Easy Mandu Jeon (Korean Pancake) from Leftover Dumplings
Transforming Leftover Dumplings into Delicious Mandu Jeon!
Don’t throw away those leftover dumplings! This recipe shows you how to creatively turn 2-3 kinds of small portions of dumplings into a delicious Korean pancake, ‘Mandu Jeon’. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to make the most out of their leftover ingredients!
Main Ingredients
- 10 Dumplings (approx. 2-3 different kinds)
- 1 Fresh Egg
- Cooking Oil (generous amount)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gather any leftover dumplings you have in the fridge. Combining 2-3 different types will create a richer flavor. Place the collected dumplings in a wide bowl and add a tiny amount of water (about 1-2 tablespoons for 10 dumplings) to help them thaw and soften.
Step 2
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid. Microwave on high for about 3 minutes. This will defrost the dumplings and make the filling soft and easy to separate from the wrapper.
Step 3
Carefully remove the slightly cooled dumplings from the microwave. Gently separate the dumpling filling from the wrappers. Discard the wrappers or set them aside for another use.
Step 4
Collect all the separated dumpling fillings in a bowl. If the filling is clumped, gently break it apart with a fork or spoon to create a uniform texture.
Step 5
Crack one fresh egg into the bowl with the dumpling filling. Using your hands or a spatula, knead and mix the filling and egg together vigorously. This process will develop a sticky consistency.
Step 6
As you knead the dumpling filling with the egg, the protein from the egg creates a sticky binder. This eliminates the need for additional flour or pancake mix, allowing the mixture to hold together beautifully to form well-shaped pancakes.
Step 7
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Spoon portions of the dumpling filling mixture into the hot pan, creating small pancakes. Cook until golden brown on one side before flipping.
Step 8
Once golden brown on the first side, flip the pancakes and cook the other side until equally golden and cooked through. When both sides are a beautiful golden brown, transfer the cooked Mandu Jeon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This step ensures a less greasy, more enjoyable pancake.
Step 9
Arrange the drained Mandu Jeon on a serving plate. Your delicious and easy Mandu Jeon is ready to be enjoyed! They are best served warm. Perfect as a snack or a simple appetizer with drinks!
