만두 · Dumplings

Dumplings

만두

What exactly is it?

A wrapper encloses fillings such as minced meat, tofu and vegetables. Meat and kimchi versions differ in seasoning, and dumplings can be steamed, fried or cooked in soup. Large wangmandu may have a thicker, bread-like outer layer.

Main ingredients

Wheat wrappers, minced meat, tofu and vegetables; optional kimchi or glass noodles

Ordering and serving

Kimchi mandu does not necessarily contain only kimchi. Pork or seafood seasoning may be included; check even a vegetable-named dumpling if you avoid meat.

Origins and changes

Mandu appears in Goryeosa and later served as banquet and winter food. Today that long-established food is found in specialist shops, snack bars and frozen-food sections.

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Dish to compare

Pan-fried dumplings · 군만두Steamed dumplings · 찐만두

Dumplings

만두

Main ingredients: Wheat wrappers, minced meat, tofu and vegetables; optional kimchi or glass noodles
Flavor and character: A wrapper encloses fillings such as minced meat, tofu and vegetables. Meat and kimchi versions differ in seasoning, and dumplings can be steamed, fried or cooked in soup. Large wangmandu may have a thicker, bread-like outer layer.
How to eat it: Kimchi mandu does not necessarily contain only kimchi. Pork or seafood seasoning may be included; check even a vegetable-named dumpling if you avoid meat.

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Pan-fried dumplings

군만두

Main ingredients: Dumpling wrappers, pork and vegetable filling, oil; soy sauce and vinegar for dipping
Flavor and character: These dumplings are cooked in oil for a golden crust. Some are pan-fried on one side; others are fried more evenly all over. Korean-Chinese restaurants commonly serve them alongside jjajangmyeon or jjamppong for sharing.
How to eat it: Separate the dumplings gently. The filling can be hotter than the crust; a little vinegar in the soy dip adds acidity.

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