If you’ve ever strolled through the bustling streets of Korea, you know that the humble corn dog gets a fabulous upgrade there. Today, I’m so excited to share my favorite Crispy Korean Corn Dogs Recipe with you—a deliciously crunchy, golden treat packed with savory hot dogs and gooey mozzarella cheese. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your new snack obsession.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Every time I make these Korean corn dogs at home, the whole kitchen fills with that irresistible smell of frying batter mixed with sweet sugar, and everyone can’t wait to get a bite. It’s hands-down one of my favorite indulgent snacks to whip up fast that feels like pure street food magic.
- Ultra Crunchy Coating: The generous panko breadcrumb crust adds an unbeatable crunch you’ll love.
- Perfectly Melty Cheese: Using dry mozzarella chunks keeps the cheese gooey and stretch-worthy.
- Sweet & Savory Twist: A final dusting of sugar gives that signature Korean corn dog flavor balance.
- Quick & Fun to Make: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for snacks or parties.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Gathering the right ingredients really sets the stage for crispy, cheesy Korean corn dogs that fry up beautifully. Here are my key picks and a few tips on each to get the best results from your batch.
- Hotdogs: I like to use cooked hotdogs, then cut in half to match the mozzarella size perfectly for balanced bites.
- Dry mozzarella: This type melts just right without getting runny, so you get gooey cheese pockets inside.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the batter, giving structure and that signature soft inside.
- Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the batter itself and a dusting at the end for that classic Korean street food vibe.
- Baking powder: Magic for puffiness and lightness in our batter coating.
- 2% milk: Keeps the batter creamy without being too heavy or thin.
- Egg: Helps bind everything for a thick, snuggly batter around the hot dog and cheese.
- Salt: Brings out the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that ultra-crispy, golden exterior—don’t skimp here and always get a bit extra.
- White sugar (for garnish): Sprinkled over after frying to highlight the sweet and salty contrast.
- Ketchup, mustard, and gochujang mayo (optional): Fantastic dipping options to customize your flavor experience.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Crispy Korean Corn Dogs Recipe is how versatile it can be. Whether you want to swap in different fillings or tweak flavors, it’s all about making this fun snack your own.
- Cheese Swap: I love experimenting with different cheeses—try pepper jack for a spicy kick or cheddar for a sharper bite. Just make sure it melts well!
- Hot Dog Varieties: Use chicken, beef, or even veggie dogs depending on your preference. It’s a great way to cater to different diets or add some variety.
- Sweet & Savory Twist: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar instead of just white sugar on top for a warm, fragrant flavor that pairs amazingly with the crunchy coating.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko to keep that signature crunch while accommodating dietary needs.
- Ketchup & Gochujang Mayo: Don’t underestimate the power of dipping sauces! Mix gochujang with mayo for a creamy, spicy dip that complements the sweetness and crunch perfectly.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Korean Corn Dogs Recipe
Step 1: Heating the Oil to Perfection
First things first—get that oil ready! Set your fryer temperature to 350°F (180°C). This is key because oil that’s too cool leads to soggy corn dogs, while oil too hot burns the coating before the insides cook. A steady 350°F will give you that ultra crispy, golden finish every time.
Step 2: Crafting the Thick Batter
In a mixing bowl, blend together the flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, egg, and salt. I use a hand blender for this recipe because it’s perfect for getting a very thick batter that sticks beautifully to the corn dogs. Be sure not to overblend—stop once it's thick and smooth. Then cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge while you prepare the skewers.
Step 3: Skewer Your Hot Dogs and Cheese
Cut your hot dogs in half, then slide each piece onto wooden skewers, leaving space at the top for handling. Next, cut your mozzarella into chunks about the same size as the hot dogs and slide them on above each hot dog piece. Keep these assembled skewers chilled in the fridge to help the cheese keep its shape before frying.
Step 4: Batter Up!
Dip each skewer into the chilled batter, turning it with a twirling motion so it gets fully coated. The thick batter should cling nicely, creating a solid base for the crunchy panko crust to stick to.
Step 5: Coat with Crunchy Panko
Immediately roll each battered corn dog in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to fill any wet spots. I always keep extra panko handy because a generous coating means maximum crunch and fewer holes in the crust.
Step 6: Frying Like a Pro
Carefully lower one side of the coated corn dog into the hot oil and hold it there for about 5 seconds. This trick stops it from sticking to the fryer basket or pot bottom. Then fully immerse the corn dog and fry for 3 to 5 minutes until it turns a deep golden brown and feels crisp to the touch.
Step 7: Drain, Season, and Serve
Once perfectly fried, place the corn dogs on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, dust them with a little salt and a generous sprinkle of white sugar—the signature sweet-savory finish that makes Korean corn dogs so addictive. Serve immediately with your favorite dips like ketchup, mustard, or that zesty gochujang mayo.
Top Tip
Mastering the Crispy Korean Corn Dogs Recipe involves a few key techniques that make all the difference. Here are some top tips to help you nail the perfect crunchy, cheesy corn dogs every time.
- Batter Consistency Matters: I’ve found that blending the batter until it’s very thick is crucial. If it’s too thin, it won’t stick well to the hot dogs and cheese, so don’t hesitate to add a tiny splash of milk if needed, but keep it thick.
- Chill Before Frying: Keeping your assembled skewers cold helps the cheese hold its shape and prevents early melting, which means your corn dogs cook evenly without leaking cheese everywhere.
- Generous Panko Coating: Pressing on extra panko breadcrumbs after rolling makes for that ultra crunchy crust. Don’t be shy with this step—it’s what gives the corn dogs that addictive texture.
- Slow and Steady Frying: When you first lower the corn dogs into the hot oil, dip one side in and fry it for 5 seconds before fully submerging. This little trick prevents sticking and keeps your crust intact.
How to Serve Crispy Korean Corn Dogs Recipe
Garnishes
Dusting with white sugar immediately after frying is the classic finishing touch that adds the perfect sweet contrast to the savory, melty cheese and hot dog inside. For dipping, I love offering ketchup, mustard, and gochujang mayo—it brings that extra Korean street food flair with a spicy, creamy kick.
Side Dishes
Serve these corn dogs with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a crowd-pleasing snack platter. A fresh, tangy cabbage slaw or pickled radish also pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness while keeping it authentic to Korean street food vibes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Korean corn dogs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 2 days, though they’re definitely best enjoyed fresh to keep that signature crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked, assembled corn dogs before frying. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, fry them straight from frozen for best results.
Reheating
To reheat cooked corn dogs while preserving their crunch, pop them in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it softens the coating and makes them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Mozzarella is ideal because it melts beautifully and is stringy, but you can also try other mild melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella blends. Just be sure they're firm enough to hold on the skewer.
Neutral oils with high smoke points work best, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils ensure a crispy crust without imparting off-flavors.
Make sure the batter is thick enough to adhere well and that the skewers with hot dog and cheese are chilled before dipping. Also, handle them gently while frying and use the 5-second partial dip method to avoid sticking.
Absolutely! Just make sure you have enough space in your fryer and batter to keep everything evenly coated and cooked. Fry in batches without overcrowding the oil for best results.
Final Thoughts
Making the Crispy Korean Corn Dogs Recipe at home is such a joyful experience—I love how it brings the vibrant energy of Korean street food right to my kitchen. That golden, crunchy panko crust paired with melty mozzarella and savory hot dogs is pure comfort with a fun twist. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or a cozy treat just for yourself, these corn dogs never fail to brighten up the day. So grab those skewers, get frying, and savor every crispy, cheesy bite!
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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
Description
The Ultra Crispy and Crunchy Korean Corn Dog is a fun and indulgent snack combining savory hot dogs and melty mozzarella cheese, encased in a thick, sweet batter coated with crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Fried to a golden crisp, this Korean street food favorite is dusted with sugar and served with optional ketchup, mustard, or gochujang mayo for a flavor-packed treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pc 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 cups)
- 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)
Coating
- 200 g panko breadcrumbs (buy extra to be safe)
Garnish and Serving
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- ketchup (optional)
- mustard (optional)
- gochujang mayo (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the fryer: Set your fryer temperature to 350°F/180°C to ensure the oil is hot enough for frying.
- Make the batter: Combine all batter ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, egg, and salt—excluding the panko in a mixing bowl. Use a hand blender to blend until a very thick batter forms. Cover the batter and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Assemble the skewers: Cut hot dogs in half and carefully slide each piece onto wooden skewers, leaving space at the top. Cut mozzarella into chunks similar in size to the hot dogs and slide them onto the skewers above the hot dogs. Keep the assembled skewers cold in the fridge until frying.
- Batter the corn dogs: Dip each skewer with hot dog and cheese into the chilled batter, ensuring complete coverage. Use a twirling motion to help the batter stick evenly.
- Coat with panko: Immediately roll the battered corn dogs in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Press extra panko onto any wet spots to ensure a crunchy crust.
- Start frying carefully: Slowly lower one side of the coated corn dog into the hot oil and fry for 5 seconds before fully immersing it to prevent sticking to the fryer basket or pot bottom.
- Fry until golden: Fry the corn dogs for 3 to 5 minutes or until the coating turns a deep golden brown and becomes crispy.
- Drain and garnish: Remove the corn dogs from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Dust them with a pinch of salt and a generous coating of sugar for the signature sweet and savory taste.
- Serve immediately: Add optional condiments like ketchup, mustard, or gochujang mayo. Serve hot and enjoy the melty, crispy delight.
Notes
- Ensure the batter is thick enough to coat the hot dogs evenly but still easy to blend. Add small amounts of milk if needed to adjust consistency.
- Be generous when coating the corn dogs with panko to prevent holes and achieve maximum crunch.
- If you don’t have a powerful hand blender, mixing batter with a whisk is a safer alternative to avoid damaging your appliance.
- Keeping the assembled skewers cold before frying helps maintain cheese shape and prevents premature melting during cooking.
- Use paper towels to drain excess oil properly after frying to maintain crispiness.
- Dusting with sugar provides the unique sweet contrast classic to Korean corn dogs, but it can be adjusted according to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
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