delicious. 8. What can I serve with hotteok?
Hotteok is usually enjoyed on its own as a snack or breakfast treat. It also pairs well with coffee, tea or a glass of cold milk.
No. Any frozen roti or roti paratha will work for this recipe. Use whatever brand you normally buy. The key is to work with the roti while it is still frozen or only partially thawed, as this makes it easier to fill and fold. 3. Do I need to thaw the frozen roti first?
No. In fact, it is easier to work with frozen roti. Remove the top layer of plastic but leave the roti on the bottom layer while you add the filling. This prevents the dough from becoming too soft and sticky. 4. What can I use as a hotteok filling?
You can use a mixture of nuts, dried fruits, cinnamon and a sweetener such as maple syrup, honey or brown sugar. Traditional Korean hotteok often contains brown sugar and nuts, but you can customise the filling to suit your taste. 5. Why add maple syrup or butter and sugar to the filling?
The sweetener helps bind the nuts and dried fruits together so the filling stays moist and doesn't taste dry. Maple syrup creates a lighter filling, while butter and brown sugar produce a richer, more caramel-like centre. 6. Can I make these hotteok ahead of time?
They are best enjoyed fresh from the pan when the outside is crispy. However, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until needed. 7. Can I air fry these hotteok?
Yes. Brush the hotteok lightly with melted butter and air fry at 180°C for 6–8 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different from pan-fried hotteok but still delicious. 8. What can I serve with hotteok?
Hotteok is usually enjoyed on its own as a snack or breakfast treat. It also pairs well with coffee, tea or a glass of cold milk.