Homemade Korean Kimchi Dumplings

Homemade Korean Kimchi Dumplings are one of those recipes that make your kitchen smell like a cozy Korean restaurant. When I first tried making these dumplings at home, I didn’t expect them to be so flavorful and satisfying. The combination of tangy kimchi, savory pork, and a crispy golden wrapper is absolutely delicious. Homemade Korean Kimchi Dumplings are perfect for a family dinner or a fun get-together with friends. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make, and once you’ve got the hang of it, they’re a real crowd-pleaser.

The Flavorful Filling

The secret to Homemade Korean Kimchi Dumplings lies in the filling. Start with well-drained kimchi, which adds that signature tangy flavor. I like to chop the kimchi finely so it blends well with the ground pork, creating a hearty mixture. Add some garlic, ginger, and green onions for an extra burst of flavor. Don’t forget to season it with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil for that rich umami taste. Once mixed together, the filling for your Homemade Korean Kimchi Dumplings is ready to go.

Wrapping the Dumplings

Now, it’s time to wrap up your Homemade Korean Kimchi Dumplings. Lay out your dumpling wrappers on a clean surface and place a spoonful of filling in the center of each one. Fold the wrapper in half, making sure to pinch the edges tightly so the filling stays inside while cooking. I find that pleating the edges adds a little extra charm to the dumplings. Once you’ve wrapped all of them, they’re ready to be either boiled, pan-fried, or steamed—whatever method you prefer!

Enjoying the Dumplings

Once you’ve cooked your Homemade Korean Kimchi Dumplings, it’s time to enjoy them. Serve them hot with a simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of chili oil. The crispy, golden exterior contrasts perfectly with the juicy, spicy filling inside. Homemade Korean Kimchi Dumplings make a perfect appetizer, snack, or even a main dish. I promise you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

Chef’s Notes-  Homemade Korean Kimchi Dumplings

• Drain Kimchi Well: Kimchi releases a lot of moisture, which can make the dumpling filling too wet and cause leakage during cooking. To prevent this, ensure that the kimchi is thoroughly drained and squeezed out before chopping.
• Customize the Filling: If you like extra flavor, feel free to add finely chopped scallions, fresh ginger, or even a bit of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for an extra spicy kick.
• Texture Tips: To create a more textured filling, you can swap the tofu for tempeh, which gives a firmer bite. You could also mix in some finely chopped mushrooms for an umami boost.
• Sealing Dumplings: For a professional-looking pleat, use your thumb and index finger to fold the edges of the dumpling wrapper as you press them together. This creates a nice, tight seal to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
• Dumpling Wrappers: Be sure to use fresh dumpling wrappers that are easy to fold. If you’re using frozen wrappers, let them thaw slightly before using them to ensure they don’t crack when folded.
• Dipping Sauce Variations: For an authentic dipping sauce, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in equal parts, then add a dash of sugar for sweetness. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chili flakes for extra flavor.
• Pan-Frying vs. Steaming: Pan-fried dumplings give a crispy golden bottom, while steamed dumplings are tender all over. Choose the method based on your preference or try both for a variety of textures.
• Freezing Tip: If you’re making a large batch, freeze the uncooked dumplings before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can cook them directly from frozen by pan-frying or steaming for a few extra minutes.

Homemade Korean Kimchi Dumplings

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Appetizer, Main CourseCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

dumplings

Prep time

45

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

15

minutes

Discover the irresistible flavors of homemade Korean kimchi dumplings! These easy-to-make mandu are packed with tangy, spicy kimchi, tender minced meat, and a harmonious blend of fresh vegetables. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they’re customizable to suit your taste. Whether pan-fried to a crispy golden finish or steamed to tender perfection, these dumplings are sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to elevate your culinary repertoire with this authentic and delightful recipe!

Ingredients

• Dumpling Wrappers

• 20 large dumpling skins

• water for sealing edges

• Filling

• 1 1/4 cups aged kimchi finely diced

• 7.8 ounces firm tofu crumbled

• 5.6 ounces mung bean sprouts briefly boiled and chopped

• 3.7 ounces ground pork or beef, patted dry with paper towels

• 1/3 small onion finely minced

• 0.25 ounces garlic chives finely chopped

• 1 egg beaten

• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 3/4 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

• freshly ground black pepper a pinch

• Others

• cooking oil for frying

• 3 tablespoons water for pan-frying; adjust per batch

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Ground Pork: Substitute with ground turkey or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

• Dumpling Wrappers: Use wonton wrappers or lettuce leaves for a gluten-free alternative.

• Tofu: Replace with tempeh for added texture.

• Mung Bean Sprouts: Swap with napa cabbage or bok choy.

• Sesame Oil: Substitute with olive oil for a different flavor profile.

Directions

• Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely diced kimchi, crumbled tofu, and chopped mung bean sprouts. Add the ground pork, minced onion, and garlic chives to the mixture. Season with the beaten egg, fine sea salt, sesame oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. This step should take approximately 10 minutes.
• Assemble Dumplings: Take a dumpling skin and place it on your palm. Spoon a portion of the filling into the center of the wrapper. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper over the filling, pressing the edges firmly to seal and prevent leakage. Repeat this process until all wrappers and filling are used. Allow this step to take about 20 minutes.
• Cook Dumplings (Pan-Fried): Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of cooking oil. Place several dumplings in the pan, ensuring they are not touching. Cook until the bottoms turn golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Lower the heat to medium-low, add 3 tablespoons of water, and cover the pan with a lid to steam the dumplings. Cook until the water has mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes. Optionally, remove the lid and cook for an additional minute for a crispier texture. This step should take around 8 minutes.
• Cook Dumplings (Steamed): Line a steamer basket with non-stick materials such as cabbage leaves or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the dumplings in the steamer, ensuring they do not touch each other for even cooking. Place the steamer over boiling water and cover with a lid. Steam the dumplings on medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until thoroughly cooked and tender. Remove carefully and serve hot with Korean dipping sauce. This step should take about 20 minutes.

Equipment

• mixing bowls
• Nonstick Pan
• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• measuring cups and spoons
• colander

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 300kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 400mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 5g
• Vitamin A: 500IU
• Vitamin C: 15mg
• Calcium: 100mg
• Iron: 3mg

FAQ- Homemade Korean Kimchi Dumplings

Can I make these dumplings in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dumplings ahead of time. Assemble and freeze them (uncooked) on a baking sheet and then store in a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, either pan-fried or steamed.

What can I use instead of ground pork?

You can substitute ground pork with ground turkey or mushrooms for a vegetarian or lighter option. If you prefer a vegan version, simply use more tofu or add some finely chopped tempeh.

Can I use pre-made dumpling wrappers?

Absolutely! Using store-bought wrappers can save you time. Just ensure they are fresh and of good quality. You can find them at most Asian grocery stores in the frozen section.

How can I make these dumplings spicier?

To make the dumplings spicier, you can add a little gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to the filling or drizzle the dumplings with a spicy Korean chili sauce or sriracha before serving.

What should I serve with Korean kimchi dumplings?

These dumplings pair perfectly with a light Asian salad, steamed vegetables, or a bowl of miso soup. For a complete meal, you could also serve them with a side of kimchi or a dipping sauce like soy sauce and rice vinegar.