If you enjoy street food, you've likely heard about Korean Corn Dogs, also known as Gamja Hot Dogs. Have you not, Lykkers?
These crispy, mouthwatering snacks have become a global sensation, thanks in part to their popularity on social media platforms like TikTok.
With their perfect balance of crunchy exteriors and soft, savory interiors, Korean Corn Dogs have taken the world by storm. But how are they made?
Let's dive into the details, from their origins to the best ways to store them for later enjoyment. Ready to explore this delightful snack? Let's get started!
Origins of the Korean Corn Dog
While hot dogs are a well-known American classic, the Korean Corn Dog has its roots in South Korea. The Korean street food scene is rich and diverse, with a wide variety of snacks and meals to choose from.
The Korean Corn Dog, or Gamja Hot Dog, evolved from the traditional American hot dog, but with a twist. What makes it special is its outer coating, often made of crispy fried potato cubes or panko, and its varied fillings, which can include sausage, melted cheese, or even both. The dough is different too, being sweeter and fluffier, which creates a delightful contrast with the savory fillings inside.
The origins of the Korean Corn Dog date back to the early 2000s when they began appearing at street markets and stalls across South Korea. However, their global popularity exploded only in recent years, thanks in large part to the K-pop culture and the rise of social media platforms.
The TikTok Trend: Korean Corn Dogs Go Viral
Over the last few years, Korean Corn Dogs have become a viral sensation, with TikTok playing a central role in their rise to fame. Millions of users have shared videos of themselves preparing, tasting, or reviewing these delicious snacks, boosting their popularity to unexpected heights.
The appeal of the Korean Corn Dog on TikTok lies in its photogenic appeal and the wide variety of combinations. The videos showing the perfect crunch of the coating breaking as you bite into it, revealing the soft, gooey interior, are enough to make anyone's mouth water. The fact that users are experimenting with different ways to prepare and decorate these corn dogs only adds to the fun and uniqueness of each creation.
This trend has not only caught the attention of food bloggers but also celebrities, making the Korean Corn Dog a must-try for anyone seeking a new culinary adventure.
How to Make Korean Corn Dogs at Home
Ingredients
- 250g all-purpose flour or Manitoba flour
- 200g lukewarm water
- 1 egg
- 15g sugar
- 8g fresh yeast (or 3g dry yeast)
- 7g salt
- 6 medium to large sausages
- 200g cheese (mozzarella, provolone, emmental, etc.)
- Breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- Frozen fries (for coating)
- Sweet or spicy paprika
- 1 liter peanut oil (for frying)
- Optional: Ketchup, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce for dipping
- Korean-style: powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter
In a bowl, mix lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve. Add the egg and continue mixing. Sift the flour into the bowl and add the salt. Mix with a fork until combined, then whisk for about 5 minutes until the batter becomes resistant.
Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise for about an hour, until it has doubled in size and is bubbly on the surface.
2. Prepare the Sausages and Cheese
While the batter is rising, remove the sausages from the package and blot them with paper towels. If preferred, you can blanch the sausages for 2 minutes in boiling water. Cut the sausages and cheese into pieces of similar size. Thread the pieces onto skewers and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Coating
Crush the frozen fries into small pieces and place them on a plate. Nearby, set up your breadcrumbs (or cornflakes, panko, etc.).
4. Coat the Skewers
Once the batter has risen, dip the skewers into the batter, coating them thoroughly. Immediately roll them in the crushed fries, followed by the breadcrumbs or other chosen coating.
5. Fry the Corn Dogs
Heat the oil to 170-180°C. Fry the skewers for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Be sure to fry only a few at a time to maintain the oil temperature. Once crispy, remove from the oil and drain any excess oil.
6. Serve
Serve the Korean Corn Dogs hot with your favorite sauces. For an authentic Korean twist, you can dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
Decorating Your Korean Corn Dogs
One of the most fun aspects of Korean Corn Dogs is the ability to customize them. Here are some ideas to make your creation even more delicious:
- Sugar: A popular Korean variation is to sprinkle sugar on the fried corn dog for a sweet-savory contrast.
- Condiments: Traditional options like ketchup and mayonnaise are always a good choice. For a spicier touch, add sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.
- Crispy Toppings: You can top your corn dogs with crushed chips, sesame seeds, or crispy fried onions for extra texture.
- Cheese: For cheese lovers, a sprinkle of grated cheese such as parmesan or pecorino can elevate the flavor.
How to Store Korean Corn Dogs
If you have leftovers or want to prepare them in advance, here are some tips for storing Korean Corn Dogs:
- In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes to regain their crispy texture.
- In the Freezer: After frying, let the corn dogs cool completely. Wrap them individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap, then freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 180°C for 20-25 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Avoid the Microwave: The microwave can make the coating soggy, so it's best to reheat them in the oven or an air fryer.
Final Thoughts
Korean Corn Dogs are a fun and tasty snack that have captured the hearts of many worldwide. With their unique mix of textures and flavors, they make for a perfect treat. If this recipe inspired you, don't forget to try other fun snacks and enjoy the journey of exploring new tastes!
