Dumplings
Dumplings served steamed or fried.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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Dumplings, or 'mandu' in Korean, have a long history in Korea, likely originating from China. They were initially a royal court dish before becoming more widespread. Over time, they have evolved with regional variations and diverse fillings depending on available ingredients and culinary preferences. Han Oak's dumplings build upon this tradition with innovative, seasonal fillings.
Dumplings hold significant cultural importance in Korea, particularly during celebrations and family gatherings. They symbolize good luck and prosperity, and making them together is often a communal activity.
Lunar New Year
Dumplings are a staple food during Seollal (Lunar New Year), where families gather to make and eat them together. The shapes and fillings can vary regionally, representing different wishes for the new year.
Family Gatherings
Making dumplings is a beloved family tradition, providing an opportunity for bonding and sharing culinary knowledge across generations.
Symbolism
The round shape of dumplings can symbolize wholeness and unity, while the fillings can represent wealth and abundance.
Han Oak's dumplings emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients and a balance of savory, umami, and sometimes slightly sweet or spicy flavors. Their dumplings showcase a wide variety of Korean-inspired and locally-sourced ingredients.
The specific flavors vary greatly depending on the seasonal fillings. Typically, the dumplings feature a savory base of meats (pork, beef, seafood) or vegetables, often combined with tofu, kimchi, glass noodles (dangmyeon), mushrooms, and various aromatic vegetables like garlic, ginger, and scallions. Seasoning includes soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang (Korean chili paste), and sometimes doenjang (fermented soybean paste). The wrappers themselves can add another textural and subtle flavor element.
Wrapper Selection
Choose wrappers that are appropriate for the cooking method (steaming, boiling, pan-frying). Thinner wrappers are better for steaming, while thicker ones hold up better in boiling or pan-frying.
Filling Consistency
Ensure the filling isn't too wet, or it will make the wrappers soggy and difficult to seal. Squeeze out excess moisture from ingredients like tofu and kimchi.
Sealing Techniques
Proper sealing prevents the filling from leaking out during cooking. Use a small amount of water to moisten the edges of the wrapper before folding and crimping.
Cooking Method
Adjust cooking times based on the dumpling size and filling. Steamed dumplings are typically cooked until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is cooked through. Boiled dumplings float to the surface when cooked.
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