Korean Twisted Donuts (Kkwabaegi)

If you’re a foodie looking for the perfect snack, look no further than kkwabaegi! These Korean twisted donuts are an absolute delight. They are the perfect combination of chewy and soft, sweetness and saltiness that makes them irresistible.

Whether it’s as part of your breakfast or just as an afternoon treat, kkwabaegi will tantalize your taste buds with its unique flavor profile. Let I guide you through this quintessential Korean delicacy and show you how to prepare these delicious treats!

Twisted Donuts: What Are They?

Kkwabaegi are twisted donuts made from wheat flour and served either deep-fried or freshly baked. The dough is kneaded into a thin sheet then cut into strips, twisted, and then fried until golden brown.

The traditional form of kkwabaegi usually contains sugar and/or honey as part of the dough mixture but can also be filled with other ingredients such as sweet potatoes and chestnuts. The dough has a chewy texture and is usually lightly salted to give it a more balanced flavor.

These treats are well-loved among Koreans of all ages, making them a staple food in Korean street markets and restaurants. In recent years, kkwabaegi have become increasingly popular worldwide, especially among foodies looking for something unique and delicious.

Kkwabaegi also makes people remind about the resemblance of other types of twisted donuts around the world, for example, mahua (麻花) from China, sakubei (索餅) from Japan, or shakoy from the Philippines, etc.

How To Make Korean Twisted Donut?

Making kkwabaegi at home is fairly simple but does require a bit of patience. Various recipes exist online which differ slightly depending on the type of dough you want to make (e.g. all-purpose flour, bread flour, cake flour).

First, start by preparing the dough. Knead together your chosen ingredients until a soft and smooth dough is formed. Let it rest for a few minutes before rolling it out into thin sheets. Cut strips of the dough and twist them around each other to form the signature shape of a kkwabaegi.

For deep-fried kkwabaegi, heat oil in a pot and carefully add the dough strips one at a time. Fry until golden brown then immediately remove from the oil to prevent overcooking. Sprinkle some sugar or salt for extra flavor and let cool before serving.

For baked kkwabaegi, preheat the oven to 350°F and place the dough strips onto a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle some sugar or salt for extra flavor before serving.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Pinch of salt

Recommended Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Pot for deep frying

Instructions

Step 1: Make The Coating

Mix together sugar and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Make The Dough

Knead together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup warm water, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon sugar and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Roll Out And Twist The Doughnuts

Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut strips of the dough into lengths of about 4-5 inches and gently twist each strip around itself to form the signature shape of a kkwabaegi. Make sure the twists are tight so that they hold their shape during frying.

Step 4: Fry The Doughnuts

Heat oil in a pot and carefully add the doughnuts one at a time. Fry until golden brown then immediately remove from the oil to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Coat The Doughnuts

Dip each doughnut into the sugar and salt mix, making sure to coat it evenly. Place on a plate to cool before serving.

Step 5: Serve

Enjoy your homemade kkwabaegi!

 >> Learn how to make these crunchy and tasty Korean twisted donuts (also known as kkwabaegi) right here, right now via this easy and simple video guide: 

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: Yields 10-12 doughnuts.

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 2.5g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g
• Iron: 1.5mg
• Calcium: 15mg

Nutritional information is an estimate only and can vary depending on the ingredients used. Nutrition facts are for one serving of kkwabaegi. For a healthier option, you can always bake your doughnuts instead of deep-frying them!

Tips For The Perfect Dough

Curious about how to make a perfect dough that turns out to be yummy twisted donuts? Well, you got my word and I am here to show you some tips:

Make Sure Your Yeast is Alive

The most important part of making a perfect dough is to make sure that the yeast used is alive and active. It should have been kept away from air and moisture, so it is best to store it in an airtight container.

Keep Your Dough Warm

To get the perfect consistency for your doughnuts, you need to keep the dough warm while it is rising. Make sure to keep it in a warm place or cover the bowl with cling wrap and put it in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out.

Knead the Dough Properly

To get the right texture, knead the dough well until it is smooth and elastic. This will help to make a light and fluffy dough that is perfect for making twisted donuts.

Use the Right Flour

The type of flour used is also important. All-purpose flour works the best and gives a tender texture to the donuts. For a healthier alternative, you can also use whole wheat flour.

Use Lukewarm Water/Milk

Lukewarm water or milk is the best for making a dough that is perfect for twisted donuts. The lukewarm liquid helps to activate the yeast, creating a light and airy texture.

Mix Until Smooth

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl, until everything is well combined and you have achieved a smooth texture. If the dough seems too dry, add a little more liquid. If it is too wet, add some more flour until you have the right consistency.

Let Your Dough Rise

Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour. This will help to create light and fluffy donuts that are perfect for frying.

Let The Dough Rest

Once the dough has risen, allow it to rest for around 10 minutes. This will help to give a better shape when twisting the dough into the traditional kkwabaegi shape.

Tips For Frying Donuts

You now know how to make perfect dough for your tasty Korean treat, but how about frying it properly? Well, let’s go on:

Transfer The Donuts To The Oil Carefully

Once the dough has been twisted, carefully transfer it to the hot oil and fry for around 2 minutes until golden. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the donuts to stick together.

Drain The Excess Oil

Once your kkwabaegi are golden brown, remove them from the pan and drain the excess oil on a paper towel. Allow them to cool before serving and enjoy!

Control The Temperature

To get the perfect crunchy texture, make sure to adjust the heat of the oil. If it is too low, your donuts will be greasy and if it is too high, they can burn.

Drain The Donuts On A Wire Rack Or Paper Towel

Once fried, it is important to drain the donuts on a wire rack or paper towel. This will help to absorb any excess oil and create a light and crispy texture.

Storage And Reheating Of Korean Twisted Donuts

Kkwabaegi can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven for a few minutes or pan fry until crispy.

How To Freeze Korean Twisted Donuts?

Kkwabaegi can also be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, simply place the twisted donuts on a tray and flash freeze for a couple of hours or until frozen. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or bag and store in the freezer.

What To Do With Leftover Oil?

The oil used for frying Korean twisted donuts can be reused. After frying the donuts, strain the oil using a fine mesh strainer to remove any bits of dough. Allow the oil to cool and then store it in an airtight container in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight.

The oil can then be reused for up to three months. But keep in mind that you should only use this leftover oil for at most one more time as reuse oil many times is not healthy at all.

FAQs For “Korean Twisted Donut”

What is a twisted donut called?

A twisted donut is also known as a kkwabaegi or Korean cruller.

How are twist donuts made?

Twisted donuts are made with a dough that is made from flour, yeast, lukewarm water or milk and sugar. The dough is then twisted into a spiral shape and deep-fried until golden brown.

How many calories in a twisted donut?

A twisted donut typically contains around 200 calories per serving. However, this can vary depending on the ingredients used and how they are cooked.

What are the 2 types of donuts?

The two types of donuts are yeast-based and cake-based. Yeast donuts are made with a dough that is leavened with yeast, while cake donuts are made with a cake-like batter that is deep-fried or baked.

How should I heat the leftover?

Leftover kkwabaegi can be reheated in the oven or pan-fried until crispy. Make sure to adjust the heat so that they do not burn or become greasy.

What if I don’t have a thermometer?

If you do not have a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, use your finger. If the oil is too hot, it will feel very hot when touched. If the oil is too cool, it will feel lukewarm. Adjust the heat accordingly.

Why are my donuts dense?

Dense donuts can occur if the dough is too thick or undercooked. Make sure to roll out the dough thinly and fry until golden brown. Also, make sure the oil is hot enough for frying. If it is too cool, the donuts will absorb more oil and become dense.

How come my donuts turned out oily?

Oily donuts can occur if the oil is too hot or you have overloaded the pan. Make sure to adjust the heat and do not overcrowd the pan when frying. Additionally, make sure to drain the donuts on a wire rack or paper towel after frying. This will help to absorb any excess oil.

Once you have fried your kkwabaegi, let them sit for a few minutes to allow them to cool down before you enjoy them.

Can I change the flavor?

Yes, you can change the flavor of your kkwabaegi by adding different ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or even matcha powder. You can also glaze or dip them in melted chocolate for a delicious treat.

Conclusion

Kkwabaegi is a traditional Korean twisted donut that is made with a simple dough of flour, yeast, lukewarm water or milk, and sugar. It is then twisted into a spiral shape and deep-fried until golden brown. The donuts can be stored for up to two days, frozen for up to three months or reheated in the oven, or pan-fried until crispy.

Remember to share your thoughts and experience on making this treat in the comment section underneath so that Sweet Basil’s Cafe and everyone can learn from you!