Over the past couple of years, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of learning to make Korean Mandu (dumplings) at the local YMCA and again at a dear friend’s house.

I’d like to share the process with you and the ingredients. Keep in mind that everything is done to taste.

Fried Traditional Mandu
Steamed Kimchi and Traditional Mandu
Traditional Dumplings via Marcia
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Garlic Powder
  • Ginger
  • Minced Garlic or Chives
  • Ground Pork
  • Japchae noodles
  • Onion (optional)
  • Mungbean
  • Baby pumpkin (look like cucumbers)
  • Medium tofu
  • Parilla Oil
  • Wrappers
Traditional Dumplings via YMCA
  • Ground Pork
  • Green Onion
  • Sweet Pepper
  • White Onion
  • Mungbean / Sprouts
  • Wrappers
Mandu Wrappers
Traditional Ingredients YMCA
Traditional Ingredients YMCA
Kimchi Dumplings
  • Pepper
  • Kimchi
  • Japchae Noodles
  • Ground pork (optional)
  • Wrappers
Dipping Sauce
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Vinegar / Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Parilla Oil / Sesame Oil
  • Soy Sauce
  • Sesame Seeds (optional)
Making the Mandu
Making the Mandu

Directions:

  1. Finely chop all ingredients and squeeze out ALL liquid – every…last…drop!
  2. Mix ingredients together – use your hands!
  3. Wrap them up – you can do this many ways.
  4. Make sure you add water to the end of the wrappers – it will help it to stick.
  5. Steam for 5 – 15min depending on size
  6. If you want the glorious fried version, steam them first with water directly in the pan. Once the water is evaporated, add a little oil to fry ’em up
Korean Pumpkin
Mix it well!
Mix it well!
Make the mandu
Ready to cook
Here are some videos to help you out!

Tips:
*Put Parilla Oil on them after steaming – it will keep them from sticking together.
*If you don’t have Parilla or Sesame Oil, any oil will do just fine
*If you want to freeze them, place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching. Pop them in the freezer. Once they are fully frozen, you can put them in a zip lock bag.
Mandu are one of my all-time favorite Korean dishes. You can buy a bunch of ingredients, invite a few friends over, and have a mandu-making-party!  Enjoy 🙂