Description
Crispy on the outside and juicy within, Mandu are Korean dumplings filled with savory pork, kimchi, tofu, and vegetables. They’re comforting, versatile, and perfect whether pan-fried, steamed, or boiled. Serve them with a dipping sauce or drop them into broth for Mandu-guk — they’re just as great as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Make a big batch and freeze them for an easy, authentic Korean meal anytime.
Ingredients
1 cup finely chopped kimchi
0.5 pound ground pork
1 cup firm tofu, crumbled and squeezed
0.5 cup green onions, finely chopped
0.5 cup bean sprouts, chopped and blanched
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
1 package dumpling wrappers
1 small bowl water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
0.25 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce (for dipping)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
0.5 teaspoon sesame oil (for dipping)
Pinch red pepper flakes
Chopped green onion and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix kimchi, ground pork, tofu, green onions, bean sprouts, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until cohesive and sticky.
3. Set up your wrapping station: wrappers, water bowl, and parchment-lined tray.
4. Place a wrapper in your palm, add 1–1.5 tsp filling, wet the edge, and seal by folding.
5. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
6. Add dumplings flat side down, cook for 2–3 minutes until golden.
7. Add 2–3 tbsp water, cover, and steam for 4–5 minutes until cooked through.
8. Uncover and cook another minute to re-crisp the bottom.
9. Alternatively, steam for 8–10 minutes or boil until they float.
10. Mix dipping sauce ingredients and garnish with green onion or sesame seeds.
Notes
Kimchi should be well-drained and finely chopped for best texture and flavor.
Make sure wrappers are sealed tightly to prevent them from bursting during cooking.
Freeze extras uncooked on a tray before transferring to a bag for long-term storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Main
- Method: Pan-Fry / Steam / Boil
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 dumplings
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: dumpling, mandu, Korean appetizer, kimchi dumplings