mandu
Mandu refers to traditional Korean dumplings, which consist of a savory filling—typically a mixture of minced meat, tofu, garlic, ginger, and scallions—wrapped in a thin dough skin. They can be prepared in various ways, such as steamed, boiled, pan-fried, or deep-fried, and are often served with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce. You will frequently encounter these in Korean cuisine as a popular side dish, snack, or as a key ingredient in soups like mandu-guk. While the term is general, it carries a sense of comfort food and is often associated with family gatherings where making them by hand is a communal activity.
In conversation
Ordering at a restaurant
Should we order the kimchi mandu to share?
Should we order the kimchi mandu to share?
Yes! I love how crispy they get when they're pan-fried.
Yes! I love how crispy they get when they're pan-fried.
'Pan-fried' is the most common way to order them if you like a crunchy texture.
Planning a meal
I have a bag of frozen mandu in the freezer. Want to make soup?
I have a bag of frozen mandu in the freezer. Want to make soup?
That sounds perfect for this cold weather.
That sounds perfect for this cold weather.
Frozen mandu are a staple convenience food in many Korean households.
Examples
I like to eat mandu with a dipping sauce.
I like to eat mandu with a dipping sauce.
My grandmother taught me how to fold the edges of the mandu perfectly.
My grandmother taught me how to fold the edges of the mandu perfectly.
We prepared a large batch of homemade mandu for the Lunar New Year celebration.
We prepared a large batch of homemade mandu for the Lunar New Year celebration.
