Wang Mandu (King Dumplings)

Wang Mandu (King Dumplings) is a medium Korean recipe that serves 4. 2200 calories per serving. Recipe by NYT Cooking on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 3 hrs 20 min

Cost: $73.03 total, $18.26 per serving

Ingredients

  • 300 ml Water (warm, 100‑110°F (38‑43°C))
  • 1 tsp Active Dry Yeast (about 3 g)
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar (helps feed the yeast)
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for dough)
  • 400 g All‑Purpose Flour (sifted, plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 300 g Ground Beef (80 % lean)
  • 100 g Shiitake Mushrooms (stems removed, sliced)
  • 0.5 medium Red Onion (finely diced)
  • 1 small Jalapeño Pepper (seeded, finely diced)
  • 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean Red Pepper Flakes) (mild to medium heat)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 1 Egg Yolk (adds richness and helps bind filling)
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 tbsp Soy‑Vinegar Dipping Sauce – Soy Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Soy‑Vinegar Dipping Sauce – Distilled White Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Soy‑Vinegar Dipping Sauce – Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Soy‑Vinegar Dipping Sauce – Water (thins the sauce)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast

    Combine warm water (100‑110°F), 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp active dry yeast in the mixing bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make Dough

    Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 400 g sifted flour, and 1 tsp salt to the bowl. Using chopsticks or a spoon, mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead in the bowl for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

    Time: PT10M

  3. First Proof

    Cover the bowl with a damp towel and place in a warm spot (around 80°F/27°C) for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

    Time: PT1H30M

  4. Prepare Filling Ingredients

    While the dough rises, finely dice half a medium red onion and one small jalapeño (seeds removed). Slice shiitake mushrooms. Set aside.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Cook Filling

    Heat 1 tbsp oil in a stainless steel skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the diced onion, jalapeño, and mushrooms in a single layer. Let sit untouched for 1 minute, then stir once to develop a deep brown color. Add 300 g ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned. Sprinkle 1 tsp gochugaru, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and ½ tsp black pepper. Stir, then add a splash of water (or sake) to deglaze. Finally, stir in 1 egg yolk for shine. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

    Time: PT20M

  6. Deflate and Portion Dough

    Punch down the risen dough to release air. Transfer to a lightly floured surface, roll into a rectangle, and cut into nine equal pieces (≈70 g each).

    Time: PT10M

  7. Roll Dumpling Wrappers

    Flatten each dough piece with a rolling pin into the thinnest possible circle (about 3‑4 mm), keeping the center slightly thicker to hold the filling.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Fill and Seal Dumplings

    Place about 2 Tbsp of the cooled beef filling in the center of each wrapper. Bring the edges together, pinch to create a pleated seal (spiral‑like folds) and ensure no gaps.

    Time: PT15M

  9. Arrange for Steaming

    Line the steamer basket with parchment paper (pierced with holes) and place dumplings an inch apart, seam side up. Cover and steam over simmering water.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Simmer

  10. Make Dipping Sauce

    In a small bowl combine 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tbsp water. Stir until sugar dissolves.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Serve

    Transfer steamed dumplings to a serving plate, drizzle or dip in the sauce, and enjoy while hot.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
2200
Protein
12 g per dumpling
Carbohydrates
30 g per dumpling
Fat
8 g per dumpling
Fiber
2 g per dumpling

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains egg, Contains soy, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Egg, Soy

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Wang Mandu (King Dumplings)

Recipe by NYT Cooking

Fluffy, yeasted Korean‑style king dumplings (wang mandu) filled with a savory ground‑beef, mushroom, and gochugaru mixture. The dough is proofed, the filling is cooked first for safety, and the dumplings are steamed and served with a tangy soy‑vinegar dipping sauce. Perfect for Lunar New Year celebrations or a comforting dinner.

MediumKoreanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 35m
Prep
45m
Cook
24m
Cleanup
3h 44m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$73.03
Total cost
$18.26
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Activating the yeast without killing it (water temperature 100‑110°F).
  • Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic.
  • Allowing the dough to double in size during the first proof.
  • Cooking the filling fully before assembling to avoid raw meat.
  • Rolling the wrappers thin enough for even steaming.
  • Sealing the dumplings with proper pleats to prevent steam leakage.
  • Steaming with sufficient water and checking for dryness.

Safety Warnings

  • Water for yeast must not exceed 120°F (49°C) to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Steam from the steamer can cause severe burns; keep face away and use a lid holder.
  • Handle hot skillet with oven mitts to prevent burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Wang Mandu in Korean Lunar New Year celebrations?

A

Wang Mandu, meaning “king dumpling,” is traditionally served during Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal) as a symbol of wealth and abundance. The large, fluffy buns represent prosperity, and families often make them together as a festive ritual.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Wang Mandu within Korean cuisine?

A

In South Korea, Wang Mandu are usually filled with pork, chives, and kimchi, while in the northern regions they may include beef or tofu. Some families add sweet potato starch to the dough for extra chewiness.

cultural
Q

How is Wang Mandu traditionally served in Korean households during Seollal?

A

Traditionally, Wang Mandu are steamed in a large bamboo steamer and served hot on a platter with a soy‑vinegar dipping sauce. They are eaten alongside other New Year dishes like tteokguk (rice‑cake soup) and jeon (pancakes).

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Wang Mandu traditionally associated with in Korean culture?

A

Wang Mandu are most closely linked to Seollal (Lunar New Year) but are also made for birthdays, weddings, and harvest festivals as a sign of good fortune and communal sharing.

cultural
Q

How does Wang Mandu fit into the broader Korean dumpling tradition?

A

Korean cuisine features many dumpling types, such as mandu (small bite‑size) and kimchi mandu. Wang Mandu stands out as the largest, yeasted version, highlighting the Korean love of soft, steamed breads filled with savory mixtures.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Wang Mandu versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional Wang Mandu use pork, Korean chives, and a yeasted wheat dough. Acceptable modern substitutes include ground beef (as in this recipe), chicken, or plant‑based meat, and gluten‑free flour blends for the dough if needed.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with Wang Mandu?

A

Wang Mandu pairs beautifully with tteokguk (rice‑cake soup), kimchi, Korean spinach side dish (sigeumchi namul), and a light barley tea (bori cha) to balance the richness.

cultural
Q

What makes Wang Mandu special or unique in Korean cuisine?

A

Wang Mandu’s unique feature is its yeasted, fluffy dough that is larger than typical mandu, giving it a bread‑like texture while still delivering a savory filling, bridging the gap between dumplings and buns.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Wang Mandu at home?

A

Common pitfalls include using water that’s too hot for the yeast, over‑kneading which makes the dough tough, rolling the wrappers too thick, and not sealing the edges tightly, which leads to steam leaks.

technical
Q

Why does this Wang Mandu recipe cook the filling before steaming instead of raw?

A

Cooking the filling first ensures the ground beef is fully cooked and develops deep umami flavors through browning, eliminating the risk of undercooked meat during the short steaming step.

technical
Q

Can I make Wang Mandu ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After shaping, place the dumplings on a parchment‑lined tray and freeze. When ready to serve, steam directly from frozen, adding 5‑7 extra minutes. Cooked dumplings can be refrigerated for up to three days.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel NYT Cooking specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel NYT Cooking, produced by The New York Times, specializes in high‑quality, editorial‑driven cooking videos that blend classic techniques with contemporary twists, often highlighting seasonal and cultural dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel NYT Cooking's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

A

NYT Cooking focuses on storytelling and cultural context, presenting Korean recipes with clear, step‑by‑step instructions and adaptations for American home cooks, whereas many Korean‑specific channels may assume familiarity with traditional techniques.

channel

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