Blooming Dumpling Pancakes Made with Frozen Dumplings
‘Mandu-Kkotjeon’ – A Delightful Dish Using Frozen Dumplings
As March arrives, bringing with it the fresh start of a new semester and the blooming of new beginnings, we’ve transformed our frozen dumplings into these beautiful ‘Mandu-Kkotjeon’ (Dumpling Flower Pancakes). This recipe is perfect for welcoming the spring season and is a fantastic way to use up those frozen dumplings waiting in your freezer. It’s simple, visually appealing, and delicious – a great idea for a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal!
Ingredients- Frozen dumplings 280g (approx. 10-12 dumplings)
- 2 fresh eggs
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Ketchup, generously for dipping
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s begin making the ‘Mandu-Kkotjeon’, a dish as beautiful as a flower, using those frozen dumplings from your freezer. This recipe is designed to be easy for beginners, so don’t worry!
Step 2
First, prepare your frozen dumplings. Using kitchen scissors, finely chop the dumplings. Try to chop them as finely as possible without breaking the wrappers too much. Mincing the filling finely will result in a softer texture for the pancake. If the dumplings are completely frozen solid, letting them thaw slightly will make chopping easier.
Step 3
Wash the Cheongyang chili pepper, remove the stem, and shake out the seeds. Then, mince it very finely. If you enjoy a spicier kick, you can leave some of the seeds in. For those who prefer milder flavors or if children will be eating this, it’s best to remove the seeds and mince very finely. Alternatively, you can substitute with green bell peppers or paprika if you don’t like spicy food.
Step 4
In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped dumplings and minced Cheongyang chili pepper. Crack in the 2 fresh eggs. Using a spoon or spatula, mix everything together thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and has a slightly sticky consistency. The eggs will help bind the dumpling filling together.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to cook the pancakes. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Once the oil is shimmering, use a spoon to scoop portions of the dumpling mixture and carefully place them into the hot oil, forming small, flattened round shapes, much like mini pancakes. It’s important to maintain medium heat; high heat will burn the outside before the inside is cooked.
Step 6
Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and nicely browned. Gently flip the pancakes with a spatula or tongs, ensuring both sides are cooked to a beautiful golden hue. Make sure the dumplings are fully cooked through for a pleasant chewy texture.
Step 7
Arrange the cooked dumpling pancakes in a circular pattern on a serving plate, resembling a blooming flower. Serve with a generous amount of ketchup for dipping. The sweet and tangy flavor of the ketchup perfectly complements the savory dumplings. You can also prepare a soy-based dipping sauce if you prefer.
Step 8
Voila! Your beautiful ‘Mandu-Kkotjeon’, made from simple frozen dumplings, is ready. Enjoy this visually delightful and delicious dish to celebrate the spirit of spring!
