Korean Corn Dog Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Make Korean corn dogs at home with this easy recipe. Crispy battered, juicy hot dogs, and sweet & savory flavors. Enjoy the unique combination of sweet and savory flavors in every bite!

Korean corn dogs have become popular due in part to their portrayal in K-dramas (Korean television dramas) and the wider Korean culture. K-dramas often feature popular street foods, including Korean corn dogs, as a way of showcasing the vibrant and diverse food culture of South Korea. Additionally, the popularity of Korean cuisine and Korean pop culture has led to a growing interest in Korean street food around the world, including Korean corn dogs.

What is a Korean corn dog?

Korean corn dogs, also known as “Korean-style hot dogs,” are a popular street food in South Korea. Unlike traditional American hot dogs, which are served in a split bun, Korean corn dogs are served on a stick and coated in a batter made from bread crumbs. The dish has gained attention abroad for its unique presentation and sweet taste, achieved by frying the hot dog until crispy and serving it with ketchup.

The popularity of Korean corn dogs can be attributed to their convenience and accessibility, as well as the appeal of the combination of juicy hot dogs and a sweet and savory batter.

Korean corn dogs can be found at street food stalls, convenience stores, and festivals, making them a convenient snack option for people of all ages. The dish’s affordability and delicious taste make it a popular choice for those looking for a quick and satisfying snack.

What we used for presenting Korean corn dogs:

How are Korean corn dogs different from American hot dogs?

Korean corn dogs and American hot dogs differ in their presentation and coating. American hot dogs are usually served in a split bun, while Korean corn dogs are served on a stick and coated in a batter made from bread crumbs, which gives them a sweet taste and a crunchy exterior.

In terms of cultural significance, American hot dogs are widely recognized as a classic American food, while Korean corn dogs have become a staple of Korean street food culture.

Overall, both dishes have their unique qualities, with Korean corn dogs known for their sweet and crispy exterior and American hot dogs known for their soft texture and classic flavor. They offer different taste and texture experiences for those looking to enjoy a hot dog dish.

How to Make Korean Corn Dogs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

Batter

• All-purpose flour (300g)
• Sugar (30g)
• Salt (6g)
• Dry yeast (6g)
• Warm water (260ml)
• Egg (room temperature) (1)

Filling

• Hot dog (6)
• Mozzarella cheese (6 sticks)
• Skewers (6)

Toppings

• Panko breadcrumbs (3 cups)
• Ketchup
• Mustard sauce

Steps

I. Preparing the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 260ml of warm water, 6g of dry yeast, 30g of sugar, 1 room-temperature egg, 300g of all-purpose flour, and 6g of salt in that order.
2. Mix the ingredients well.
3. Let the dough rise for 1 hour at room temperature until it has doubled in size.

II. Preparing the Corn Dogs and Cheese

1. Briefly blanch the corn dogs in boiling water for 1 minute.
2. Cut the corn dogs and block of mozzarella cheese into sticks roughly the size of the halved hot dogs.
3. Skewer the corn dogs and cheese sticks.
4. Wrap the dough around the skewered corn dogs and cheese.
5. Coat the dough in panko breadcrumbs and shape it.

III. Cooking the Corn Dogs

1. Heat the cooking oil in a deep pan to a temperature between 350°F and 375°F. Remember, the oil temperature will drop when you add the corn dogs, so aim for 375°F.
   • Tip: You don’t need a thermometer to check the temperature. Simply insert a wooden skewer into the deep pan and look for little bubbles.
2. Fry the coated corn dogs until golden and crispy for 2-3 minutes, rotating them occasionally with tongs. Use tongs to carefully remove the corn dogs and let them drain on a wire rack.

IV. Serving

1. Sprinkle ketchup, mustard, or roll the corn dogs in sugar to your preference.

Explore the Delicious Variations of Korean Corn Dogs

Here are some popular alternatives you can try to mix things up and make your Korean corn dogs even more irresistible.

1. Gamja Corn Dogs

Korean gamja hot dogs, also known as french fry hot dogs, are a delicious twist on traditional corn dogs. They are made by topping hot dogs with diced, crunchy french fries instead of panko. The word gamja in Korean means potato, making these hot dogs a perfect combination of salty and crispy. The addition of cheese only adds to the indulgence.

2. Ramen Corn Dogs

Adding instant ramen noodles to Korean corn dogs creates a unique twist on the classic snack. In this variation, crushed-up instant ramen noodles are used instead of panko or flour. The addition of the seasonings from the instant noodles also adds a new flavor dimension to the corn dogs.

3. Crispy Rice Corn Dogs

For a different crunch, crispy rice puffs can also be an option. This can be achieved by either using crushed rice crackers or Korean rice puffs that are rolled in rice instead of panko breadcrumbs.

4. Cornflake Corn Dogs

The cornflake Korean corn dog is a delightful twist on the traditional corn dog. It replaces the panko with crushed cornflakes, resulting in a deliciously corny flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.

5. Hot Cheetos Corn Dogs

The Hot Cheetos variation of the Korean corn dog offers an extra crunch and a spicy kick. This version is made by coating the hot dog with crushed Hot Cheetos, giving it a bold and unique flavor. To add an extra tang, drizzle mayonnaise and squeeze fresh lime juice over the mozzarella cheese-topped hot dog.

6. Rice Cake Corn Dogs

The Korean rice cake, Galetteog, can be used as an alternative to sausages to add a unique twist to the classic corn dog. This variation features chewy rice cakes for a different texture experience and is recommended to be paired with honey for an added burst of flavor.

7. Cream Cheese Corn Dogs

This variation of the classic corn dog features a creamy mozzarella cheese filling instead of a hot dog, topped with the rich flavor of cream cheese and the sweetness of the strawberry jam. The outer coating boasts a savory corn crunch, creating a delightful contrast of textures in each bite.

8. Cheddar Cheese Corn Dogs

This twist on classic corn dogs features a corn dog wrapped with cheddar cheese, offering a light and salty flavor. Pair it with a delicious mango chutney or bacon jam for a truly satisfying bite.

Can I make Korean corn dogs with an air fryer?

An air fryer can be used to make a Korean cheese corn dog, however, the texture may not be as crispy as deep-fried corn dogs.

We recommend using an air fryer to reheat the leftover. To reheat the frozen corn dogs in an air fryer, set the temperature to 180 degrees and cook for 12-13 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

How to make Vegan Korean corn dogs?

Making Vegan Korean Corn Dogs is a delicious alternative to traditional corn dogs.

Instead of hot dogs and mozzarella cheese, you can use plant-based sausages made from tofu, tempeh, seitan, or any other vegan protein, along with vegan cheese made from nuts, seeds, or plant-based milk. 

The batter can be made with a mixture of flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, sugar, and plant-based milk such as almond or soy milk. To replace the eggs, you can use chia seeds or flaxseeds.

How to store and reheat Korean corn dogs?

For the best experience, it’s recommended to eat your Korean corn dogs immediately. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in a freezer-safe zip-lock bag for up to 2 months.

To reheat frozen Korean corn dogs, you can use an air fryer, preheating it to 180 degrees and cooking the corn dogs for 12 to 13 minutes while flipping them halfway to ensure a crispy exterior all around.

Another option is to reheat them in the oven, cooking them for 10 minutes at 190 degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions