Crispy Mandu Gangjeong: Delicious Snack or Perfect Beer Buddy!
Easy Homemade Mandu Gangjeong Recipe
Here’s a recipe for Mandu Gangjeong, a delightful snack made easily with store-bought dumplings! The dumplings are fried to a perfect crisp and then coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, making them an ideal treat for any time or a fantastic companion to your favorite beer. Enjoy this popular Korean snack that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Discover the secret to making this irresistible dish at home!
Dumplings & Frying
- 20 frozen dumplings (Gohyang Mandu or your preferred brand)
- Plenty of cooking oil (enough to submerge the dumplings)
Sweet & Spicy Gangjeong Sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup/oligo syrup)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 0.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp water
- 1.5 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup/oligo syrup)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 0.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Pour a generous amount of cooking oil into a deep pan or wok and heat over medium heat. Ensure there’s enough oil to cover the dumplings. Carefully add the frozen dumplings to the hot oil and fry for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 2
Once the dumplings are beautifully crisp, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step is crucial for maintaining their delightful crunch.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the star of the dish: the Gangjeong sauce. In a clean pan, combine 1.5 Tbsp granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp corn syrup, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp ketchup, 0.5 Tbsp gochujang, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, and 3 Tbsp water.
Step 4
Place the pan over medium heat. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. Once the sauce begins to bubble, continue to stir and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Be careful not to overcook, as it can burn.
Step 5
As soon as the sauce thickens to your desired consistency and is bubbling gently, turn off the heat immediately. Add the crispy fried dumplings to the sauce pan. Quickly toss them around to coat each dumpling evenly with the delicious sauce. Gently mix to avoid breaking the dumplings.
Step 6
Transfer the coated Mandu Gangjeong to a serving plate. For an extra touch, sprinkle with crushed peanuts and parsley flakes, if desired. Alternatively, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds offers a wonderful nutty aroma. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor!
