Welcome back to Chelsea's K-Food Recipes! Today, we're making a fun and super easy Korean street treat that has gained worldwide popularity thanks to its simple yet nostalgic charm—Dalgona (뽑기, Ppopgi). This sweet, crunchy sugar candy is made from just two ingredients and was a favorite among kids in Korea, often shaped into fun patterns. Ready to try making Dalgona at home? Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 pinch of baking soda (about 1/16 tsp)
Tools:
- A metal ladle or small pan
- A chopstick or spoon for stirring
- A flat surface for pressing (like a spatula or flat metal plate)
- Cookie cutters (optional, for shapes)
Instructions:
1. Melt the Sugar
- Place 2 tablespoons of sugar into a metal ladle or a small pan.
- Hold the ladle over low heat, stirring constantly with a chopstick or spoon. The sugar will slowly melt and turn into a golden, caramel-like liquid. Be careful not to burn it!
2. Add Baking Soda
- Once the sugar is fully melted and smooth, remove the ladle from the heat.
- Immediately add a pinch of baking soda and stir quickly. The mixture will foam and puff up, turning a light honey color.
3. Shape the Candy
- Quickly pour the mixture onto a flat surface like parchment paper or a non-stick tray.
- Let it cool for about 5-10 seconds, then press it down gently with a flat spatula or metal plate to flatten it into a thin disk.
- If you want to add a fun design, use a cookie cutter to gently press (not cut through) a shape into the candy before it hardens completely.
4. Cool and Enjoy
- Let the Dalgona cool for a minute or two until it hardens.
- Once set, you can break it apart and enjoy this crunchy, caramel-like treat!
Tips for Perfect Dalgona:
- Stir the sugar constantly while melting to prevent it from burning.
- Work quickly when adding the baking soda and shaping the candy—once the baking soda is added, the candy hardens fast!
- For an extra challenge, try not to break the shape you pressed into the Dalgona when eating—just like the traditional game!
Dalgona is a quick and easy candy to make, perfect for when you want a sweet treat with minimal ingredients and effort. It’s a fun activity to do with kids or when you’re craving something nostalgic and delicious.
Thanks for visiting Chelsea's K-Food Recipes—come back soon for more easy and tasty Korean dishes!