Crispy Fried Dumpling Gangjeong (Sweet & Spicy Glazed Dumplings)
The Perfect Kid’s Snack! Easily Make Delicious Fried Dumpling Gangjeong at Home
These fried dumplings, coated in a savory-sweet glaze, are a guaranteed hit as a snack for kids and a fantastic appetizer or bar snack for adults. The irresistible combination of crispy dumplings and the vibrant glaze is truly special.
Main Ingredients
- 20 dumplings (preferably frozen mandu)
- A handful of nuts (optional, for topping)
- Cooking oil (for frying)
Sweet & Spicy Glaze Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste – adjust for spice preference)
- 1.5 Tbsp ketchup (for sweetness and tang)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (for savory depth)
- 1 Tbsp water (to adjust sauce consistency)
- 2 Tbsp oligo syrup or corn syrup (for shine and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine – for gloss and to remove any raw smell)
- A pinch of minced garlic (for aroma)
- 1/2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste – adjust for spice preference)
- 1.5 Tbsp ketchup (for sweetness and tang)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (for savory depth)
- 1 Tbsp water (to adjust sauce consistency)
- 2 Tbsp oligo syrup or corn syrup (for shine and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine – for gloss and to remove any raw smell)
- A pinch of minced garlic (for aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
You can use regular dumplings if you don’t have frozen mandu (water dumplings), but frozen mandu yields a crispier result. This recipe’s sauce is calibrated for about 20 dumplings; feel free to adjust the sauce quantity if you’re using more or fewer. (Note: For approximately 30 dumplings, the sauce might be slightly insufficient.)
Step 2
Let’s get the dumplings nice and crispy! Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the frozen dumplings and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Ensuring the dumpling wrappers are nicely crisped is key.
Step 3
While the dumplings are frying, prepare the delicious gangjeong sauce. This makes the process much smoother! In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: gochujang, ketchup, soy sauce, water, oligo syrup, mirin, and minced garlic. Mix well until thoroughly combined. (Tip: 1.5 Tbsp of ketchup provides a pleasant balance of sweet and tangy. If you prefer it spicier, you can slightly increase the gochujang. For a milder version for children, reduce or omit the gochujang.)
Step 4
Once the dumplings are perfectly golden and crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps to absorb any excess oil, keeping the dumplings delightfully crisp.
Step 5
Return the drained dumplings to the same pan (you can pour out most of the frying oil, leaving just a thin coating) and reduce the heat to low. Pour the prepared gangjeong sauce over the dumplings. Gently toss the dumplings until they are evenly coated in the glossy sauce. Simmering on low heat allows the sauce to thicken and coat the dumplings without burning.
Step 6
The finished dumpling gangjeong might look quite spicy, but thanks to the ketchup and oligo syrup, it has a universally appealing sweet and savory flavor. Even picky eaters who initially hesitate due to the appearance will likely enjoy the sweet notes!
Step 7
For the final touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts over the gangjeong. This adds a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor. Making delicious dumpling gangjeong is surprisingly easy, isn’t it? Enjoy your homemade treat!
