Korean Dumplings: Mandu

Ingredients

• 1/4 pound ground beef
• 3 ounces vegetable oil
• 3 ounces minced Spanish onion
• 3 ounces shredded cabbage
• 2 ounces roughly chopped bean sprouts
• 1 scallion, finely chopped
• 4 ounces firm tofu, mashed to a fine consistency
• 1 1/2 tablespoons hoisin
• 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
• Dash pepper
• 24 wonton skins
• 1 egg beaten
• Oil, for frying

Vinegar-Soy Sauce (Ch'o kanjang) for dipping:

• 8 tablespoons soy sauce
• 6 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons green onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted

Directions

Heat wok over medium-high heat, add 2 ounces of oil and stir-fry meat until brown, mashing with a fork to break into small pieces. Drain off fat and set meat aside. Wash pan and dry thoroughly.

Heat 1 ounce of oil over high heat for 1 minute. Add onions and saute for 2 to 3 minutes or until limp.

Add cabbage and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 2 to 3 minutes or until cabbage is crisp-tender.

Add bean sprouts, scallions, and tofu, mix well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more.

Remove pan from heat and pour cooked mixture into a colander to drain excess liquid.

In a large bowl, combine meat, vegetables, hoisin, salt, and pepper and mix well.

Place 1 wonton skin on a flat surface. Cover remaining skins with a slightly damp kitchen towel (not terry cloth) so they won't dry out. Brush the edges of skin with a beaten egg. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling mixture just above the center of skin. Fold skin in half over filling to form a triangle and press edges together to seal. Repeat with remaining skins.

Fill and preheat fryer to 375 degrees F. and deep-fry dumplings until golden brown. Serve immediately with vinegar-soy dipping sauce.

For vinegar-soy sauce: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Stir to dissolve sugar.