Mandu: Korean Dumpling Recipe

Introduction

Mandu, beloved Korean dumplings, offer a savory burst of flavor in every bite. Combining tender dumpling wrappers with a flavorful filling of pork, beef, tofu, vegetables, and seasonings, Mandu is a versatile dish suited for appetizers, main courses, or even as part of a feast. With several variations from steamed and boiled to crispy pan fried, Mandu are sure to satisfy comfort food cravings and impress anyone at the table.

Deliciously Unique Mandu: Korean Dumpling Recipe

What sets Mandu apart from other dumplings is its aromatic filling and adaptability. Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), sesame oil, and garlic add a signature warmth and depth, while glass noodles and tofu contribute to authentic texture. Enjoy them steamed for a delicate bite, boiled in warming soups, or pan fried for a satisfying crunch—this recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser and an accessible way to introduce Korean flavors to your kitchen.

Preparing the Perfect Mandu Filling

The secret to Mandu’s mouthwatering filling is balance—savory meats, mild tofu, crunchy vegetables, and classic seasonings. Squeeze excess liquid from the tofu and cabbage to avoid a soggy texture. Mix the ingredients by hand for even distribution, ensuring each dumpling bursts with flavor. Let your mixture rest for five minutes for the flavors to meld, which results in richer taste and cohesiveness.

Assembling Your Mandu: Korean Dumpling Recipe

Once your filling is ready, prepare the wrappers and a small bowl of water. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper, moisten the edges with water, and fold into a half moon shape, pinching or pleating edges firmly. For traditional Korean presentation, try pleating one side for a beautifully curved dumpling. Arrange assembled Mandu on a floured tray while you work to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions for Show-Stopping Mandu

Serve freshly cooked Mandu with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a splash of toasted sesame oil. Garnish with sliced scallions or toasted sesame seeds. Mandu pairs exceptionally well with quick pickled cucumbers, simple salads, or in a steaming bowl of Mandu-guk (dumpling soup) for a comforting meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 30 Mandu, depending on wrapper size. Each dumpling contains approximately 50-60 calories, making Mandu a light yet filling dish that’s perfect for sharing, snacking, or integrating into a multi-course meal.

Deliciously Unique Mandu (Recap)

Mandu delivers a delightful medley of flavors and textures—juicy, aromatic, and bursting with umami. Its adaptability for different cooking methods ensures everyone finds their favorite style, making Mandu the perfect dish for any communal gathering or cozy night in.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe on CookifyAI to instantly generate a sorted shopping list with all the ingredients—making your next grocery trip organized and efficient. Enjoy easy meal planning and never forget a key ingredient again!

Instructions

1. Prepare tofu: Wrap the tofu block in a paper towel and gently press to remove excess water. Crumble into a large mixing bowl.
2. Salt the napa cabbage, let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture and add to the bowl.
3. Add ground pork, ground beef, chopped glass noodles, green onions, and garlic to the bowl with tofu and cabbage.
4. Season the mixture with soy sauce, sesame oil, gochugaru (if using), and black pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand until well combined.
5. Place a dumpling wrapper in your palm. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling into the center. Moisten the edges with water, fold over, and pinch to seal, pleating if desired. Repeat until all filling is used.
6. To pan-fry: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange dumplings in a single layer, cook until bottoms are golden, then add 1/4 cup water and cover to steam for 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
7. To steam: Arrange dumplings in a lined steamer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Steam over simmering water for 10-12 minutes, until wrappers are translucent and filling is firm.
8. Serve hot with dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sliced scallions.

Weekly Meal Planning

Mandu is an ideal addition to your weekly meal plan—it’s easy to prepare in batches, freezes beautifully, and provides a versatile option for lunches, snacks, or quick dinners. Save and schedule this recipe on CookifyAI to streamline planning, generate smart shopping lists, and stay organized.

Planning Benefits:

– Combine Mandu with other favorite recipes and CookifyAI will automatically calculate total ingredients so you buy just the right amounts.
– Shopping lists are organized by store section for faster, easier trips.
– Avoid duplicate purchases and reduce waste with smart meal prep.
– See at-a-glance how ingredients overlap across your weekly recipes, saving time and money.

Pro tip: When prepping Mandu, double the batch and freeze half for a quick homemade meal later in the week, all easily managed with CookifyAI’s scheduling features.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes