Korean Rice Donuts are a delightful snack that has become a favorite for many. These chewy little donuts are made with glutinous rice flour, which gives them their signature texture. They are often coated in a sweet and savory syrup, making them irresistible with every bite. If you’re looking for something different for breakfast or an afternoon snack, Korean Rice Donuts are the perfect choice. With their soft and chewy texture and rich flavors, they’ll definitely brighten up your day!
The Making of Korean Rice Donuts
Making Korean Rice Donuts is easier than you might think. Start by mixing glutinous rice flour with water to form a dough. Once the dough is smooth and pliable, shape it into small donut rounds. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, but soft and chewy on the inside. The magic happens when you coat them with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon or dip them in a syrupy glaze. These little bites of goodness are a perfect treat to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Flavoring and Serving Korean Rice Donuts
What makes Korean Rice Donuts so special is their versatility. You can enjoy them simply with sugar or get creative with fillings like red bean paste or sweet potato. The dough is mild in flavor, which allows the toppings to shine through. Some people even add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a dusting of powdered sugar for a little extra touch. No matter how you serve them, Korean Rice Donuts never fail to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why Korean Rice Donuts Are So Popular
The beauty of Korean Rice Donuts lies in their texture and the balance of flavors. The chewy, sticky rice flour contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the syrup and the crispness of the donut’s exterior. These donuts are loved for their nostalgic connection to traditional Korean sweets but have also gained popularity worldwide due to their unique taste. Whether you’re trying them for the first time or enjoying them for years, Korean Rice Donuts always bring joy to the table.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Korean Rice Donuts
- Consistent Oil Temperature: To achieve a perfect crispy exterior, maintain the oil temperature at 350°F. Use a thermometer to check and adjust the heat as needed. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn; if it’s too cold, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Small Batches for Frying: Fry the donuts in small batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures each donut is evenly cooked.
- Knead Until Smooth: When making the dough, make sure to knead it until smooth and elastic. This will help create the chewy texture inside the donut.
- Sifting the Flour: Always sift the glutinous rice flour and all-purpose flour together to eliminate lumps and ensure a smooth dough.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to get creative with the filling! You can experiment with Nutella, jam, or a sweetened coconut mixture for a different flavor profile.
- Seal the Dough Well: When shaping the donuts, ensure the dough is completely sealed around the filling to prevent leakage while frying.
- Sugar Coating: Toss the donuts in sugar immediately after frying while they’re still warm to help the sugar stick better.
- Alternative Baking Option: For a healthier option, you can bake the donuts at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. This will result in a less oily, but still tasty, treat.
Korean Rice Donuts
4
donuts30
minutes10
minutes700
kcal5
minutes45
minutesExperience the delightful fusion of textures and flavors with these homemade Korean rice donuts! Perfectly chewy on the inside and delightfully crispy on the outside, each donut is generously filled with rich sweet red bean paste. This recipe is simple, affordable, and customizable, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these delicious snacks are sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into the authentic tastes of Korea and elevate your snack game today!
Ingredients
- For the Dough
4 cups glutinous rice flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
1/8 tsp fine sea salt
2 cups hot water
- Filling
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 cup sweetened red bean paste
- Other Ingredients
vegetable oil for frying
2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Alternative Ingredients:
Substitute glutinous rice flour with regular rice flour for a different texture.
Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter to make the recipe vegan.
Swap sweetened red bean paste with Nutella or chocolate spread for variety.
Replace granulated sugar with powdered sugar for a finer coating.
Directions
- Prepare Filling – In a small bowl, combine sweetened red bean paste and ground cinnamon. For a smoother consistency, mash the mixture with a fork or blend it briefly in a food processor. Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if desired. (approx. 5 minutes)
- Make Dough – Sift together glutinous rice flour and all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl to eliminate lumps. Add the fine sea salt and melted butter, then gradually pour in the hot water while stirring. Mix until a cohesive dough forms, then transfer to a clean surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (approx. 15 minutes)
- Shape Donuts – Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball. Using your thumb, create a small indentation in each ball and add a spoonful of the red bean filling. Carefully seal the dough around the filling, ensuring no gaps remain. Cover the shaped donuts with plastic wrap to prevent drying while you work. (approx. 15 minutes)
- Fry and Coat – Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet to 350°F. Carefully place the stuffed dough balls into the hot oil in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and drain excess oil on paper towels. While still warm, toss the donuts in granulated sugar for a sweet finish. (approx. 20 minutes)
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- cast iron skillet
Notes
- Ensure the oil maintains a consistent temperature to achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing excessive oil. Fry the donuts in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature. Serve the donuts warm for the best flavor and texture. For an alternative preparation, you can bake the donuts instead of frying for a healthier option. Experiment with different fillings such as chocolate, jam, or Nutella to add variety to your donuts. Dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with a simple glaze can enhance the sweetness and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 700kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 120g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 40g
- Protein: 8g
- Vitamin A: 100IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 3mg
FAQ- Korean Rice Donuts
Can I use a different filling for the donuts?
Yes! You can swap the red bean paste with Nutella, chocolate spread, or even fruit jams like strawberry or blueberry for a different flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have glutinous rice flour?
You can substitute glutinous rice flour with regular rice flour, but the texture will be slightly different. The glutinous rice flour gives the donuts their signature chewy texture.
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm. However, you can prepare the dough and filling in advance, then fry them right before serving.
How can I make these donuts vegan?
To make the recipe vegan, replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, and ensure the filling is dairy-free. You can also use plant-based alternatives for sugar coating.
How do I store leftover donuts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore some crispiness.
