Half-Moon Shaped Korean Mandu with Pork and Cabbage Filling

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Traditional Korean dumplings shaped into half-moons filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, napa cabbage, and aromatic garlic, perfect for steaming or pan-frying. This korean-inspired dumplings ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground pork, finely chopped napa cabbage, finely chopped green onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 8 ounces ground pork, 1 cup finely chopped napa cabbage, 2 finely chopped green onions, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 1 mandu wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pork mixture into the center. Dip your finger into 2 tablespoons water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold it over to form a half-moon shape and press edges firmly to seal.
  3. Step 3: Repeat until all filling and wrappers are used. To cook, steam the mandu for 8-10 minutes until pork is cooked through or pan-fry in 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Moon Shaped Korean Mandu with Pork and Cabbage Filling take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Half-Moon Shaped Korean Mandu with Pork and Cabbage Filling?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground pork from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Moon Shaped Korean Mandu with Pork and Cabbage Filling?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Half-Moon Shaped Korean Mandu with Pork and Cabbage Filling for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Half-Moon Shaped Korean Mandu with Pork and Cabbage Filling?

Korean dumplings like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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