Korean Honey Pastry (Yakgwa or Yakwa)

Step 1

Prepare oil for frying. Note for Yakgwa, we want to start frying at a low temperature.

Step 2

Make syrup by mixing rice syrup, honey and water in a sauce pan or frying pan. Heat on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it boils, turn the heat off and add the chopped ginger, mix and set it aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, add flour (add salt – optional) and then sesame oil. Mix the flour with the oil by rubbing the mixture thoroughly with your hands, until you feel the oil is all blended in with the flour.

Step 4

Mix the Soju and honey in a separate cup/bowl until the honey is all dissolved.

Step 5

Pour soju/honey mixture into the flour mixture and gently press the dough to form a ball.

Step 6

Divide dough in half. Roll out one half of the dough into 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick rectangular shape. Cut the dough into 1 inch wide strips and then cut the strips at an angle to make diamond shapes.

Step 7

Yakgwa is fried in 2 different temperatures and this what makes it tricky. For the first part, oil should be around 265° F (130°C). Yakwa will slowly rise to the top.

Step 8

For the second part, when all the pieces have risen to the top, raise the heat to medium high to reach normal frying temperature . Continue frying until Yakgwa turns rich brown in color.

Step 9

When Yakgwa pieces turn rich dark brown, removec from oil and let oil drain in a colander lined with paper towel.

Step 10

Soak fried Yakgwa in prepared ginger honey syrup.

Step 11

Leave for few min until it has soaked up all the syrup, take it out of the syrup and place onto a plate.

Step 12

Sprinkle top with chopped pine nuts while it is still wet so the nuts will stick to it.