What's The Difference: Corn Dog Vs. Korean Corn Dog
These hot dogs-on-a-stick are different, inside and out.
ILLUSTRATOR Roselle Miranda
The popularity of all things Korean including its food, is a global trend. While we binge-watch K-dramas, we also adore the creative ways Koreans have taken seemingly simple food and made these totally delicious. That's what they did with the humble corn dog.Â
Whether it's covered in cheese or doused in a sweet garlic-soy glaze, the Korean corn dog is one snack inspired by one thing and taken to gooey, stretchy heights. It's a hack on a classic American snack.Â
What is a corn dog anyway? The classic corn dog is a hot dog that's been dipped into a batter and deep-fried in oil until cooked through. Think of it as a hot dog with the bun cooked right on it so it's easy to eat without the hot dog slipping out when you take a bite.Â
The yellow bread-like coating is similar to the batter used to make Southern US cornbread, a quick bread made from cornmeal and commonly served as the side dish among others. It was allegedly first introduced in a food stall at a state fair. It was served on a stick so it could be eaten with ease while walking around the fair. Which state fair this hot dog-on-a-stick first appeared is highly debated.Â
In any case, it has become an iconic food in many fairs and beyond because it's not only easy to eat, it's fun to eat and simply delicious.Â
How is the Korean corn dog different from the original corn dog?Â
1 The classic corn dog is coated in cornmeal. The Korean corn dog is coated in bread and breadcrumbs.Â
One of the big differences between these two fun and delicious snacks on a stick is what the hot dog is coated in. The classic version is coated in a cornmeal batter. Cornbread is traditionally both sweet and savory so plus the meaty hot dog inside, it's a great combo of flavors that satisfies. The Korean version is coated in simple yeasted bread dough and then rolled in crunchy Japanese-style or Panko breadcrumbs to give it extra crunch after frying.Â
For those who truly want to go beyond bread, there are some snack vendors who coat the Korean corn dog in either small cubed potatoes or French fries, too.Â
2 The classic corn dog contains a hot dog. The Korean corn dog has both a hot dog and a mozzarella stick.Â
You have to give it to the Koreans to make food as fun to eat as it is delicious. While the classic corn dog is simply a hot dog coated in batter, the Korean corn dog is more than just a hot dog. It is usually half hot dog and half mozzarella cheese. Combined with the crunchy coating, this results in a bite that is texturally different; it's both crunchy and gooey.Â
3 The classic corn dog is commonly served with ketchup and mustard. The Korean corn dog is sometimes sprinkled with sugar.Â
A corn dog is basically still a hot dog and when it's served on a stick, it's still served with ketchup and mustard. While the Korean corn dog can be served in this same way, some prefer it more sweet than savory and tangy. For these people, the Korean corn dog can be given a quick roll in sugar.Â
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