Mandu (Korean Dumplings)
Why this recipe works
- Crisp and tender: Pan-frying gives the dumplings a golden base before steaming softens the wrappers and finishes the filling.
- Deep savoury filling: Pork, tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and spring onion create a seasoned filling with umami, nuttiness and gentle aromatic depth.
- Easy to freeze: Uncooked dumplings freeze well in a single layer, making them useful for quick future meals or appetisers.
Get the most out of this recipe
Ingredient notes
- Dry the cabbage and tofu thoroughly: Removing excess moisture helps the filling bind properly and prevents the wrappers from turning soggy.
- Use firm tofu: Firm tofu holds its texture better in the filling and blends cleanly with the minced pork.
- Choose pliable wrappers: Fresh, flexible dumpling wrappers are easier to seal and less likely to crack while folding.
Common mistakes
- Avoid overcrowding: Arrange the dumplings in a single layer so the bases brown evenly before steaming.
- Do not leave the filling loose: Mix until the filling looks cohesive and slightly sticky; this helps it stay juicy and compact inside the wrapper.
- Cover immediately after adding water: Trapping steam quickly helps the wrappers cook evenly and ensures the pork filling is cooked through.
Make-ahead tips
- Freeze before cooking: Lay shaped dumplings in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a bag or container to stop them sticking together.
- Cook from frozen: Pan-fry from frozen as usual, then extend the steaming time slightly until the dumplings are piping hot throughout.
- Keep wrappers covered: While folding, cover unused wrappers with a barely damp tea towel so they stay supple.
Serving ideas
- Add a dipping sauce: Serve with a simple soy-based dipping sauce to complement the sesame, pork and garlic in the filling.
- Serve with banchan: Kimchi, pickled vegetables or lightly seasoned greens make a good contrast to the rich dumplings.
- Serve crisp-side up: Arrange the dumplings with the browned base visible so the crisp texture is clear at the table.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely slice the napa cabbage, then toss it with a generous pinch of salt and leave for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Tip into a colander and squeeze very well to remove as much liquid as you can. Crumble the tofu and squeeze it dry in your hands over the sink.
- Thinly slice the spring onion and finely grate the garlic. In a mixing bowl, combine the cabbage, tofu, minced pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, roasted sesame seeds and black pepper. Mix vigorously until the filling looks cohesive and slightly sticky.
- Set out the dumpling wrappers and a small bowl of water. Place a wrapper in your palm, add a heaped teaspoon of filling, then moisten the edge with water and seal, pleating if you like. Repeat until you have used all the filling.
- Heat 1 tbsp of the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Arrange the dumplings in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottoms are deep golden. If needed, cook in batches, adding the remaining oil for the next batch.
- Carefully pour in the water and immediately cover the pan. Steam for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the wrappers look glossy and the pork is cooked through. Uncover and cook for 1 minute to drive off any remaining water, then serve hot.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Squeezing the cabbage and tofu very dry is the key to a juicy filling that does not leak or make the wrappers soggy.
- Keep the wrappers covered with a barely damp tea towel while you fold, so they do not dry out and crack.
- Food safety: if serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, make sure the pork filling is cooked all the way through and the dumplings are piping hot.
Substitutions
- Replace Soy sauce with Light soy sauce for a slightly lighter, cleaner saltiness.
- Replace Napa cabbage with Savoy cabbage for a similar sweetness and tenderness.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Freeze in a single layer until solid, then bag; cook from frozen by pan-frying as usual and adding 2 to 3 minutes to the steaming time, until piping hot.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 55min (45min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Korean
-
Allergens:
Gluten Sesame Soybeans
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