Golden Pan-Seared Korean Dumplings
Plump, juicy dumplings stuffed with seasoned pork, tofu, and vegetables, pan-fried to a gorgeous golden crisp on the bottom while the tops steam to translucent tenderness. Served with a sharp soy-vinegar-chili dipping sauce, these mandu are the kind of homemade lunch worth clearing your entire afternoon to make.
Ingredients
- 1 package round dumpling wrappers (about 40 wrappers)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 block firm tofu (7 oz), crumbled and squeezed dry in a towel
- 2 cups napa cabbage, finely chopped and salted, then squeezed dry
+ 12 more ingredients
Instructions
Salt the chopped napa cabbage with 1 teaspoon of salt, let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out every last drop of moisture using a clean kitchen towel. This step is critical for preventing soggy dumplings.
Crumble the tofu and squeeze it dry in the same fashion. Combine it in a large bowl with the ground pork, drained cabbage, chives, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix thoroughly with your hands until the filling is uniform.
Place a heaping teaspoon of filling in the center of each dumpling wrapper. Wet the edges with a fingertip dipped in water, fold in half to form a half-moon, and press firmly to seal, pleating one side for a decorative touch.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the dumplings in a single layer, flat side down, without crowding.
Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until the bottoms are deeply golden and crispy.
Pour 1/2 cup of water into the pan and immediately cover with a tight-fitting lid. Let the dumplings steam for 5 to 6 minutes until the wrappers turn translucent and the filling is cooked through.
Remove the lid and let any remaining water evaporate. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of oil around the edges and cook for 1 more minute to re-crisp the bottoms.
Mix equal parts soy sauce and rice vinegar with a pinch of gochugaru for the dipping sauce. Serve the mandu golden-side up with the sauce alongside.
Nutrition Estimate
Per serving • Estimated by Blinner AI