Korean Kimchi Mandu Jjigae (Kimchi Dumpling Stew)
Stews Easy

Korean Kimchi Mandu Jjigae (Kimchi Dumpling Stew)

Quick answer

Total time
23 min
Level
Easy
Servings
2 servings
Ingredients
8

About this dish

Kimchi mandu jjigae drops whole frozen kimchi dumplings straight into a simmering pot of aged kimchi, tofu, and anchovy stock.

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The dumpling wrappers absorb the broth as they cook, swelling plump and moist, while the kimchi filling inside echoes the stew's tangy base and doubles the fermented depth. Gochugaru and soup soy sauce add a clean chili heat, and firm tofu cubes absorb the spiced broth for a softer textural contrast. Because the dumplings themselves carry seasoning, it is better to start with less sauce and adjust after tasting the broth. This is a filling, no-fuss meal that needs nothing more than a bowl of steamed rice alongside it.

Ingredients

servings
IngredientAmountUnit
firm tofu160 ggShop
soup soy sauce1 tbsptbspShop
Shop All Ingredients

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Instructions

Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.

6 steps
  1. 1
    Prep

    Cut 150g aged kimchi into 2 to 3cm pieces, then cut 160g firm tofu into thick 1.5cm pieces.

    Slice 40g green onion on the diagonal and keep it separate so it can be added near the end.

  2. 2
    Control

    Heat a pot over medium heat, then add the kimchi and 1 tablespoon Korean chili flakes.

    Stir-fry for about 1 minute, just until the kimchi softens slightly and the red chili color spreads without scorching.

  3. 3
    Control

    Pour in 650ml anchovy stock and add 1 teaspoon minced garlic.

    Bring it to a boil over high heat, then lower to medium and simmer for 5 minutes so the aged kimchi seasons the broth deeply.

  4. 4
    Control

    Add 8 frozen kimchi dumplings in a single layer as much as possible.

    Do not stir for the first 2 minutes, then simmer 4 more minutes over medium heat until the wrappers look plump and moist.

  5. 5
    Season

    Add the tofu, then start with about half of the 1 tablespoon soup soy sauce and taste the broth.

    Because the dumplings are already seasoned, add the rest only if the stew needs more saltiness.

  6. 6
    Control

    Add the green onion and simmer for 2 more minutes, just until the tofu is hot through and the dumplings have absorbed some broth.

    If the kimchi tastes flat rather than sour, adjust with a few drops of vinegar before serving with rice.

Practical Cooking Checks

The cues that matter most while cooking.

Key technique
Kimchi-mandu-jjigae allows whole dumplings to soak up the intense, savory spice of aged kimchi.
Finish cue
Add the green onion and simmer for 2 more minutes, just until the tofu is hot through and the dumplings have absorbed some broth.
Avoid this
Do not stir for the first 2 minutes to prevent dumplings from breaking.

Cooking decision evidence

Calculated Charim data and applicable official cooking and food safety guidance.

This recipe

23min, 8 ingredients

Category median

35min, 9 ingredients

Based on 122 recipes

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Tips

Do not stir for the first 2 minutes to prevent dumplings from breaking.
If kimchi is not sour enough, add a few drops of vinegar.

Estimated nutrition (per serving)

Calories
430
kcal
Protein
19
g
Carbs
43
g
Fat
20
g