How to make Dalgona (Korean honeycomb candy)

Making Dalgona (Korean honeycomb candy) is simple but requires precise timing and attention. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide in English:

 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• A pinch of baking soda (about 1/16 teaspoon)
• A non-stick spatula or chopstick (for stirring)
• A ladle (for melting the sugar)
• A flat surface or parchment paper (for pressing the dalgona)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools

Before starting, gather all the necessary tools and ingredients. You'll need a ladle for melting the sugar, a spatula or chopstick for stirring, and a flat surface (or parchment paper) to press the dalgona. You can also have a cookie cutter or a shape stamp ready if you want to create a fun pattern on the dalgona candy.

Step 2: Melt the Sugar

1. Place the ladle over medium-low heat, and add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the ladle.
2. Hold the ladle just above the flame, moving it gently in a circular motion to distribute the heat evenly. Be careful not to hold it too close to the heat, as the sugar can burn quickly.
3. As the sugar begins to melt, use a non-stick spatula or chopstick to stir it slowly and consistently. Keep stirring until all the sugar is fully melted and turns into a smooth, golden liquid. Make sure there are no lumps, and be patient as this can take a few minutes.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

1. Once the sugar is fully melted and smooth, remove the ladle from the heat.
2. Immediately add a pinch of baking soda (about 1/16 teaspoon) to the melted sugar. The baking soda will cause the mixture to foam and expand.
3. Stir quickly and thoroughly until the baking soda is fully mixed into the sugar. The mixture will turn a light, golden-brown color and become frothy.

Step 4: Shape the Dalgona

1. Pour the frothy mixture onto a flat surface (or parchment paper) while it’s still soft.
2. Let it cool for a few seconds until it begins to harden slightly but is still pliable.
3. Use a flat tool (like the back of a spatula or a flat-bottomed object) to press the mixture down into a thin, round shape. Be careful not to press too hard, or it will crack.

Step 5: Optional: Stamp a Shape

Before the dalgona fully hardens, you can press a cookie cutter or stamp into the center to create a fun design. Press gently and remove the cutter carefully to leave an imprint without cutting through the candy.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the dalgona cool completely for a few minutes until it hardens. Once it’s firm, you can lift it off the surface and enjoy the candy.

Tips:

• Be careful with the heat: Sugar burns easily, so keep an eye on it as it melts.
• Quick stirring: When adding baking soda, stir quickly to ensure an even texture.
• Experiment with thickness: Pressing the mixture lightly will create a thicker candy, while pressing it more firmly will result in a thinner dalgona.

Now you have a delicious, crispy dalgona candy to enjoy!