Korean Dumplings (Mandu)

ground pork

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is leaner and lower in fat.

tofu

🥗Healthier: tempeh

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Tempeh is higher in protein and offers a firmer texture.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake.

sesame oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Olive oil is healthier while vegetable oil is more affordable.

Make a mixture of pork and beef in a bowl.

Squeeze out excess water from tofu before adding it to the bowl.

Blanch the cabbage, strain it, rinse under cold water, and squeeze out excess water before chopping it finely.

Chop onions, scallions, and chives (or use more scallions if chives are unavailable).

Add minced garlic to the mixture.

Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and sesame oil, then add an egg to bind everything together.

Use store-bought dumpling wraps, taking out one package at a time to prevent them from getting too soft.

Prepare a bowl of water to seal the edges of the dumpling wraps.

For the first fold, place a scoop of filling in the center of the wrap, wet the edges with water, and fold it in half to create a half-circle.

For the second fold, place a dollop of filling in the center, wet the edges, fold in half to make a half-circle, wet the corners, and bring them together to form a circle.

For the pleated fold, place a small amount of filling in the center, wet the edges, and use your index finger and thumb to create pleats by folding and squeezing the edges together tightly.

Once all dumplings are folded, prepare them for freezing by placing them on parchment-lined cookie sheets and stacking layers with k-cups.

Freeze the dumplings for about 30 minutes before transferring them to Ziploc bags for storage.

To cook, drizzle oil in a pan and heat it up, then add a single layer of dumplings and let the bottom get golden brown.

Add a little water to the pan, cover it, and let it steam until the water evaporates completely.

Flip the dumplings to brown the other side until crispy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens