Homemade Mandu with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• For the filling: For the filling:
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground pork 250g (8.8 oz) ground pork
• 100g (3.5 oz) cabbage, finely chopped 100g (3.5 oz) cabbage, finely chopped
• 50g (1.8 oz) green onions, finely chopped 50g (1.8 oz) green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the dough: For the dough:
• 300g (10.6 oz) all-purpose flour 300g (10.6 oz) all-purpose flour
• 180ml (3/4 cup) water 180ml (3/4 cup) water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the spicy dipping sauce: For the spicy dipping sauce:
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine all the filling ingredients and mix well until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, water, and salt for the dough. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   After the dough has rested, divide it into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle, about 10cm (4 inches) in diameter.
4. 4.
   Place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough in half, sealing the edges by pressing firmly. Pleat the edges to create a decorative pattern.
5. 5.
   Repeat the process until all the dough and filling are used.
6. 6.
   To steam the Mandu, place them in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper. Steam for 10-12 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.
7. 7.
   To boil the Mandu, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the dumplings and cook for 8-10 minutes until they float to the surface.
8. 8.
   To pan-fry the Mandu, heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the dumplings and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown. Add a splash of water to the pan, cover, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and the bottoms are crispy.
9. 9.
   While the Mandu are cooking, prepare the spicy dipping sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth.
10. 10.
    Serve the Homemade Mandu hot with the spicy dipping sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground pork — Make sure to use lean ground pork for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute it with ground beef or chicken.
• Cabbage — Finely chop the cabbage to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients and creates a uniform texture in the filling.
• Green onions — Use both the white and green parts of the green onions for added flavor and color.
• Gochujang — Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier dipping sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the filling and dough in advance and assemble the Mandu just before cooking.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with tofu or a mixture of mushrooms.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces like soy-garlic or sweet chili sauce to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Freeze any leftover Mandu for future quick and delicious meals.
• Serve the Mandu with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for a traditional Korean accompaniment.

Serving advice

Serve the Homemade Mandu as an appetizer or a main course. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an attractive presentation. Provide small bowls of the spicy dipping sauce for each guest to enjoy.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cooked Mandu on a serving plate in a circular pattern, showcasing the pleated edges. Drizzle a few drops of sesame oil on top for a glossy finish. Place a small dish of the spicy dipping sauce in the center of the plate for easy access.