The rise of Korean corn dogs (and a recipe)
Have you scrolled through TikTok and seen someone bite into what looks like a corn dog, only to have ribbons of gooey cheese unfurl like something from the Dairy Council's marketing campaign? Welcome to the wonderful world of Korean corn dogs, the street food sensation that's making American carnival fare look dull by comparison.
"Korean corn dogs were part of my late childhood, especially as a high school and college student," explains Ryan Bae, chef-owner of Seoul Stick restaurant in Chicago. "They really were the perfect after-school snack on the walk home. Late night? Even better. They hit the spot after a night out, pairing perfectly in between rounds of drinks."
Bae's journey to bringing these nostalgic treats to Chicago began with a bout of homesickness. After immigrating to the U.S. in 2003 and building a career as an attorney, he found himself missing home — the people, neighborhood hangouts, and the food that tied it all together. He opened Seoul Stick in 2023, a buzzing spot for everything from classic potato-crusted Korean corn dogs to ones coated in Hot Cheetos.
Advertisement
The Korean corn dog phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you're a cheese fanatic or team crispy potato-coating, these golden beauties have conquered the internet, one satisfying bite at a time. What is a Korean corn dog?
Korean corn dogs include coatings like panko breadcrumbs and crispy potatoes – Photo courtesy of Seoul Stick
American corn dogs are often associated with state fairs or carnivals. But in Korea, they're a popular street food on a stick — and wildly popular on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where cheese pulls still reign supreme.
"You'll find them in busy areas like Gangnam and Myeong-dong, where locals and tourists line up for versions topped with sugar, potatoes, ramen bits, and more," Bae explains. "They're definitely part of Korea's vibrant street food culture, not just a novelty."
Advertisement
Korean corn dogs gained popularity in the U.S. around 2018, when Myungrang Hotdog, a Korean chain, expanded to Los Angeles. It has since seen a steady rise in American-born businesses and entrepreneurs selling the creative treats.
Unlike their American counterparts, Korean corn dogs typically include mozzarella cheese, sausage, or both, deep-fried in a puffy, yeasted batter and coated with a variety of toppings, such as panko breadcrumbs, diced potatoes, crushed potato chips, or ramen noodles. Some versions even skip the hot dog entirely, opting for pure cheese or rice cakes instead. A sprinkle of sugar on the hot corn dogs at the end creates an irresistible sweet-savory combination.
As the name implies, American corn dogs typically feature cornmeal in their batter, along with baking soda and egg, resulting in a crunchy, corny, almost doughnut-like coating. Both styles are deliciously indulgent treats, but Korean corn dogs have taken center stage as an internet darling. How to make Korean corn dogs at home
The Korean corn dog transformation begins with the yeasted batter – Photo courtesy of Seoul Stick
Ready to create Korean corn dog magic? Here is Bae's simple recipe that'll have you achieving hot doggy or cheese-pull perfection in your kitchen.
Advertisement
If you want to lighten them up, Bae recommends ingredient swaps, such as using whole-grain or gluten-free flour, or using leaner or plant-based sausages and low-fat cheese sticks. Consider modifying the sugar coating by trying a light brush of honey instead. Korean corn dogs recipe
Ingredients
3/4 cup bread flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cups warm (not hot) milk
Advertisement
6 hot dogs
6 mozzarella cheese sticks
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Wooden chopsticks or bamboo skewers (square are best, at least 1/4 inch or thicker)
Vegetable oil for deep-frying
Ketchup, mustard, and sugar (optional)
Advertisement
Directions
1. In a shallow or large bowl (something that can hold corn dog skewers), combine the flours, yeast, salt, sugar, and milk. Let the batter rise at room temperature until it has doubled in size, at least 1 hour. The batter should be thick enough to coat the corn dog without dripping, but smooth enough to allow for easy rolling and twisting.
2. Cut the hot dogs and cheese sticks into equal lengths. Skewer them onto chopsticks or wooden skewers, with cheese on top and a hot dog on the bottom, or all cheese for maximum stretch.
3. Put the panko in a large bowl. Dip each skewer into the batter, twisting as you go to ensure complete coverage. Roll immediately in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them stick.
Advertisement
4. Heat the oil to 350° F. Working in batches, fry the corn dogs for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Rest on a cooling rack.
5. While hot, sprinkle with sugar if desired. Serve with ketchup and mustard.
Page 2
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
What to know about Beyoncé's Buffalo Soldiers T-shirt and their complicated role in history
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter wore a Buffalo Soldiers T-shirt during her Juneteenth performance in Paris, sparking online debate over the group's complicated legacy in U.S. history. During her international stint, Beyoncé donned a shirt with images of the Buffalo Soldiers — African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War, primarily on the Western frontier. As part of their service, they built infrastructure, fought in the Indian Wars, and later served in conflicts like the Spanish-American War and World War I and World War II. They also participated in violent U.S. military campaigns against Indigenous peoples during westward expansion and land dispossession. On the back of her shirt there was a long description of the soldiers that read in part, 'their antagonists were the enemies of peace, order and settlement: warring Indians, bandits, cattle thieves, murderous gunmen, bootleggers, trespassers, and Mexican revolutionaries.' It's unclear where the passage originated. Some folks quickly criticized Beyoncé's wardrobe choice, specifically making note of the the phrase "enemies of peace" in relation to Indigenous people. A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) One fan wrote, "Beyoncé wearing a Buffalo Soldiers shirt, an American army unit comprised exclusively of African Americans that helped European and White American colonists fight back Native Americans and seize control of their land, is not the serve she thinks it is." Another questioned, "Girl why I wake up and see Beyoncé calling Native Americans defending their home 'enemies of peace?'" Meanwhile, one fan offered another perspective on X, "Beyoncé wearing a Buffalo Soldiers T-shirt isn't glorifying genocide. It's a nod to a deeply complex and painful part of Black history — one that involves survival, contradiction and power structures that never had our best interest in mind." "Yes, these soldiers were involved in U.S. expansion and conflicts with Native nations," the fan wrote. "That's historical fact. But we have to zoom out: These Black men were used as tools in a white supremacist system they didn't control." These regiments were primarily composed of formerly enslaved Black men. They were deployed to support the U.S. government, which often meant using violence to seize land, resulting in the forced removal and destruction of Indigenous nations across the American West and the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite their role in the military, these soldiers faced intense racism and systemic discrimination within the very army they served. Riché Richardson, professor and chair in the Africana Studies and Research Center at Cornell University, said it's important to acknowledge both the realities and complexities when it comes to viewing this history. "American history is very charged, to be sure," she said. "It's about understanding the long-standing contributions that people of African descent have made to the military, and it's not been a perfect union. I think the challenge has always been to help create a more perfect union, and people of African descent have, in some cases, been complicit with policies that are detrimental to other populations. So I think it's important for there to be an acknowledgment of that." beyoncé wearing a buffalo soldiers shirt, an american army unit comprised exclusively of african americans that helped european and white american colonists fight back native americans and seize control of their land, is not the serve she thinks it is. Richardson viewed the Buffalo Soldiers shirt in the context of Beyoncé's background. "I find her as a product of what I analyze as the Africana Southwest, as a Texas native," Richardson said. "So, given the themes associated with this most recent album and the concert tour, I presume that she's embracing the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers in tandem with that." The Buffalo Soldiers' complicated legacy doesn't solely consist of their contributions to the United States' westward expansion. According to the U.S. Department of Interior, the soldiers also served as some of the country's first park rangers. "These dedicated men protected wildlife from poachers, built trails and forged a proud legacy in our nation's history," the department wrote on social media. Richardson said the criticism of Beyoncé's shirt was valid and important, but she advised folks not to immediately jump to conclusions about the singer's messaging. "My inclination is not to think the worst of Beyoncé precisely because of her investments and critical thinking and her efforts to bring public attention to so many issues," she said. Richardson emphasized the importance of viewing Beyoncé's actions within the broader context of her career and activism. "I think she's gone out of her way in so many instances to try to impact lives and make a difference," Richardson said. "She's consistently compassionate. I think people should not draw conclusions, especially without adequate information. She's a performer. There's performance art. There are all kinds of things. At the very least, it's a teaching moment from which everyone can learn." She said it's important to remember that a single image doesn't always reflect a full endorsement or clear message. "I think it's always important for us to have awareness of the messages that we send, but I wouldn't necessarily just assume that wearing a shirt is an indicator of an endorsement of any particular ideas," Richardson said. "Because that certainly isn't in keeping with what we see and know of Beyoncé." Beyoncé is in the middle of her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour, which is in support of her album "Cowboy Carter." The project, which features emerging Black country artists and country legends alike, became a catalyst for the renewed spotlight on Black country artists and the genre's Black roots. The album has challenged music industry norms and sparked important conversations pertaining to the intersection of race and country music. The tour spans nine cities across the U.S. and Europe. The grand finale is set to take place in Las Vegas on July 26. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Sean ‘Diddy' Combs' former chef says she's afraid of retaliation after verdict: ‘Fear for my safety'
The former personal chef to Sean 'Diddy' Combs says she now fears for her safety after the Bad Boy Records founder was acquitted of the most serious charges in his federal sex trafficking trial. On Wednesday, the 'I'll Be Missing You' rapper, 55, was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was acquitted on two sex-trafficking charges and one racketeering charge. Following the verdict, Jourdan Atkinson — who alleges she was a witness and victim of his physical abuse during her tenure — sent a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian asking that Combs be denied bail while awaiting sentencing, which the judge ultimately agreed to. Advertisement 5 The former personal chef to Sean 'Diddy' Combs says she now fears for her safety. @thejourdanchataun/Instagram Atkinson later took to social media to share a series of videos on Instagram, as well as a copy of a subpoena she had received from the Southern District of New York in 2024. The private chef was one of the government's witnesses, though she did not testify at the trial. Advertisement In the clips, Atkinson alleged that Combs had physically abused her during the time she had worked for him. 'This is a grave miscarriage of justice,' she said in the video. 'I stand on everything that I have always said.' She also alleged that she saw Combs abuse his ex-girlfriend, Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, of which there was proof in a hotel surveillance video shared by CNN last year. Advertisement 'I am not okay. I have not been okay. I do not feel safe. I do not know where to go from here,' Atkinson captioned her post. 'I stand with Cassie, as I always have. I do not understand the way this case was handled. We have all been put in danger. FOR WHAT?' 5 The Bad Boy Records founder was acquitted of the most serious charges in his federal sex trafficking trial. AP 5 He was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and was acquitted on two sex-trafficking charges and one racketeering charge. Department of Justice Advertisement In her letter to the judge, Atkinson said she now fears the rapper will retaliate against her and the other people who were subpoenaed ahead of trial. 'I'd like to express how terrifying this whole ordeal has been for me personally,' she wrote to Judge Subramanian. 'This past year and a half has been traumatizing. This verdict is devastating.' 'I fear for my safety upon his release,' she added. 5 Atkinson alleged that she saw Combs abuse his ex-girlfriend, Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, of which there was proof in a hotel surveillance video. U.S. Attorneys SDNY 5 Atkinson alleges she was a witness and victim of his physical abuse during her tenure. @thejourdanchataun/Instagram The acquittals on the sex trafficking counts mean he will avoid a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. He could have faced life in prison if he were convicted of sex trafficking or racketeering conspiracy. Combs now faces a maximum 10-year prison sentence on each of the two prostitution counts.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Bob Vylan's Career Has Been Destroyed by Glastonbury Performance: Experts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Bob Vylan's career may be in trouble following their controversial performance at Glastonbury, experts tell Newsweek. Over the weekend, the English punk rap duo sparked outrage at the music festival in the United Kingdom. During their set, they led crowds in a chant of "death, death to the IDF," referring to the Israeli Defense Forces. On October 7, 2023, Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military operation that has killed more than 56,400 people in Gaza, per the Associated Press. On Saturday, the Avon and Somerset Police said on X, formerly Twitter, that they were looking into "whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation." In a separate post shared to the social media platform on Monday, authorities confirmed "a criminal investigation is now being undertaken." Bob Vylan will likely have a difficult time recovering from their Glastonbury performance, experts tell Newsweek. Bob Vylan will likely have a difficult time recovering from their Glastonbury performance, experts tell Newsweek. Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Getty/Canva The BBC, which broadcast the music festival, issued an apology: "We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behavior appeared on the BBC and want to apologize to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community. We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC." Bob Vylan—who uses the stage names Bobby Vylan and Bobbie Vylan—responded to backlash on Instagram on Tuesday. "We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine," they wrote. "We, like those in the spotlight before us, are not the story. We are a distraction from the story. And whatever sanctions we receive will be a distraction." Bob Vylan Suffers Consequences Earlier this week, the U.S. State Department revoked Bob Vylan's visas to the United States. "The @StateDept has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants," Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau wrote on X on Monday. "Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country." The duo was also dropped by their agent UTA, Deadline reported. Will Bob Vylan's Career Recover? Lauren Beeching, founder of crisis PR firm Honest London, told Newsweek it's "looking increasingly unlikely" that Bob Vylan's career will recover from Glastonbury. "The chant wasn't subtle or up for interpretation. 'Death to the IDF' was broadcast live by the BBC, and the response has been fast and serious," Beeching said. "They've lost their U.S. visas, were dropped by their American booking agency UTA, and the BBC pulled the footage while issuing public apologies. Ofcom has confirmed it is investigating, and there's a criminal inquiry underway. This is not a controversy you ride out with a break from social media." Eric Schiffer, CEO of Reputation Management Consultants, added: "Bob Vylan saw America's 40-city ATM blow into bits with one 'death to IDF' chant that turned a seven-figure tour into a cesspool of self destruction. UTA's kiss-off and a federal visa shred turned Bob Vylan from buzz band to biohazard. U.S. bookers now treat their name like smallpox on a set list. UTA ditching them is the real body-blow because agents equal oxygen." Bob Vylan was scheduled to open for singer Grandson's tour this fall. "When the State Department slaps a no-fly list on your Fender guitars, the merch table moves from Madison Square to Minsk and your rider drops from Dom Pérignon to bring your own," Schiffer continued. "Agents dump you, visas vanish, cops investigate—welcome to the triple-crown of attempted career suicide. The Glastonbury spot is now radioactive nostalgia—future lineups will treat their clip like a deathtrap warning reel." Bobby Vylan, of Bob Vylan, performs on the West Holts stage during the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 28, 2025 in Glastonbury, England. Bobby Vylan, of Bob Vylan, performs on the West Holts stage during the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 28, 2025 in Glastonbury, Coleman, a crisis communication consultant and director of Amanda Coleman Communication Ltd, argued, however, that "the future of Bob Vylan is in the hands of their audience and whether they are prepared to continue to follow them despite this furor. "Even if the artist is prevented from traveling, they can continue to grow an audience online," Coleman explained. "During the COVID-19 pandemic, artists proved you could use social media and technology to stream and continue to grow an audience. If the social media companies cut them off, there will always be alternative channels to move onto." She added that "Bob Vylan have had more coverage since the Glastonbury Festival appearance, and many more people will know who they are." "I don't believe that all publicity is good publicity," Coleman said. "Their behavior has caused significant damage to them and has outraged many, but whether this is a fatal blow to their future is in the hands of their fans and followers." Bob Vylan's Net Worth Takes Big Hit Bob Vylan's net worth will most certainly be impacted after their Glastonbury set, Beeching tells Newsweek. "Touring is usually the main source of income for independent artists, and they were due to open for American singer Grandson's U.S. tour in October and November. That's now off the table following their visa revocation. The cancellation means lost fees, scrapped merch sales, and the breakdown of future international revenue," she shared. "Being dropped by UTA also ends access to global booking networks, corporate stages, and brand tie-ins. Even if those opportunities weren't fully developed yet, they were within reach. Now, anyone looking to work with them commercially would have to factor in reputational risk and likely backlash. That alone shrinks their options." Beeching said it was important to note that "being dropped by a booking agent like UTA is different from being dropped by a label." "Bob Vylan are independent and release music themselves. So while they don't have a label to sever ties with, losing agency support cuts off live revenue opportunities, tour planning, and international expansion," she explained. "You don't need a label to build a career anymore, but you do need access, and that's what's just been taken away." Beeching made it clear, however, that despite criticism, they will also "likely gain fans from this, especially those who view the backlash as censorship or hypocrisy." "They haven't been erased, but they have been repositioned." While Bob Vylan may also still earn money "through streaming, direct fan support and U.K. performances," the "ceiling has lowered." "From a PR and commercial strategy perspective, this shifts them from being a politically provocative act with growth potential to one the industry will now avoid. That doesn't mean financial collapse, but it does mean their future is far more limited than it was two weeks ago."
