Korean Mandu Dumplings – Savory Steamed Delights Packed with Flavor

These Korean Mandu Dumplings are a delectable treat, perfect for a snack or as a main course. Mandu are a type of Korean dumpling typically filled with a mixture of ground meat and vegetables, seasoned to perfection and either steamed, boiled, pan-fried, or deep-fried. For this recipe, we’ll focus on the steamed version, which allows the delicate and rich flavors of the filling to shine through.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 200g ground pork
• 150g tofu, drained and crumbled
• 100g kimchi, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 100g mung bean sprouts, chopped
• 1 spring onion, finely sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

For the Dumpling Wrappers:

• 30-40 round dumpling wrappers (store-bought or homemade)

For Steaming:

• Large pot with steamer insert or bamboo steamer
• Parchment paper or cabbage leaves to line the steamer

For Serving:

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sliced spring onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, crumbled tofu, chopped kimchi, onion, garlic, grated carrot, chopped mung bean sprouts, and sliced spring onion. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, ground black pepper, and the beaten egg. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

2. Fill the dumplings: Place a dumpling wrapper on a flat surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, fold the wrapper in half to enclose the filling, and press to seal. You can create pleats along the edges to ensure the dumpling is sealed securely. Repeat this process with the remaining filling and wrappers.

3. Prepare the steamer: Line your steamer insert or bamboo steamer with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent the dumplings from sticking. Make sure there are spaces between the dumplings to allow steam to circulate.

4. Steam the dumplings: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Place the steamer insert or bamboo steamer over the boiling water, cover, and steam the dumplings for about 10-12 minutes, or until the dumpling wrappers become translucent and the filling is cooked through.

5. Serve: Carefully remove the steamed dumplings and arrange them on a serving plate. Serve with a dipping sauce made from a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sliced spring onions, and sesame seeds.

Enjoy these delicious Korean Mandu Dumplings as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a satisfying main course. They're sure to be a hit with anyone who loves savory and flavorful bites!