H1Quick & Easy 2-Ingredient Nutella Hotteok: Korean Sweet Pancakes You Can Make in Minutes
Hotteok, those delightful Korean sweet pancakes, are a popular street food treat, especially during the colder months. The traditional recipe involves making a yeasted dough, which requires time and effort. But what if I told you that you could enjoy a similar experience with just *two* ingredients? That’s right! This recipe brings the flavors of hotteok to your table in a fraction of the time with minimal effort. This recipe utilizes a shortcut that’s perfect for busy weeknights, unexpected sweet cravings, or when you simply want a delicious treat without the fuss. This 2-Ingredient Nutella Hotteok recipe is a game-changer!
## What is Hotteok?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s briefly discuss what makes hotteok so special. Hotteok (호떡) are Korean pancakes typically filled with a sweet mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. The dough is usually made from flour, water, yeast, and a bit of sugar. These pancakes are pan-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a gooey, melted filling on the inside. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible.
## Why This 2-Ingredient Recipe Works
The secret to this simplified hotteok lies in using pre-made flour tortillas as the base. Flour tortillas provide a similar chewiness to the traditional dough and cook up beautifully in a pan. Nutella, that beloved hazelnut spread, replaces the traditional filling and adds a rich, chocolatey flavor that complements the tortilla perfectly. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Flour Tortillas:** Regular-sized flour tortillas are ideal. Look for ones that are soft and pliable. Avoid using corn tortillas, as they won’t provide the same texture or flavor.
* **Nutella:** The star of the show! You can use any brand of hazelnut spread you prefer. You can also experiment with other fillings like peanut butter, cookie butter, or even jam.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Non-stick skillet or pan:** This is crucial to prevent the hotteok from sticking and burning.
* **Spatula:** For flipping and pressing the pancakes.
* **Plate:** For serving.
* **Measuring Spoons:** Optional, for more precise Nutella measurements, although this recipe is very forgiving.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make these incredibly easy Nutella hotteok:
**1. Prepare Your Work Area:**
* Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface.
* Have your Nutella readily available.
* Place your skillet on the stove over medium heat.
**2. Spread the Nutella:**
* Take one tortilla and spread a generous layer of Nutella evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edge. Aim for about 2-3 tablespoons of Nutella per tortilla. Don’t overfill it, or the Nutella will ooze out during cooking.
**3. Assemble the Hotteok:**
* Place another tortilla on top of the Nutella-covered one, creating a sandwich. Gently press down to seal the edges.
**4. Cook the Hotteok:**
* Place the Nutella-filled tortilla sandwich in the preheated skillet.
* Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and slightly crispy. Use a spatula to gently press down on the hotteok while it’s cooking. This helps to melt the Nutella and create a gooey filling and ensures even browning. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Adjust the heat if necessary. If it’s browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.
**5. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Carefully remove the hotteok from the skillet and place it on a plate.
* Let it cool for a minute or two before cutting it into wedges or enjoying it whole. The Nutella will be very hot!
## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Nutella Hotteok
* **Don’t Overfill:** Resist the urge to load up on Nutella. Too much filling will make the hotteok difficult to handle and prone to leaking.
* **Use Low to Medium Heat:** Cooking over low to medium heat ensures that the tortilla cooks evenly and the Nutella melts without burning.
* **Press Gently:** Pressing down on the hotteok with a spatula helps to create a crispy exterior and melts the Nutella evenly.
* **Keep a Close Eye:** Hotteok can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on them while they’re cooking.
* **Serve Immediately:** These are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
## Variations and Additions
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans, walnuts, or almonds) over the Nutella before adding the top tortilla for a bit of crunch and added flavor.
* **Add Cinnamon:** A dash of cinnamon adds a warm and comforting flavor that complements the Nutella perfectly. Sprinkle it over the Nutella before assembling the hotteok.
* **Add Fruit:** Thinly sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries can be added to the Nutella filling for a burst of freshness and sweetness.
* **Use Different Spreads:** Experiment with other spreads like peanut butter, cookie butter, or jam.
* **Dust with Powdered Sugar:** A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes the hotteok look even more appealing.
* **Serve with Ice Cream:** For an extra indulgent treat, serve your Nutella hotteok with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* **Savory Option:** While this recipe focuses on a sweet treat, you can also create a savory version. Use cheese and ham or other savory fillings instead of Nutella.
## Serving Suggestions
These 2-ingredient Nutella hotteok are perfect for:
* **A quick and easy breakfast**
* **A satisfying afternoon snack**
* **A simple and delicious dessert**
* **A fun treat for kids**
* **A party appetizer**
* **A late-night craving**
## Storage Instructions
While these hotteok are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving. Note that the tortilla may become slightly softer upon refrigeration.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, assuming one hotteok made with one tortilla and 2 tablespoons of Nutella)
* Calories: 300-350
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 5-7g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 35-45g
* Sugar: 15-20g
* Protein: 5-7g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **It’s incredibly easy:** With only two ingredients and minimal steps, this recipe is perfect for even the most novice cooks.
* **It’s quick:** You can have a batch of hotteok ready in under 10 minutes.
* **It’s delicious:** The combination of the chewy tortilla and the rich, chocolatey Nutella is simply irresistible.
* **It’s versatile:** You can easily customize the recipe with different fillings and toppings to suit your preferences.
* **It’s budget-friendly:** Both tortillas and Nutella are relatively inexpensive ingredients.
* **Kid-friendly:** Kids love this recipe, and it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use gluten-free tortillas?**
A: Yes, you can use gluten-free tortillas, but be aware that the texture and flavor may be slightly different. Choose a gluten-free tortilla that is soft and pliable.
**Q: Can I use a different type of spread instead of Nutella?**
A: Absolutely! Peanut butter, cookie butter, jam, or any other spread you like would work well.
**Q: Can I add cheese to this recipe?**
A: While this recipe is designed to be a sweet treat, you can certainly add cheese for a sweet and savory combination.
**Q: My hotteok are burning. What am I doing wrong?**
A: Your heat may be too high. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the hotteok for a longer period of time.
**Q: My Nutella is oozing out of the sides. How can I prevent this?**
A: You may be using too much Nutella. Use a smaller amount of Nutella and make sure to seal the edges of the tortillas well.
**Q: Can I make these ahead of time?**
A: These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can make them ahead of time and reheat them in a skillet or microwave.
**Q: What if I don’t have a non-stick pan?**
A: While a non-stick pan is recommended, you can still make these in a regular pan. Just be sure to use enough oil or butter to prevent the hotteok from sticking.
**Q: Can I use whole wheat tortillas?**
A: Yes, you can use whole wheat tortillas for a slightly healthier option.
**Q: Can I bake these instead of pan-frying them?**
A: While pan-frying is the traditional method, you can try baking them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. However, the texture will be different.
**Q: Can I freeze these?**
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the tortilla may change upon thawing.
## Final Thoughts
This 2-Ingredient Nutella Hotteok recipe is a lifesaver for busy days and sudden sweet cravings. It’s a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a taste of Korean street food without all the fuss. So, grab your tortillas and Nutella and get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible pancakes! They’re guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Enjoy! Now you can make delicious and easy hotteok anytime you want.
## Recipe Card
**2-Ingredient Nutella Hotteok**
**Prep time:** 2 minutes
**Cook time:** 5 minutes
**Total time:** 7 minutes
**Serves:** 1
**Ingredients:**
* 2 flour tortillas
* 2-3 tablespoons Nutella
**Instructions:**
1. Spread Nutella evenly over one tortilla, leaving a small border around the edge.
2. Place the second tortilla on top of the Nutella-covered tortilla, creating a sandwich.
3. Place the Nutella-filled tortilla sandwich in a preheated non-stick skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and slightly crispy. Use a spatula to gently press down on the hotteok while it’s cooking.
5. Remove from skillet and let cool slightly before serving. Cut into wedges or enjoy whole.
**Notes:**
* Add chopped nuts, cinnamon, or fruit to the Nutella filling for added flavor.
* Serve with powdered sugar or ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
* Best enjoyed fresh and warm.