Description
Hearty Korean Dumpling Soup (Mandu-guk) delivers comforting warmth from Seoul’s culinary traditions. Home cooks can explore rich flavors through carefully balanced ingredients and simple preparation techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 oz (680 g) dumplings
- 8 cups chicken bone broth
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 4 tsp minced ginger
- 4 green onions (white and green parts separate)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- soy sauce
- toasted sesame oil
- chili oil
Instructions
- Aromatic Base Preparation: Heat sesame oil in a large pot, sauté minced ginger and white parts of green onions until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Liquid Foundation: Pour chicken bone broth into the pot, bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer.
- Dumpling Integration: Gently slide dumplings into the simmering broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Allow dumplings to float and become tender.
- Green Enhancement: Add baby spinach leaves, submerging them briefly to wilt while preserving their vibrant color and delicate structure.
- Final Touches: Remove pot from heat, drizzle with toasted sesame oil and chili oil to elevate flavor complexity. Garnish with sliced green onion greens.
- Serving Recommendation: Transfer soup to serving bowls, accompany with a side of soy sauce for personalized seasoning. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Ginger Awakening: Fresh ginger amplifies the soup’s aromatic foundation, releasing deep, warming flavors that elevate the entire dish’s complexity.
- Dumpling Dance: Ensure dumplings are not overcrowded, allowing them space to cook evenly and prevent sticking to pot’s bottom during simmering.
- Spinach Timing: Add baby spinach in the final moments of cooking to maintain its vibrant green color, nutrients, and delicate texture without becoming soggy.
- Oil Finale: Toasted sesame and chili oils are not just garnishes but critical flavor boosters that transform the soup’s overall taste profile, adding depth and personal flair.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg