Crispy Sweet and Sour Mandu (Dumplings)
Crispy Sweet and Sour Mandu Recipe: The Secret to Delicious Sweet and Sour Sauce and How to Use Frozen Dumplings
Sweet and sour sauce: are you a ‘dip-lover’ or a ‘pour-lover’? Haha, I’m definitely a dip-lover! Today, instead of making Tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork), I’ve recreated the delicious sweet and sour sauce and paired it with crispy fried dumplings to make ‘Tangsu Mandu’! Most of us have frozen dumplings stocked in our freezers, right? Haha. The sauce for Tangsu Mandu includes onions, carrots, and cucumbers, which naturally enhance the crunchy texture. I also love how this recipe makes great use of seasonal summer vegetables like cucumbers and onions. If you have lots of vegetables like onions, carrots, and cucumbers in your fridge and are wondering what to cook, this is a great way to use them up and also make a fantastic snack for kids. They’re so delicious! My husband loves them too!
Tangsu Mandu Basic Ingredients (Serves 4)
- Frozen dumplings approx. 550g
- Generous amount of cooking oil (for frying)
Sweet and Sour Sauce Ingredients
- Water 180ml
- Soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang) 1 Tbsp
- Ketchup 2 Tbsp
- Sugar 4 Tbsp
- Vinegar 4 Tbsp
- Salt to taste
- Cornstarch slurry (Cornstarch 1 Tbsp + Water 2 Tbsp)
- Onion 1/2
- Cucumber 1/2
- Carrot 1/4
- Water 180ml
- Soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang) 1 Tbsp
- Ketchup 2 Tbsp
- Sugar 4 Tbsp
- Vinegar 4 Tbsp
- Salt to taste
- Cornstarch slurry (Cornstarch 1 Tbsp + Water 2 Tbsp)
- Onion 1/2
- Cucumber 1/2
- Carrot 1/4
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the delicious sweet and sour sauce. Chop the onion and carrot into bite-sized pieces. Slice the cucumber diagonally. Set the vegetables aside as they will be added towards the end to maintain their crispness.
Step 2
In a small saucepan for the sauce, combine 180ml of water, 1 Tbsp of soy sauce for soup, 2 Tbsp of ketchup, 4 Tbsp of sugar, 4 Tbsp of vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together gently while bringing it to a boil. Ensure the sugar is dissolved completely.
Step 3
Once the sauce begins to boil, reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency. To make the slurry, mix 1 Tbsp of cornstarch with 2 Tbsp of water. Add the slurry a little at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches a nice, thick consistency.
Step 4
When the sauce has reached a smooth, thick consistency, add the prepared onion, carrot, and cucumber. Cook for just a short time to keep the vegetables delightfully crunchy! Stir everything together well, and your delicious sweet and sour sauce is ready!
Step 5
Now, for the highlight of Tangsu Mandu – frying the dumplings! Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan. Fry the frozen dumplings, turning them frequently to ensure they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Frying until they have a nice golden-brown color ensures the best texture.
Step 6
Arrange the perfectly crispy fried dumplings on a plate. Serve them with the warm sweet and sour sauce you just made, and enjoy your delicious homemade Tangsu Mandu! It’s the perfect balance of crispy outside and tender inside.
