Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love

Introduction

Korean fish cookies, also known as bungeoppang, are a delightful street food treat loved for their warm, crispy exterior and sweet, gooey filling. Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love offers a perfect combination of tradition and taste. Shaped like a fish, these cookies are a nostalgic snack that holds a special place in Korean cuisine.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make authentic Korean fish cookies from scratch. From choosing the right ingredients to preparing the fish-shaped molds, every step ensures that you can recreate this classic snack at home. Whether you’re a fan of sweet red bean filling or prefer modern variations, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face with every bite.

For more sweet inspirations, check out our Irresistible Orange Fish Cookies Recipe.

Ingredients for Korean Fish Cookies

To make Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love, gather the following ingredients:

For the Batter:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1 cup sweet red bean paste (traditional option)
• Optional: Custard, Nutella, or sweetened cream cheese for modern variations.

These simple ingredients combine to create a rich batter and a flavorful filling that captures the essence of this beloved Korean treat.

Love the citrusy twist? Try these Simple Orange Fish Cookies for another creative baking project.

Traditional Korean Fish Cookie Fillings

The filling is what sets Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love apart. While the traditional option is sweet red bean paste, modern interpretations offer endless possibilities.

• Sweet red bean paste: Made from azuki beans and sugar, this filling is the hallmark of traditional bungeoppang. Its smooth, sweet texture pairs perfectly with the crispy batter.
• Custard cream: For a creamy, velvety alternative, custard filling is a popular choice.
• Nutella or chocolate: Add a rich, indulgent twist by using Nutella or melted chocolate.
• Cheese filling: Sweetened cream cheese provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the batter.
• Fruit jams: Strawberry, apricot, or blueberry jams add a fruity punch to this snack.

While traditionalists may prefer red bean paste, experimenting with different fillings can make each batch unique and exciting.

Choosing the Right Batter for Authentic Texture

The batter is the foundation of Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love, and achieving the right consistency is crucial for authentic results.

• Mix dry ingredients first: Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a bowl to ensure even distribution.
• Incorporate wet ingredients: Whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl before gradually adding them to the dry mixture.
• Avoid overmixing: Stir until just combined to prevent the batter from becoming dense or chewy.
• Rest the batter: Let the mixture rest for 10–15 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate fully.

This process results in a light, crisp exterior that complements the sweet filling, making your Korean fish cookies truly irresistible.

Preparing the Fish-Shaped Molds

The fish-shaped mold is an essential tool for making Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love. Proper preparation ensures even cooking and a flawless shape.

1. Preheat the mold: Heat the mold on medium heat for a few minutes to ensure consistent cooking.
2. Grease thoroughly: Use a brush or spray to coat the mold with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
3. Fill the bottom mold: Pour a small amount of batter into the bottom mold, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
4. Add the filling: Place a spoonful of your desired filling (red bean paste or other) in the center, leaving room around the edges.
5. Cover with batter: Pour a little more batter over the filling to encase it completely.
6. Close and cook: Close the mold and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, flipping occasionally for even browning.

With these steps, your cookies will come out perfectly shaped and golden every time.

Making the Sweet Red Bean Filling

The sweet red bean paste is the heart of traditional Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love. Here’s how to make it from scratch for an authentic flavor:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried azuki beans
• ½ cup sugar
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Soak and cook the beans: Soak the azuki beans overnight, then drain and simmer them in fresh water until soft (about 1–1.5 hours).
2. Mash or blend: Mash the cooked beans with a fork or blend them until smooth.
3. Sweeten and season: Add sugar and a pinch of salt to the mashed beans. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens.
4. Cool before using: Let the paste cool completely before adding it to your fish cookies.

This homemade filling adds a rich, traditional flavor to your cookies, elevating them to the next level.

Creating a Smooth Custard Filling Option

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional red bean paste, custard is a popular and creamy option for Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love. This filling adds a velvety texture and a mildly sweet flavor that complements the crispy batter.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 2 egg yolks
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk: In a saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but don’t let it boil.
2. Whisk yolks and sugar: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Combine and cook: Gradually pour the warm milk into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened.
4. Add vanilla and cool: Stir in the vanilla extract and let the custard cool completely before using it as a filling.

This custard filling adds a luxurious touch to your fish cookies, making them even more indulgent.

Assembling the Cookies in the Mold

The assembly process is crucial to achieving the perfect Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love. By carefully layering the batter and filling, you’ll ensure even cooking and a seamless appearance.

1. Preheat and grease the mold: Heat the fish-shaped mold over medium heat and coat it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Add the first layer of batter: Pour a small amount of batter into the bottom half of the mold, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
3. Place the filling: Add a spoonful of your chosen filling (custard, red bean paste, or another option) in the center, leaving some space around the edges.
4. Top with more batter: Pour additional batter over the filling, ensuring it’s completely covered. Avoid overfilling the mold to prevent spillage.
5. Close and secure the mold: Close the mold tightly to press the batter and filling together.

This step-by-step process guarantees evenly filled, beautifully shaped fish cookies.

Cooking Tips for Perfectly Golden Fish Cookies

Achieving a perfectly golden crust is key to making Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love. Follow these tips for optimal results:

• Use medium heat: Cooking the cookies over medium heat prevents the batter from burning while ensuring the interior cooks thoroughly.
• Flip the mold regularly: Turn the mold every 1–2 minutes to ensure even browning on both sides.
• Check for doneness: Look for a golden-brown color and a crispy texture before removing the cookies from the mold.
• Don’t rush the process: Cooking too quickly can result in unevenly cooked cookies or batter that’s raw in the center.

With patience and attention to detail, your cookies will come out perfectly golden and crisp every time.

Cooling the Cookies for Optimal Texture

Cooling is an essential step in creating Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love. Proper cooling ensures that the cookies retain their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful filling.

• Allow initial cooling in the mold: After cooking, let the cookies sit in the mold for about 30 seconds to firm up slightly before removing them.
• Transfer to a wire rack: Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents condensation from making the exterior soggy.
• Avoid stacking warm cookies: Stacking the cookies while they’re warm can cause them to lose their shape and texture.

By letting the cookies cool properly, you’ll preserve their crispy outer layer and ensure a satisfying bite every time.

Serving Korean Fish Cookies Warm or Cold

One of the best things about Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love is their versatility. These cookies can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference or the occasion.

• Warm: Serve the cookies straight from the mold or reheated for a comforting snack. The filling will be gooey and the exterior crispy, making them perfect for chilly days.
• Cold: Allow the cookies to cool completely and chill them in the refrigerator. Cold cookies have a firmer texture and are ideal for hot summer days or as a refreshing treat.
• Pair with beverages: Enjoy warm cookies with hot tea or coffee, or serve cold cookies alongside iced tea or milk for a delightful pairing.

Whether you prefer them warm or cold, these fish cookies are a delicious and versatile treat for any time of the year.

Customizing Fillings for a Personal Touch

One of the best parts of Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love is their versatility, allowing you to customize fillings to suit your preferences. While traditional red bean paste is a classic choice, experimenting with other options can make these treats even more exciting.

• Custard cream: For a creamy, rich texture, custard is an excellent alternative.
• Chocolate or Nutella: Add a decadent twist by using melted chocolate or Nutella as a filling.
• Sweetened cream cheese: This option provides a tangy, sweet contrast to the crispy batter.
• Fruit preserves: Strawberry, blueberry, or apricot jams add a fruity punch.
• Savory fillings: Try incorporating savory options like cheese or spiced potatoes for a unique take.

Customizing the filling not only makes the cookies more personal but also allows you to cater to different tastes, making them ideal for any gathering or family treat.

Storing Korean Fish Cookies Properly

To maintain the freshness and texture of Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love, proper storage is essential. Whether you plan to eat them the next day or store them for later, these tips will help preserve their flavor.

• Cool completely before storing: Allow the cookies to cool fully to prevent condensation from making them soggy.
• Use airtight containers: Store the cookies in a tightly sealed container to keep them fresh and crisp.
• Refrigerate for extended storage: If you don’t plan to eat them within a day, refrigerate them for up to five days.
• Freeze for long-term storage: Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy these delightful treats whenever you’re ready, without compromising on taste or texture.

Adjusting the Recipe for Gluten-Free Options

If you or your loved ones have dietary restrictions, you’ll be pleased to know that Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love can easily be made gluten-free. Here’s how to adjust the recipe without losing its delicious taste:

• Use a gluten-free flour blend: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum for structure.
• Check other ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and other components are certified gluten-free.
• Adjust the batter consistency: Gluten-free flour may absorb more liquid, so you might need to add a tablespoon or two of extra milk.

These adjustments make the cookies accessible to everyone while maintaining their authentic flavor and crispy texture.

Fun Ways to Enjoy Korean Fish Cookies at Home

Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love are not just a delicious snack; they can also be enjoyed in creative ways to make your experience even more memorable.

• Themed movie nights: Serve these cookies as a snack during a movie night featuring Korean dramas or films.
• Family baking activity: Get the whole family involved in making and decorating fish cookies.
• Pair with beverages: Enjoy warm cookies with hot tea, coffee, or even hot chocolate. Cold cookies pair wonderfully with iced drinks like milk or lemonade.
• Serve as dessert: Plate these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Gift them: Wrap the cookies in decorative bags or boxes to give as thoughtful gifts for holidays or special occasions.

These fun serving ideas add an extra layer of enjoyment to your homemade fish cookies.

FAQs

1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter for Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before using.

2. What if I don’t have a fish-shaped mold?

If you don’t have a fish-shaped mold, you can use a waffle iron or pancake mold to create different shapes. While it won’t be the traditional fish shape, the taste will remain the same.

3. Can I reheat stored cookies?

Absolutely. Reheat the cookies in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness.

4. Can I make savory Korean fish cookies?

Yes, savory versions are a delicious twist! Fill the cookies with cheese, mashed potatoes, or even seasoned ground meat.

Conclusion

Korean Fish Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love combines tradition and creativity in one delightful treat. From their crispy exterior to their customizable fillings, these cookies are a testament to the versatility of Korean street food.

Whether you stick to the classic sweet red bean paste or explore unique fillings like custard or chocolate, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. With proper storage, gluten-free adjustments, and creative serving ideas, they are perfect for any occasion.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients, heat your fish-shaped molds, and dive into the joy of making these iconic Korean fish cookies today. Your taste buds will thank you!