It was a holiday, and I was lounging around, one with the living room floor, when my wife summoned me. No special reason, just: "Come help make mandu if you're not doing anything." Sigh...
Well, for an old guy like me, you gotta earn your keep, right? So, my answer was an immediate "Yes, ma'am!"
My wife enjoys cooking, so all the ingredients for the mandu filling and wrappers were already perfectly prepared.
Looking at the filling, it was kimchi mandu this time. It might seem cliché, but every Korean family has their own special recipe for these irresistibly charming dumplings. And since my wife is famous for her cooking (just don't ask my mother-in-law!), I wasn't worried about the taste.
The Unsung Mandu Master of the House?
So, what my wife really needed was just an extra pair of hands.
But, if I may boast a little, I'm the secret ace of mandu-making in our house. At least, that's my personal opinion. Even if no one else in the family acknowledges it, I pride myself on the fact that my rough technician's hands have their own kind of delicacy.
Anyway, despite the chore, I was secretly pleased that I was still needed.
How This Ordinary Uncle Folds Dumplings (Video Guide)
Since I was roped into it, I decided to cautiously reveal my own special method for folding mandu.
Please keep in mind, I'm a machine tool technician with zero connection to the culinary world, so don't expect anything too fancy. This is just for fun.
The process is best shown on video, so here it is:
As you can see, the key to my method is to create neat pleats by folding in a zigzag pattern at regular intervals. After folding a whole tray full, the result wasn't too bad, if I do say so myself.
The Taste Test: Worth Every Bit of Effort
With the work done, it was time for the best part: the taste test. We immediately steamed a batch.
As expected, they were delicious. With a taste like this, the effort is never a waste. And that's all that matters!
A Final Word
This has been the rambling story of a middle-aged guy who ended up with indigestion from eating too much during the holidays. I’ll leave you with one last shout-out:
To all the tired dads out there: Hang in there!
