Attention all Korean food lovers out there! Have you ever tried “Hopang“, those delicious Korean-style steamed buns? I have the fondest memories of buying these piping hot treats from convenience stores on chilly winter days. I remember blowing on them gently before taking that first satisfying bite. Back when I lived in the United States, I used to enjoy Samlip Hopang as well. It was like a little taste of home, a nostalgic Korean snack that brought back childhood memories.
In today’s blog post, I want to introduce you to two specific flavors of Samlip Hopang: the vegetable and the pizza varieties. I’ll also be sharing my honest taste review of these frozen buns that are perfect for a quick and easy snack. So, let’s dive in!
- 1. What is Samlip Hopang?
- 2. How to cook Samlip frozen Hopang
- 3. Vegetable and pizza Hopang review
- 4. Where to buy Samlip frozen Hopang in the US
1. What is Samlip Hopang?
A beloved Korean snack!
First off, what exactly is Samlip Hopang? Well, it’s a beloved Korean snack that’s especially popular during the colder months. In fact, I’d say almost every Korean has tried it at least once.
Samlip has been making these tasty steamed buns since way back in 1971, and get this – they’ve sold over 6 billion of them! The name “Hopang” actually comes from the action of blowing on the hot bun before you eat it. Cute, right?
Samlip offers a range of flavors to choose from, like red bean paste, vegetables, pizza, and even sweet potato. It’s a classic convenience store food that’s perfect as a winter snack.
2. How to cook Samlip frozen Hopang
Easy, simple, and delicious!
Now, let me tell you how incredibly easy it is to cook Samlip’s frozen Hopang. It’s perfect for us busy folks who still want to enjoy a warm, comforting snack without all the fuss. These days, there are so many meal kits and quick-prep foods out there, and Samlip’s frozen Hopang fits right in. You can store them in your freezer and whip them up whenever the craving hits.
Easy cooking methods
Here are a few simple ways to cook your frozen Hopang:
- Steamer: Just pop your frozen Hopang in a steamer and let it work its magic for about 15 minutes.
- Rice cooker: Place your frozen Hopang in your rice cooker and keep it on warm mode for 15-20 minutes. Easy peasy!
- Air fryer cooking: If you’ve got an air fryer, you can cook your frozen Hopang at 320°F (160°C) for 10 minutes.
- Microwave cooking: Cover your frozen Hopang with some microwave-safe plastic wrap or a damp paper towel to keep it nice and moist. Then, microwave for 1 minute for a single bun, 1 minute 30 seconds for 2 buns, and 2 minutes for 3 buns. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary a bit depending on your microwave.
3. Vegetable and pizza Hopang review
Just like the good old days!
Alright, let’s talk about the taste test! Samlip’s vegetable and pizza Hopang come in packs of 3 frozen buns each. For this review, I decided to use Samlip’s mini Hopang steamer called “Hojjimi”. It’s basically a mini version of those big steamers they use to sell Hopang. It’s made of lightweight plastic, which makes it super convenient and user-friendly.
The vegetable Hopang is definitely a crowd-pleaser. It’s stuffed with a bunch of fresh veggies that really complement the flavors of the bun itself.
As for the pizza Hopang, I have to admit it was a tiny bit different from what I expected based on the packaging. The picture showed a bun absolutely bursting with gooey cheese, but the real thing had a bit less cheese than I was hoping for. The pizza flavor was also a little milder than I thought it would be. So, if you’re a die-hard pizza fanatic, it might not quite hit the spot.
4. Where to buy Samlip frozen Hopang in the US
Enjoying Samlip vegetable and pizza Hopang in America
For those of you in the US who are wondering where you can get your hands on some Samlip frozen Hopang, I’ve got you covered. Since it’s a frozen food product, it can be a bit tricky to find on Amazon. But I recently bought some from Weee, an online Asian grocery store that I use pretty often.
They’ve got a nice variety of frozen Hopang flavors, like vegetable, pizza, red bean, sweet potato, and even sweet butter. The prices are pretty reasonable too, ranging from about $3 to $5. It’s a perfect Korean snack for both kids and grown-ups alike, allowing you to enjoy Korean food in the US.
Eating Hopang always takes me back to my childhood. It makes me kind of nostalgic for those days when I’d blow on the steaming hot buns before diving in. With its long history and consistently yummy taste, I can definitely see myself buying Samlip Hopang again in the future.
So, why not take a little break from the daily grind and treat yourself to some Hopang snack time? It’s a small thing, but it can bring a whole lot of joy to your day, especially if you’re a fan of Korean food and miss the tastes of home!
For more insightful posts on various topics, feel free to explore other articles on my blog. Check out the Blog Menu to find writings that pique your interest. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to leave them below.
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