Yakgwa

Name: Yakgwa
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted; 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 1/4 cup honey; 1 cup rice syrup; 1/2 cup water; 1 oz fresh ginger, sliced; 4 cups vegetable oil

Traditional Korean fried honey cookies soaked in a fragrant ginger syrup. They feature a unique layered, chewy texture with a delicate rich flavor.

60 minMediumServes 12210 cal/serving

KoreanDessertStovetopVegetarianDairy-FreeEgg-FreePork-FreeLow-SodiumNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
3 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1/4 cup honey
1 cup rice syrup
1/2 cup water
1 oz fresh ginger, sliced
4 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

1

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour and 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil, rubbing the oil into the flour with your palms until sandy.
2

In a saucepan over medium heat, boil 1 cup rice syrup, 1/4 cup honey, 1/2 cup water, and 1 oz sliced fresh ginger for 2 minutes, then cool to room temperature.
3

Pour 3 tablespoons of the cooled syrup into the flour mixture and knead gently into a cohesive dough.
4

Roll the dough out to half an inch thick and cut into small squares or press into decorative cookie molds.
5

Heat 4 cups vegetable oil to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and fry dough pieces until they float and expand.
6

Increase heat to 320 degrees Fahrenheit and fry until deep golden brown, then drain.
7

Submerge the warm fried cookies into the remaining ginger syrup for at least 2 hours before serving.

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Questions

How long does Yakgwa take?

As written, 60 minutes: 30 of prep and 30 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 7 (2 hours): "Submerge the warm fried cookies into the remaining ginger syrup for at least 2 hours before serving." That wait sits outside the stated prep and cook times, so plan around it.

What can I use instead of honey in Yakgwa?

The entry for Yakgwa calls for 1/4 cup honey. In its place: Maple syrup or agave, measure for measure, which also makes it vegan.

Does Yakgwa contain sesame?

Yes: 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten and sesame. Seeds used as a garnish can simply be left off; the oil has no true substitute. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Yakgwa?

One serving (the recipe makes 12) is about 210 calories, with 2 g protein, 36 g carbohydrate and 7 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 15 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How long does Yakgwa keep?

Keep Yakgwa covered in the refrigerator and eat it within three days. Chilled and set desserts lose their texture in the freezer.

Serve it with

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