Easy Korean Dumpling Soup (Manduguk) – Quick and Comforting Recipe

Easy Korean Dumpling Soup (Manduguk) – Quick and Comforting Recipe

👨‍🍳 Tysoon's Korean Kitchen / Authentic Korean Recipes Made Easy
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🇪🇸 Spanish Version:

Sopa Coreana de Mandus (Manduguk) – Receta Fácil y Reconfortante
https://tysoonkorea.blogspot.com/2026/09/sopa-coreana-de-mandus-manduguk-receta.html
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What Is This Korean Dish?

Manduguk is a warm Korean soup made with mandu, or Korean dumplings, cooked in a light and savory broth. It is especially popular during cold weather and is commonly enjoyed as a comforting family meal. Dumplings symbolize good fortune, so manduguk is also served on special occasions and around the Korean New Year.

This easy version uses a broth tablet or bouillon cube, making it practical for international readers who may have difficulty finding dried anchovies and kelp. The dumplings are tender and satisfying, while the softly cooked egg ribbons give the broth a delicate texture. Scallion, black pepper, sesame oil, and crushed seaweed add freshness, aroma, and familiar Korean flavor. It is a simple one-pot meal that can be prepared quickly with frozen dumplings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe?

• It is warm, comforting, and satisfying.
• Frozen dumplings can be cooked without thawing.
• A broth tablet makes the soup easy to prepare anywhere.
• It requires only a few basic ingredients.
• The entire dish is prepared in one pot.
• It is an easy meal for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Serves 2

• 10–12 dumplings (mandu)
• 1000 ml water
• 1 broth tablet or bouillon cube
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon mild tuna sauce
• 1 scallion (100 g)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/3 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• Crushed seaweed flakes, optional

How to Make It

Step 1: Prep

Beat 2 eggs in a small bowl and thinly slice the scallion.

Step 2: Make the Broth

In a pot, bring 1000 ml water, 1 broth tablet, and 1 teaspoon mild tuna sauce to a boil.

Step 3: Cook the Dumplings

Once the broth is boiling, add the dumplings and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Boil for about 5 minutes, until the dumplings float to the top.

If you are using frozen dumplings, add them directly to the boiling broth without thawing.

Step 4: Add the Egg Ribbons

Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the broth in a circular motion. Let the eggs simmer for 1 minute without stirring so delicate egg ribbons can form.

Step 5: Season

Add the sliced scallion and 1/3 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer briefly.

Step 6: Finish

Turn off the heat and drizzle in 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil. Transfer the soup to serving bowls and garnish with crushed seaweed flakes, if desired.

🎥 Watch how to make this recipe step by step 

Storage

Allow leftover manduguk to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

• Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently over medium-low heat.
• Avoid boiling the soup for too long when reheating, as the dumpling wrappers may become too soft.
• For the best texture, enjoy manduguk on the day it is prepared.

Ingredient Substitutions for International Readers

Broth Tablet or Bouillon Cube

Traditional Korean broth is often made with dried anchovies and kelp. If these ingredients are difficult to find, use a chicken, beef, or vegetable bouillon cube.

Because sodium levels vary by brand, taste the broth before adding any extra seasoning.

Mild Tuna Sauce

Replace mild tuna sauce with a small amount of soy sauce. Add it gradually so the broth does not become too salty or dark.

Korean Mandu

Use frozen Korean mandu if available. Other Asian-style dumplings may also work, but choose dumplings with relatively thin wrappers that are suitable for boiling.

Scallion

Green onion may be used in the same amount.

Crushed Seaweed Flakes

Crushed roasted nori can be used instead. Seaweed is optional and may be omitted if unavailable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I add frozen mandu without thawing?

Yes. Add frozen mandu directly to the boiling broth. Thawing is not necessary.

Can I use homemade broth?

Yes. Homemade anchovy-kelp broth or chicken broth works well. Adjust the seasoning according to the sodium level of the broth.

How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?

The dumplings usually float to the top when they are nearly ready. Follow the cooking instructions on the dumpling package as well.

Why shouldn't I stir the eggs immediately?

Leaving the eggs undisturbed for about 1 minute helps them form soft, delicate ribbons instead of breaking into very small pieces.

Can I make this soup less salty?

Yes. Use a low-sodium broth tablet and reduce the mild tuna sauce. Taste the broth before adding additional seasoning.

Can I prepare manduguk in advance?

It is best served immediately. Dumplings continue absorbing broth during storage, so their wrappers may become softer over time.

🥟 Related Korean Recipes

1. Easy Korean Manduguk with Famous Restaurant-Style Secret Beef Topping

2. Easy Korean Beef Topping Kalguksu (Korean Noodle Soup)

3. Easy Korean Potato Sujebi (Gamja Sujebi)

Enjoy your Korean cooking! 👨‍🍳