What could be more delicious than a plate of steaming hot dumplings?
Nothing. That's why we named ourselves after them! 😋
Dumplings, or Mandu in Korean (Hanja: 饅頭), have become a staple food in Korea and are quickly gaining popularity all over the world. They are tasty, good-looking, easy to make, and can be customized in so many different ways to suit the tastes of whoever is making them.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll discuss everything you need to know about Korean dumplings – from their history and importance in Korean culture to how you can get started making them yourself. So whether you're a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, read on for all the information you need to create some amazing dumplings at home!
What is a Korean Dumpling?
A Korean dumpling, or mandu, is a small piece of dough filled with meat and/or vegetables. Depending on the recipe, it may also include spices, seasonings, and sauces. The dumplings are then either boiled or steamed before being served.
The most popular type of Korean dumpling is the mandu-guk, which is made with pork or beef and vegetables such as onion, garlic, carrot, and cabbage. This type of dumpling is often served in a soup called 'mandu-guk.'
A Brief History of Korean Dumplings
Dumplings have been part of Korean cuisine for centuries, with their earliest mention in a 15th-century Korean book. The food was originally served to royalty as a symbol of wealth and status, and it was also used to honor ancestors during traditional holidays.
While the history can be a little vague in places, it's believed that Mandu first came to Korea around the 14th Century with the Yuan Mongolians. This was during the Korean reign of the Goryeo dynasty, and the food was eventually adopted by Korean culture, becoming a popular dish among everyday people.
At the time, the state religion was Buddhism, which clearly believed that meat consumption should be avoided. The Mongolian incursion actually helped to relax these beliefs and was welcomed across many parts of the country, meaning that much of the population was eating meat for the first time.
Since dumplings of these kinds at the time would have included meats, this trend of eating the food caught on quickly. As Mandu was much more affordable than most other meats, it became a staple in Korean cuisine.
However, many reports show that Mandu came to Korea much earlier than the 14th Century through the imports, exports, and trades along the Silk Road. Korea was very active on the Silk Road network, trading goods such as silk, livestock, medicine, wool, and beautiful gold and silver ornaments that could reach the distances between China and Central Asia.
This wealth would have bought a vast interest in the Korean Peninsula, granting them access to the wonders of other countries, which would have included cuisines like Mandu, which eventually made its way into Korean culture and cuisine.
While the evidence isn't exactly clear, historians have discovered plenty of evidence that Mandus and variations of them existed throughout the Silk Road network. This was because wheat and other ingredients made it very easy to create dishes like dumplings and noodles.
Wherever dumplings originated from, there's no doubt that the food has soared in popularity over the previous centuries, and the fame of which remains popular to this day.
Today, dumplings are enjoyed all over Korea.
They can be found in restaurants, street carts, and homes, where they are popular snacks or side dishes. Of course, with the ever-expanding interest in Korean culture, recipes and staples like Mandus are becoming increasingly popular all over the world.
How to Enjoy Korean Dumplings
Korean dumplings can be enjoyed in many different ways. They make an excellent appetizer or side dish and can also be eaten on their own as a snack. If you're feeling adventurous, why not try making your own dumplings?
In Korea, dumplings are often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar. If you're not a fan of this combination, try experimenting with different ingredients to find a sauce that suits your tastes.
What you put in your dumplings is really up to you, and there are endless combinations to choose from. You could use pork, beef, seafood, or vegetables, depending on what you prefer. Rice and other grains such as barley, millet, or quinoa can also be used as a filling.
Tofu is also a great meat alternative for vegetarians and vegans. It is high in protein and comes in many different textures. When combined with a delicious sauce, it can make a delightful dish.
As for the wrappers, you can buy premade wrappers from Asian supermarkets or health food stores. You can also make your own, using flour, salt, and water – just be sure to follow a recipe closely.
If you're looking for the most authentic Korean Mandu recipe, you'll want to include ingredients like ground beef, pork, garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce. But feel free to customize the filling with whatever suits your taste.
How to Make Your Own Korean Dumplings
You don't need to travel to South Korea to enjoy authentic Korean dumplings. Thanks to the connected world we live in, you can enjoy Korean dumplings from your supermarket, order online in a local Korean restaurant, or you can even make your own using authentic Korean ingredients, recipes, and techniques.
Of course, we think the latter idea of making your own is the most fun, and there are a few ways better to have some amazing and delicious alone time or have a good time with your friends and loved ones than you can have when cooking and sharing mouth-watering food.
Now, there are endless ways you can make Korean dumplings. The basic recipe is pretty simple, but as you can with most Korean food, you can switch up and change out ingredients as and when you please, depending on the flavors you want to achieve.
To get started, all you need is some wrappers or dumpling skins (you can usually find them at the supermarket in the refrigerated section near other Asian food items). Then, gather your favorite filling ingredients. Some popular fillings include pork, beef, vegetables, tofu, and shrimp.
Once you have your ingredients ready to go, it's time to get started on the assembly line. Start by filling your dumpling skins with your chosen filling and then fold and seal the edges using either a folding technique or a crimping technique.
Once you've assembled all of your dumplings, it's time to cook them. There are a few different methods you can use, such as boiling, steaming, frying, or baking. Boiling and steaming are the most popular methods for cooking dumplings, as they are quick and easy.
Finally, it's time to serve your delicious Korean dumplings! Serve them warm with soy sauce, chili oil, vinegar, and sesame. You can also serve them cold as part of a salad or wrap them up in some lettuce and kimchi for a tasty Korean wrap.
Tips for Making Homemade Mandu Dumplings
- Always buy fresh ingredients. This is important as they will taste better, retain their texture, and last longer.
- If the wrappers are too thick, it can be difficult to cook them evenly. Cut the edges with a knife to make them thinner.
- Make sure to season your filling with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice.
- If you are using meat in your dumplings, make sure to cook it before adding it to the filling.
- If you're looking for more flavor, you can add spices and sauces to your filling.
- Be careful when folding the dumpling edges, as it can be easy to tear them.
- To prevent your dumplings from sticking together when cooking, add a teaspoon of oil to the water or steamer basket.
- Make sure you cook the dumplings for the correct amount of time. They should be cooked until they are soft and tender.
- You can garnish the dumplings with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, and chili oil when serving.
A Simple Korean Dumpling (Mandu) Recipe
To help you get started, let's dive into a basic Mandu recipe you can make at home anytime. Remember, as with any you find in books or online, these recipes only need to be used as guidelines. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and techniques as you see fit to create food that is best suited to you and your personal tastes.
Of course, if you're new to this, then it's probably best to follow the instructions of the recipe as written. Get a feel for what the recipes are like and what flavors work well together or don't, and then, once you have a basic understanding of what's going on, you can really start to get creative.
And don't worry, Mandu is pretty healthy, so feel free to indulge in it without that much guilt!
Ingredients
- 1 package of dumpling wrappers (gyoza or wonton)
- 2 cups of ground pork
- 1 cup of shredded cabbage
- 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the pork, cabbage, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and soy sauce. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Take a dumpling wrapper and fill it with 1 tablespoon of the filling mixture. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a bit of water to help seal them shut.
- Pinch the wrapper together to form a half-moon shape and continue until all of the filling is used up.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add the dumplings, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with a side of soy sauce, chili oil, and/or vinegar. Enjoy!
Now that you have the basics down, it's time to get creative with the ingredients and flavors you use in your dumplings.
There are so many possibilities when it comes to Korean dumplings; play around with different flavor combinations to find out which ones you like best!
Frequently Asked Questions on Mandus and Korean Dumplings
Are Korean dumplings and Chinese dumplings the same?
No, though they may look similar and share the same basic ingredients, Korean dumplings are distinct from those of Chinese cuisine. In Korean dumplings, vegetables such as cabbage and green onion are often added to the filling, while Chinese dumplings typically contain only meat or seafood. Additionally, Korean dumplings usually have a thinner skin than their Chinese counterparts.
What is the difference between Korean dumplings and Japanese gyoza?
Korean dumplings (Mandu) differ from Japanese gyoza in that they are typically larger, with a thicker filling. Also, while Korean dumpling wrappers are usually made with wheat flour and water, the wrappers for gyoza are made with a combination of wheat and buckwheat flour, giving them a more savory flavor.
How can I make my Korean dumplings even tastier?
Fry up some garlic in sesame oil and sprinkle over your Korean dumplings to add an extra burst of flavor. Other popular toppings include soy sauce, chili oil, and vinegar. You can also get creative with the fillings! Try adding in some kimchi or mushrooms to give your dumplings a unique flavor.
Are Mandu healthy?
Yes! Mandu is a great source of protein and other essential nutrients. As long as you don't eat too much (which can be difficult because they are so delicious!), Mandu is a healthy snack or meal option. Of course, it depends on what you put in your Mandus, but generally, the most common and traditional methods are healthy.
Do you eat Mandus as a main meal?
Absolutely! Mandu can be a great main meal. They are usually served with Korean-style soups, stews, rice, and other side dishes. Alternatively, they can also be enjoyed on their own as an appetizer or snack.
How many dumplings make a meal or serving?
Typically, a single serving of dumplings is considered to be 6-8 pieces. This can vary depending on the size and appetite of the individual, so it's best to adjust accordingly.
Conclusion
Korean dumplings are a delicious and popular food that has been enjoyed in Korea for centuries. They're versatile, easy to make, and can be customized with endless filling combinations. Now you can enjoy Korean dumplings in your own home and share them with friends and family.
And if you're ready to take things to the next level, don't forget to check out the ManduMarket store for all the necessary ingredients and equipment to make the perfect Korean dumplings.
Happy eating! 🥟🍛