Sweet Korean Yakgwa with Ginger Syrup

Name: Sweet Korean Yakgwa with Ginger Syrup
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sesame oil; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soju (or vodka); A pinch of salt; 1 cup honey; 1 cup water; 1/4 cup sliced ginger; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; Vegetable oil (for frying); 1/2 cup honey (for additional coating)

Traditional Korean Honey Cookies with a Twist

Yakgwa is a beloved Korean dessert made from wheat flour, sesame oil, and honey. This recipe adds a ginger syrup for a spicy-sweet complement.

3 h 30 min
8
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Yakgwa Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sesame oil

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup soju (or vodka)

A pinch of salt

For the Ginger Syrup

1 cup honey

1 cup water

1/4 cup sliced ginger

2 tablespoons brown sugar

For Frying

Vegetable oil (for frying)

For Optional Dipping

1/2 cup honey (for additional coating)

Preparation

Marinating the Yakgwa Dough

Combine flour and sesame oil

In a large bowl, combine the flour and sesame oil. Mix until crumbly.

Add honey, soju, and salt

Add honey, soju, and salt to the flour mixture.

Knead and rest dough

Knead the dough until smooth, then wrap in plastic and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Ginger Syrup

Combine ingredients

Combine honey, water, sliced ginger, and brown sugar in a saucepan.

Simmer the syrup

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Ensure syrup does not burn during simmering.

Strain and cool

Strain and set aside to cool.

Use a fine mesh strainer for crystal-clear syrup.

Cooking Process

Roll and cut dough

Roll dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch and cut into 2-inch squares.

Deep fry yakgwa

Heat vegetable oil to medium-high heat and fry the squares until golden brown.

Soak in ginger syrup

Coat fried yakgwa with ginger syrup by dipping them into a shallow dish.

Plating & Serving