Colorful Korean Dumplings (Mandu)

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Colorful Korean Dumplings (Mandu).

1. Step 1

   Start by filling a large pot with lightly salted water and bringing it to a rolling boil.

2. Step 2

   Once the water is bubbling, gently add the cellophane noodles.

3. Step 3

   Cook them uncovered, stirring occasionally, until they reach that perfect tender yet firm texture, which should take about 6 to 7 minutes.

4. Step 4

   After cooking, drain the noodles and chop them into small, manageable pieces.

5. Step 5

   Next, grab your food processor and toss in the chopped cabbage, onion, bell pepper, carrot, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

6. Step 6

   Pulse the mixture until the vegetables are finely diced, creating a colorful medley that will add great flavor to your filling.

7. Step 7

   In a pan, heat some olive oil over medium-low heat.

8. Step 8

   Add your vibrant vegetable mixture and sauté it, stirring frequently, until the veggies soften, which should take around 6 minutes.

9. Step 9

   Then, stir in the crumbled tofu and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

10. Step 10

    Once your filling is ready, transfer it to a piece of cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as you can.

11. Step 11

    This step is crucial for ensuring your dumplings don’t get soggy.

12. Step 12

    In a bowl, combine the drained filling with the diced noodles, chopped scallions, and a splash of sesame oil, mixing everything together until well blended.

13. Step 13

    Now, let’s make the dumpling wrappers! In a bowl, mix together flour, beet juice, egg, and a pinch of salt.

14. Step 14

    Knead this mixture until it forms a smooth, cohesive dough that isn’t sticky.

15. Step 15

    Roll out the dough using a thin rolling pin or a pasta machine, gradually making it thinner until it’s almost translucent.

16. Step 16

    Use a 3 1/2-inch biscuit cutter or a cup to cut out circles from the dough.

17. Step 17

    Don’t worry if you have excess dough; just re-roll it to create more wrappers.

18. Step 18

    With your wrappers ready, place about 2 teaspoons of the filling in the center of each circle.

19. Step 19

    Fold the wrapper in half and pinch the edges firmly to seal your dumpling, ensuring no filling escapes during cooking.

20. Step 20

    To steam your dumplings, set up a steamer insert in a saucepan and fill it with water, making sure the water level is just below the bottom of the steamer.

21. Step 21

    Bring the water to a boil, and then, working in batches, add the dumplings to the steamer.

22. Step 22

    Cover and steam them for about 10 minutes, or until they’re heated through and ready to enjoy.

23. Step 23

    These delightful dumplings are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re a labor of love that brings warmth and joy to any meal.

24. Step 24

    Enjoy every bite!.