Korean Fried Chicken Dumplings are a delicious fusion of flavors that bring together the best of Korean and Chinese cuisines. Known as “mandu” in Korean, these dumplings are a popular street food and appetizer, perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and a savory filling, they offer a delightful taste experience that will leave you craving more.
In this article, we’ll guide you through an easy-to-follow Korean Fried Chicken Dumplings recipe, explore the ingredients and their benefits, and share tips on how to make these dumplings your own. We’ll also dive into the differences between Korean and Chinese dumplings and discover the origin of the famous Korean fried chicken.
Ingredients
Dumpling Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup warm water
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup cabbage, finely chopped
- ½ cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
For Frying
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix the Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add ½ cup of warm water while mixing with a spoon or your hands until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the cabbage and green onions. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, chopped cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, black pepper, and the egg. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Dumplings
- Roll Out the Dough: Divide the rested dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Roll each ball into a thin circle, approximately 3 inches in diameter, on a floured surface.
- Fill the Dumplings: Place a tablespoon of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, crimping them with your fingers or a fork.
Step 4: Fry the Dumplings
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry the Dumplings: Add the dumplings in batches, ensuring they don’t touch. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the dumplings from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Sealing Dumplings: Ensure the dumplings are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during frying.
- Filling Variations: You can substitute ground chicken with pork, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Dipping Sauce: A simple dipping sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil complements the dumplings perfectly.
Variations
- Spicy Dumplings: Increase the amount of gochujang or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Steamed Dumplings: For a healthier option, steam the dumplings for 8-10 minutes instead of frying.
- Korean BBQ Dumplings: Add a tablespoon of Korean BBQ sauce to the filling for a sweet and savory twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Korean Fried Chicken Dumplings are a delightful treat that combines the crispy texture of fried chicken with the savory flavors of Korean cuisine. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, these dumplings are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer or a main dish, these dumplings are sure to impress.