Perfect Korean Sweet Rice Donuts

The Sweet Beginnings

My Favorite is Korean Sweet Rice Donuts and When I first tasted Korean Sweet Rice Donuts, I was instantly hooked. It was a crisp autumn afternoon, and I had just returned from a vibrant street market in Seoul. The air was filled with the aroma of sizzling treats, and among them, these golden-brown donuts caught my eye. They were different from anything I’d ever seen—crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, filled with a luscious red bean paste. I knew right then that I had to recreate these delights at home.

The Kitchen Adventure

Back in my kitchen, I dove into the adventure of making these donuts. I started with sweet rice flour and self-rising flour, mixing them together with melted butter and hot water. As I worked the dough, I felt a sense of connection to the street vendors I had seen. Each step, from shaping the dough balls to filling them with the sweet red bean paste, brought me closer to that bustling market experience. My kitchen was filled with the comforting scent of cinnamon and sweet red bean, making the process as enjoyable as the result.

The Frying Fun

Frying the donuts was a moment of both excitement and challenge. I carefully heated the vegetable oil and dropped in the dough balls, watching them transform into golden-brown treats. The oil bubbled around them, and the donuts floated to the surface, their crispy exteriors forming perfectly. I had to keep a close eye on them, rolling them gently to ensure they cooked evenly. The transformation from dough to delicious donut was mesmerizing and rewarding.

A Sweet Ending

Finally, after letting the donuts cool and rolling them in castor sugar, I tasted one. It was as if the streets of Seoul had come alive in my kitchen. The combination of the crispy exterior and the sweet, warm red bean paste inside was divine. Sharing these donuts with friends and family became a joy—everyone loved the chewy texture and the surprise of the red bean filling. Every bite was a reminder of that vibrant market day and a testament to the magic of bringing a piece of Korean street food into my home.

Chef’s Notes-Korean Sweet Rice Donuts

• Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is smooth and not too sticky. If it is, add a bit more self-rising flour. If it’s too dry, add a little more hot water.
• Stuffing Tips: Make sure the red bean paste is smooth and not too thick. If necessary, blend it for a smoother texture. This will help with easier filling and a better eating experience.
• Frying Temperature: Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. Too hot, and the donuts will burn on the outside before cooking through; too cool, and they will absorb excess oil.
• Even Cooking: Roll the donuts around in the oil to ensure even browning and cooking. This also prevents them from sticking together.
• Cooling: Allow the donuts to cool on paper towels to remove excess oil. If you coat them in sugar while they are still hot, the sugar will stick better.
• Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them briefly in a hot oven for the best texture if needed.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings like chocolate ganache or sweetened chestnut puree for a twist on this traditional treat.

Korean Sweet Rice Donuts

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Dessert, SnackCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

40

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

114

kcal

Resting Time

15

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Dive into the delightful world of Korean Sweet Rice Donuts! These crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside treats are filled with luscious sweetened red bean paste. Perfect for a quick snack or a fun dessert, these donuts will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Korea. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique and addictive treat!

Ingredients

• Dough

• 2 1/4 cups sweet rice flour (glutinous rice flour)

• 1/2 cup self-rising flour

• 1 tablespoon melted butter

• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 2 cups hot water

• Stuffing

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 3/4 cup sweetened red bean paste

• Others

• Vegetable oil for deep-frying

• 2 tablespoons castor sugar

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Sweet Rice Flour: Substitute with regular rice flour for a different texture.

• Self-Rising Flour: Use all-purpose flour with a pinch of baking powder.

• Butter: Replace with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

• Red Bean Paste: Substitute with Nutella or sweetened chestnut puree for different flavors.

Directions

• Prepare Stuffing – In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon powder with the sweetened red bean paste. For a smoother texture, blend or mash the paste. Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if desired.
• Shape Dough – Transfer the dough onto a cutting board and divide it into small portions to form mini balls. Cover the dough balls with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Fill Dough – Flatten each dough ball with your thumbs to create a small well. Place about 1/4 teaspoon of the red bean mixture into the center and carefully seal the dough around it. Ensure the filling is fully enclosed.
• Deep Fry – Heat vegetable oil in a deep saucepan over medium-high heat. Fry the dough balls until they turn golden brown, continuously rolling them to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.
• Cool and Coat – Remove the fried donuts and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them cool for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle or roll the donuts in castor sugar for a sweet finish.

Equipment

• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• deep sauce pan

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 114kcal
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 1mg
• Sodium: 30mg
• Potassium: 18mg
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Vitamin A: 20IU
• Vitamin C: 0mg
• Calcium: 4mg
• Iron: 0.2mg

FAQ-Korean Sweet Rice Donuts

Can I use regular rice flour instead of sweet rice flour?

Sweet rice flour gives these donuts their signature chewy texture. Regular rice flour will result in a different texture, so it’s best to stick with sweet rice flour if you want the traditional chewiness.

What can I use if I don’t have self-rising flour?

You can use all-purpose flour with a pinch of baking powder as a substitute for self-rising flour.

Can I make these donuts in advance?

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to make them ahead, store them in an airtight container and reheat them in a hot oven for the best texture.

How can I ensure the donuts are not too greasy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, around 350°F (175°C). Don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid cooling the oil too quickly and causing the donuts to become greasy.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

While frying is traditional and provides the best texture, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. They won’t be as crispy but will still be tasty.