Pan-Fried Korean Mandu with Soy Dipping Sauce

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-02 · Updated 2026-05-02

Delicate Korean dumplings stuffed with savory pork and vegetables, pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a tangy soy dipping sauce. This korean-inspired street food ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground pork, green onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.2 (12 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1/2 lb ground pork
2 stalks finely chopped green onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1/4 cup firm tofu, crumbled tofu
1 cup finely shredded cabbage
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp black pepper
20 pieces mandu wrappers
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp soy sauce (for dipping)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame seeds
1/4 tsp optional chili flakes

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 lb ground pork, 2 finely chopped green onions, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup crumbled firm tofu, 1 cup finely shredded cabbage, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Place 1 mandu wrapper on a clean surface and spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center. Moisten edges with water and fold to create a half-moon shape, pressing edges to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Arrange mandu in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes until bottoms are golden brown.
Step 4: Carefully pour 1/4 cup water into the skillet and cover immediately. Steam for 5 minutes until filling is cooked through and wrappers are tender.
Step 5: Remove lid and cook uncovered for another 1-2 minutes to crisp the bottoms again.
Step 6: For the dipping sauce, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame seeds, and optional 1/4 tsp chili flakes in a small bowl.
Step 7: Serve mandu hot with the soy dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Korean Mandu with Soy Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 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 Pan-Fried Korean Mandu with Soy Dipping Sauce?

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 Pan-Fried Korean Mandu with Soy Dipping Sauce?

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 Pan-Fried Korean Mandu with Soy Dipping Sauce 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 Pan-Fried Korean Mandu with Soy Dipping Sauce?

Korean street food 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.