Crispy Vegetable Bibim Mandu (Spicy Mixed Dumplings)
Easy Homemade Bibim Mandu with Frozen Dumplings and Zesty Dressing
Introducing ‘Bibim Mandu,’ a delightful dish where crispy fried dumplings are paired with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables tossed in a sweet and spicy dressing. The satisfying crunch of the dumplings combined with the refreshing crispness of the vegetables and the tangy, flavorful sauce creates a truly memorable taste experience. This recipe uses readily available frozen dumplings, making it incredibly easy for anyone to prepare. It’s perfect as a quick meal, a delightful snack, or even an impressive appetizer for guests.
Vegetable Bibim Mandu Ingredients- 1/2 carrot, thinly julienned
- 1/2 onion, thinly julienned
- 1 cucumber, seeded and thinly julienned (peeling in strips is optional for extra crunch)
- 6-8 lettuce leaves, torn into bite-sized pieces
Spicy & Tangy Dressing Ingredients- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Maesil Cheong (Korean plum syrup) or corn syrup
- 4 Tbsp Vinegar (for a zesty kick)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar (adjust sweetness to your liking)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for nutty aroma)
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Maesil Cheong (Korean plum syrup) or corn syrup
- 4 Tbsp Vinegar (for a zesty kick)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar (adjust sweetness to your liking)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for nutty aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the fresh vegetables for your bibim mandu. Peel and thinly julienne the carrot and onion. For the cucumber, remove the seeds and julienne it thinly. (Pro tip: For an extra crisp texture, you can peel the cucumber in strips using a vegetable peeler!) Place the prepared vegetables in a bowl. Wash the lettuce leaves and tear them into bite-sized pieces, setting them aside in another bowl.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the delicious spicy and tangy dressing that is the heart of this dish. In a clean bowl, combine 2 Tbsp of Gochujang, 2 Tbsp of Gochugaru (feel free to adjust this based on how spicy you like it), 1 Tbsp of soy sauce, 2 Tbsp of Maesil Cheong (or corn syrup) for sweetness, 4 Tbsp of vinegar for that refreshing tang, 2 Tbsp of sugar to balance the flavors, and 2 Tbsp of sesame oil for a wonderful nutty fragrance. Whisk all the ingredients together with a spoon or a small whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Step 3
It’s time to fry the frozen dumplings to a perfect crisp! Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the frozen dumplings in the pan. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This will ensure the outside is wonderfully crunchy while the inside stays warm and tender. (Alternative: You can also use an air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for about 10-12 minutes.)
Step 4
To make your fried dumplings even more enjoyable, let’s drain off any excess oil. Place the freshly fried dumplings on a plate lined with paper towels or on a wire rack for a few minutes. This simple step helps remove excess grease, keeping the dumplings from feeling too heavy and preserving their delightful crispiness.
Step 5
Now for the fun part: mixing the vegetables with the dressing! Add the julienned carrots, onions, and cucumbers to a bowl. Pour all of the prepared dressing over the vegetables. Using chopsticks or your hands, gently toss the vegetables to coat them evenly with the dressing. It’s important to mix gently rather than vigorously to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables. (Careful: Avoid mashing the vegetables, as this can make them soggy.)
Step 6
Finally, let’s assemble our delicious Vegetable Bibim Mandu! Arrange the torn lettuce leaves on a serving plate. Place the crispy fried dumplings attractively on top of the lettuce. Spoon the generously dressed, crisp vegetables alongside the dumplings. To finish, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over everything for an extra nutty flavor and a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your homemade Bibim Mandu! 🙂
