Mandu-guk is a traditional Korean soup made with dumplings, or mandu, cooked in a flavorful broth. This hearty dish is particularly popular during the Korean New Year, Seollal, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity for the coming year. Mandu-guk is cherished for its comforting warmth and rich taste, making it a perfect dish for cold winter days. The soup combines the savory flavors of the dumplings with the rich, umami broth, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and nourishing.
Ingredients Needed
For the Dumplings (Mandu):
- 1 cup of ground pork
- 1 cup of ground beef
- 2 cups of finely chopped napa cabbage
- 1 cup of chopped chives
- 1 cup of finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 pack of dumpling wrappers (approximately 30-40 pieces)
For the Soup:
- 8 cups of beef broth
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt to taste
- Optional garnishes: Seaweed strips, sesame seeds, and sliced red chili
Preparation and Serving Instructions
Making the Dumplings:
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, chopped napa cabbage, chives, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Assemble the Dumplings:
- Place a dumpling wrapper on a clean surface and add about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center.
- Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, fold it in half, and press the edges firmly to seal.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling until all dumplings are assembled.
Cooking the Soup:
Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir well.
Cook the Dumplings:
- Gently add the dumplings to the boiling broth, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the dumplings float to the surface and are cooked through.
Add the Eggs and Green Onions:
- Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the soup while gently stirring to create egg ribbons.
- Add the sliced green onions and let them cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with seaweed strips, sesame seeds, and sliced red chili if desired.
Serve hot with a side of steamed rice or kimchi for a complete meal.
Tips
- Folding Dumplings: When folding dumplings, ensure the edges are sealed properly to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Broth Flavor: For a more robust flavor, you can add a few slices of dried shiitake mushrooms to the broth.
- Dumpling Variations: You can customize the dumpling filling by adding tofu, shrimp, or vegetables for a different texture and flavor.
Variations
- Vegetarian Mandu-guk: Replace the meat with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, and additional vegetables like carrots and zucchini for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Mandu-guk: Add a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) to the broth for a spicy kick.
- Seafood Mandu-guk: Incorporate seafood such as shrimp or crab into the dumpling filling for a seafood twist.
Calorie Information
A serving of Mandu-guk (approximately 2 cups) contains approximately:
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 18-22g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Conclusion
Mandu-guk is a delicious and heartwarming soup that embodies the essence of Korean comfort food. Its flavorful broth, combined with savory dumplings, creates a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a special holiday or simply craving a comforting dish, Mandu-guk offers a delightful culinary experience that brings warmth and joy to the table. Enjoy this traditional Korean soup with family and friends, and savor the rich flavors that have made it a beloved dish for generations.
