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+ servings
Steamed dumplings with pleated edges on a serving platter.

Mandu - Korean Dumpling Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Folding Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Traditional Korean dumplings filled with seasoned ground pork, shrimp, vegetables, and aromatic spices. These versatile dumplings can be pan-fried, steamed, or cooked in soup. Perfect for appetizers or main courses, they are a classic favorite in Korean cuisine.
40 Servings

Ingredients

Filling:

  • 1 lb ground pork 70% lean, 30% fat
  • 1/2 lb ground shrimp
  • 1 tablespoon potato starch
  • 2 teaspoons dashida Korean beef bouillon powder
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 ounces Asian chives finely chopped
  • 1 package mandu wrappers Korean dumpling skins

Precooked Ingredients for Filling:

  • 5 ounces napa cabbage crunchy parts, chopped
  • 2 ounces napa cabbage leafy parts, chopped
  • 2 ounces onion finely chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 teaspoon ginger crushed
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 dried shiitake mushrooms rehydrated and finely chopped

Dipping Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon chili oil
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 1 green onion finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 serrano pepper finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions
 

Prepare the Precooked Ingredients

  1. Begin by separating the crunchy and leafy portions of the napa cabbage. Chop each section finely. Rehydrate the dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for approximately 30 minutes. Once rehydrated, squeeze out any excess moisture and chop finely. Crush the garlic cloves and ginger, and finely chop the onions and Asian chives (chives will remain uncooked).

Cook the Vegetables

  1. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add a small quantity of oil. Sauté the onions until they become fragrant and translucent. Add the crushed garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute. Incorporate the chopped shiitake mushrooms and the crunchy cabbage sections, seasoning with a pinch of salt. Continue sautéing for 3-4 minutes. Add the leafy cabbage sections and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Once the mixture is softened, remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

Prepare the Dumpling Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground shrimp, soy sauce, potato starch, dashida, brown sugar, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly for 2-3 minutes until the filling attains a slightly sticky consistency. Add the cooled precooked vegetables and chopped Asian chives. Mix again until evenly combined.

Fill the Dumplings

  1. Place one dumpling wrapper on a clean surface. Moisten the edges with water. Place approximately 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of the wrapper. Fold and seal the edges carefully, ensuring no air pockets remain. Pleat if desired. Repeat until all filling is used.

Cook the Dumplings

  1. Pan-Frying: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry dumplings for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
    Steaming: Arrange dumplings in a steamer basket and steam for 7-8 minutes over boiling water.
    Boiling in Soup: Drop dumplings into boiling broth and cook until they float, approximately 5 minutes.

Prepare the Dipping Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili oil, water, green onions, minced garlic, serrano pepper, chopped onion, and sesame seeds. Stir well to incorporate.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free:
  • Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.
  • Substitute gluten-free dumpling wrappers, which can be found in specialty stores or made at home using gluten-free flour blends.
  • Verify that your dashida (Korean beef bouillon powder) is gluten-free or substitute with gluten-free beef bouillon or seasoning.
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