If you're craving a snack that's crunchy on the outside and ooey-gooey cheesy on the inside, this Crispy Korean Corn Dogs Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine biting into a golden, panko-crusted delight with savory hotdogs and melty mozzarella—all perfectly fried to bring joy in every bite!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made these Korean corn dogs more times than I can count because they’re just that addictive. The combo of crunchy, sweet panko and stringy mozzarella hooked me from the first bite, and I know you’ll feel the same.
- Ultra Crispy Texture: The panko coating fries up insanely crunchy and golden every time.
- Melty Cheese Inside: A generous chunk of mozzarella ensures gooey perfection in every bite.
- Sweet and Savory Balance: That touch of sugar on the outside adds an addictive contrast to the savory hotdogs.
- Fun and Easy to Make: With a little prep, you’ll have restaurant-quality Korean corn dogs ready in 25 minutes.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you start, make sure to pick up good-quality cooked hotdogs and dry mozzarella that holds its shape well. For the batter, the combination of all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk creates a wonderfully thick, slightly sweet coating that crisps up beautifully with panko crumbs.
- Hotdogs: Cooked and halved for easy skewering and perfect size.
- Dry Mozzarella: Chunks that match the hotdog size to create the trademark cheese pull.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for the thick batter that clings to every inch of the corn dog.
- Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory elements.
- Baking Powder: Helps make the batter light yet substantial.
- 2% Milk: Provides just enough moisture for the batter without making it runny.
- Egg: Binds the batter ingredients together for that perfect thick texture.
- Salt: Balances flavors in the batter and seasoning.
- Panko: Extra-crunchy Japanese breadcrumbs that deliver that signature crispy coating.
- White Sugar (for garnish): Sprinkled on at the end for a sweet, nostalgic finish.
- Optional Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, or spicy gochujang mayo for dipping.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Crispy Korean Corn Dogs Recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to get creative by swapping ingredients or adding your own twists to suit your taste buds or dietary needs!
- Cheese Variations: I sometimes substitute mozzarella with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for an extra sharp, melty center. It adds a wonderful tang that pairs perfectly with the sweet, crunchy exterior.
- Meat Alternatives: For a vegetarian-friendly option, try using vegetarian sausages or even thick veggie sticks like zucchini or sweet potato. Just remember to adjust frying time slightly if needed!
- Flavor Boost: Adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika into the batter can deepen the flavor profile – I always recommend experimenting to find your favorite combo.
- Coating Fun: Instead of panko alone, mix in some crushed ramen noodles or crispy cereal bits for an even more satisfying crunch.
- Seasonal Touch: Sprinkle some chili flakes into the sugar dust for a spicy-sweet finish that’s especially nice on cooler days.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Korean Corn Dogs Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Perfect Batter
Start by blending the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, 2% milk, egg, and salt into a thick batter using a hand blender. It should be dense and almost pudding-like in texture. If your blender struggles, I recommend switching to a whisk to avoid overheating your appliance. Once smooth, pour the batter into a large glass and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Pop it into the fridge to chill while you prepare the rest—this resting period really helps the batter thicken further, ensuring that irresistible crispy coating.
Step 2: Assemble Your Corn Dogs
Take your cooked hotdogs and slice each one in half. Carefully thread them onto wooden skewers, leaving space at the top to add the mozzarella chunks. The cheese should be cut to roughly the same size as the hot dogs for balance. Once assembled, chill the skewers in the fridge — this step helps the cheese stay firm and keeps the corn dogs from falling apart during frying.
Step 3: Get Your Oil Ready
Heat your deep fryer or large pot of oil to exactly 350°F (180°C). This temperature is key to developing the ultra crispy, golden crust without overcooking the cheese inside. Use a thermometer if you have one—it makes a big difference in achieving that perfect fry.
Step 4: Coat With Batter and Panko
Dip each prepared skewer into the thick batter, twirling it slowly to cover every inch evenly. The twirling helps the batter cling tightly, forming a nice shell around the filling. Next, roll the wet batter-coated corn dogs in a bowl of panko. Don’t be shy here—press additional panko onto any wet spots to ensure full coverage. This is the crust that gives these corn dogs their famous ultra crunchy texture.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Carefully lower one edge of the corn dog into the hot oil and hold it there for about 5 seconds. This initial step prevents the corn dog from sticking to the bottom of your fryer or pot. Then, fully immerse it in the oil and fry for 3–5 minutes until the exterior is a rich golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Keep an eye on the temperature throughout for consistent results.
Step 6: Drain, Sugar Dust, and Serve
Once fried, transfer your corn dogs onto paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, sprinkle a light layer of salt followed by a generous coating of white sugar. This sweet-salty finish is signature to the Korean corn dog experience! Serve immediately with your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, or even spicy gochujang mayo for an extra kick. Grab one and watch that gooey cheese pull—pure happiness in every bite!
Top Tip
Getting the perfect crispy crust and gooey cheese is what makes this Crispy Korean Corn Dogs Recipe truly special. Here are some tried-and-true tips from my own kitchen adventures to help you nail it every time.
- Keep Your Skewers Cold: Chilling the assembled corn dogs in the fridge before frying really helps the cheese stay in place and prevents the batter from slipping off during frying.
- Batter Consistency Matters: Make sure your batter is thick yet blendable. If it's too thick, add tiny amounts of milk little by little. A smooth, thick batter clings much better around the hot dogs and cheese.
- Roll in Panko Immediately: Right after dipping corn dogs in batter, roll them quickly in panko crumbs for even coverage. Pressing extra panko on any wet spots is key to that unbeatable crunchy texture.
- Fry the Edge First: Lowering one side in the oil first and frying for 5 seconds before fully immersing prevents sticking and helps keep your crispy coating intact.
How to Serve Crispy Korean Corn Dogs Recipe
Garnishes
The classic finish for these Korean corn dogs is a generous dusting of white sugar and a light sprinkle of salt for that perfect sweet-savory balance. For dipping, ketchup and mustard are deliciously nostalgic choices, but don’t stop there—gochujang mayo adds a spicy, creamy kick that’s sheer magic alongside the crispy crust and melty cheese.
Side Dishes
Pair these crispy delights with simple, cool sides like a fresh cucumber salad or pickled radish to cut through the richness. Sweet potato fries or a tangy kimchi slaw also complement nicely, keeping the experience truly Korean street food vibes right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Placing a paper towel underneath can help absorb excess moisture and keep the coating from going soggy.
Freezing
These corn dogs freeze beautifully! Wrap each fully cooled corn dog individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing their amazing texture.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid microwaving which will make the crust soggy. Instead, pop them into a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven or air fryer for about 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through. This keeps that signature crunch and gooey cheese just right.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Mozzarella's mild flavor and superb melting properties make it the ideal choice, but you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack. Just keep in mind that mozzarella offers the best stretchy, gooey texture iconic to Korean corn dogs.
The batter needs to be thick to cling properly to the hot dogs and cheese while frying, creating that ultra crispy shell. A thin batter might slide off or result in a less crunchy coating.
Keeping your assembled corn dogs cold in the fridge before frying helps the cheese hold its form. Also, make sure to fully coat the corn dogs in batter and panko to seal everything in nicely.
Use a neutral, high smoke-point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils ensure a crispy exterior without adding any unwanted flavors.
Final Thoughts
Making these Crispy Korean Corn Dogs is such a joyful experience—the combination of savory hotdog, melty mozzarella, sweet sugar dusting, and that golden, crunchy panko shell is pure delight. It’s a snack that brings a little festive cheer to any day, and I hope every bite makes you smile just like it does for me in my kitchen. So grab your skewers, fire up that fryer, and enjoy the magic of Korean street food right at home!
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Crispy Korean Corn Dogs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pieces
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Ultra Crispy and Crunchy Korean Corn Dog is a delightful twist on the traditional American corn dog, featuring an ultra crispy, sugary panko coating and melty mozzarella cheese inside. Perfectly fried to a golden brown, this snack combines savory hotdogs with gooey cheese for an irresistible treat that's sure to make you smile.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pcs hotdogs (cooked) cut in half
- 8 chunks dry mozzarella cut into pieces the same size as the hot dogs
Batter
- 200 g all-purpose flour (about 1+¼ cup)
- 30 g sugar (2 tbsp)
- 7 g baking powder (2 tsp)
- 230 g 2% milk (about ¾ cup)
- 1 pc egg
- 4 g salt (1+½ teaspoon salt)
- 200 g panko (buy extra to be safe)
Garnish and Condiments
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- Ketchup (optional)
- Mustard (optional)
- Gochujang mayo (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter. Blend the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, 2% milk, egg, and salt together using a hand blender until a very thick batter forms. Pour the batter into a large glass, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to dip.
- Assemble Corn Dogs. Cut the hot dogs in half and carefully slide them onto wooden skewers, leaving space at the top for the cheese. Cut the mozzarella into large blocks and slide them on top of the hot dogs. Keep the skewers cold in the fridge until frying.
- Heat the Oil. Preheat your deep fryer or a pot of oil to 350°F/180°C.
- Coat with Batter. Dip each corn dog into the thick batter, ensuring the hot dogs and cheese are completely covered. Use a twirling motion to help the batter stick evenly.
- Coat with Panko. Immediately roll the battered corn dogs in panko crumbs, pressing extra crumbs onto any wet spots for full coverage.
- Fry the Corn Dogs. Gently lower one side of the corn dog into the oil and fry for 5 seconds to prevent sticking. Then fully immerse and fry for 3-5 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Garnish. Remove the corn dogs from the oil, place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Dust them with a little salt and a heavy coating of white sugar.
- Serve. Add your favorite condiments such as ketchup, mustard, or gochujang mayo. Serve immediately and enjoy the ultra crispy, cheesy Korean corn dog.
Notes
- Coat the corn dogs well in batter and panko to avoid holes and ensure an even crust.
- The batter should be thick but blendable; add small amounts of milk if too thick to blend.
- Because the batter is thick, blending with a hand blender may overheat or damage the motor; consider mixing with a whisk if concerned.
- Keep skewers cold in the fridge before frying to help maintain shape and temperature control.
- Frying the edge first prevents sticking and helps maintain the coating’s integrity.
- Buy extra panko to ensure full coverage of the corn dogs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
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