Crispy & Chewy Sweet and Sour Fried Dumplings (Gganpung Mandu)
Crispy & Chewy Sweet and Sour Fried Dumplings (Gganpung Mandu)
A Delicious Recipe Using Frozen Dumplings: Gganpung Mandu
Today, we’re making a snack instead of a side dish! I’ve created Gganpung Mandu using humble frozen dumplings from your freezer. These dumplings are first fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. It’s a delightful ‘bukkuk’ (sauce-over-food) style dish that’s perfect for a quick meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Main Ingredients- 15 frozen dumplings
- Cooking oil (for frying)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 large green onion (scallion)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the crispy dumplings, the star of our Gganpung Mandu. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the frozen dumplings and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This frying process ensures the dumplings are cooked through and have a delightful crunch.
Step 2
Once fried to perfection, transfer the dumplings to a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step is crucial for maintaining their crispiness and preventing sogginess. It’s best to use them immediately while still warm.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to make the flavorful Gganpung sauce. In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of vinegar, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. (Tip: If you have oyster sauce, adding 1 tablespoon will enhance the umami flavor beautifully!) Make sure to stir the sugar until it’s fully dissolved, as it can settle at the bottom.
Step 4
Let’s prepare the colorful vegetables that will add texture and vibrancy to our Gganpung Mandu. Finely chop the mini red bell pepper, mini yellow bell pepper, and the onion. Aim for small, uniform pieces. Also, finely chop half a large green onion. Finely chopped vegetables will meld better with the sauce and be more pleasant to eat.
Step 5
Heat about 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wok or a deep pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped green onion, and stir-fry until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Once the garlic aroma is released, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Pour in the prepared Gganpung sauce and bring it to a simmer over medium heat, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 6
As the Gganpung sauce begins to bubble, add the chopped bell peppers and mini bell peppers. Stir-fry quickly over high heat for about 1 minute, just enough to keep the vegetables crisp-tender. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will make the dish look even more appealing.
Step 7
Finally, add the fried dumplings to the sauce. Toss everything together gently but quickly to ensure each dumpling is evenly coated with the delicious Gganpung sauce. While Tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork) is often enjoyed ‘jjukmuk’ (dipping sauce separately), Gganpung Mandu is best enjoyed ‘bukkuk’ (sauce mixed in)! Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful dish.
