Recipe Mandu-guk

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:

1. 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.

2. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.