Heartwarming Mandu Jeongol (Korean Dumpling Hot Pot)
Heartwarming Mandu Jeongol (Korean Dumpling Hot Pot)
Perfect for Chilly Weather: A Delicious Mandu Jeongol Recipe
The weather has turned quite chilly lately, hasn’t it? What better way to warm up than with a comforting bowl of Mandu Jeongol? This Korean dumpling hot pot is the perfect dish for this season. Here’s a golden recipe for Mandu Jeongol that’s sure to hit the spot. Enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal with this easy-to-follow guide.
Mandu Jeongol Ingredients- 8 Dumplings (your favorite kind)
- 1/2 Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 Green onion (cut diagonally)
- 1 Handful Napa cabbage (bite-sized pieces)
- 1 Handful Mushrooms (assorted, torn or sliced)
- 1/4 Block Firm Tofu (cubed)
- 1 Green chili pepper, 1 Red chili pepper (for a spicy kick and color, sliced diagonally)
- 300-500ml Beef bone broth (for a rich base)
Spicy Seasoning Paste (Tablespoon measurement)- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the core ingredients for our Mandu Jeongol. Feel free to use any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge! Thinly slice the onion to add sweetness, and cut the napa cabbage into bite-sized pieces to make the broth refreshingly savory. Add your favorite assortment of mushrooms, tearing or slicing them to your liking, for an aromatic touch.
Step 2
Gently cube the firm tofu, being careful not to break it apart. Slice the green onion diagonally for a refreshing flavor. For a touch of vibrant color and a pleasant heat, slice the green and red chili peppers diagonally after removing the seeds.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to prepare the star of our dish: the dumplings! You can use any type of dumpling you prefer, such as gyoza, kimchi dumplings, or meat dumplings. I’ve opted for Bukchonmol dumplings, which are particularly well-suited for hot pot dishes. Prepare about 8 dumplings for a generous serving.
Step 4
Next, let’s make the spicy seasoning paste that will elevate the flavor of our Mandu Jeongol. A plain broth can be a bit bland, but this paste adds a wonderfully zesty and deep taste. It’s especially perfect for enjoying alone or with a drink, which many people enjoy these days! In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of guk-ganjang, 1 tablespoon of mirin, 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Your delicious seasoning paste is ready!
Step 5
Arrange all the prepared ingredients attractively in your hot pot or a large pot. Place the vegetables and tofu in a visually appealing manner, perhaps around the edges. Crown the center or top with the star dumplings.
Step 6
Scatter the sliced chili peppers over the ingredients for a pop of color and spice. Add the prepared seasoning paste in the center. It’s a good idea to start with just 1-2 tablespoons of the paste and add more later as you taste the broth. In this case, I found that adding the full amount of the paste resulted in the perfect seasoning for my palate.
Step 7
Now for the broth, which is key to the depth of flavor in Mandu Jeongol. Using beef bone broth (sargol yuksu) will give you a richer, more profound taste. You can use store-bought beef bone broth, make your own anchovy-kelp broth, or even just use plain water if you’re in a hurry – it will still be delicious! Pour in enough broth to cover the ingredients, about 300-500ml.
Step 8
All the preparations are complete! Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until all the ingredients are cooked through. Your delicious Mandu Jeongol is ready to be enjoyed! Serve with a side of warm rice for a satisfying meal.
