Mandoo ssam represents a delightful fusion of Korean flavors, where seasoned ground meat and vegetables are wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves, creating a light yet satisfying meal. This dish takes inspiration from both Korean dumpling (mandoo) fillings and the traditional Korean practice of wrapping food in lettuce (ssam), offering a quick and healthful way to enjoy these flavors without the labor of making dumplings.
What makes mandoo ssam particularly special is its versatility and interactive nature. The combination of seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and the bright kick of kimchi creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures, all contained within crisp lettuce leaves. This dish exemplifies the Korean appreciation for balanced flavors and varied textures while adapting traditional ingredients into a modern, health-conscious format.
In contemporary Korean dining, this style of ssam has become increasingly popular as diners seek lighter alternatives that don’t sacrifice flavor. Whether enjoyed as a main course or served as part of a larger Korean feast, mandoo ssam offers a satisfying way to experience Korean flavors while maintaining a fresh, wholesome approach to eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick 20-minute meal
- Light yet filling
- Interactive dining experience
- Customizable heat level
- Fresh and nutritious
- Perfect for sharing
What is Mandoo Ssam?
Mandoo ssam (만두쌈) combines the seasoned meat filling typically used in Korean dumplings (mandoo) with the fresh, wrapped presentation of ssam. The result is a delicious fusion that captures authentic Korean flavors in a lighter format.
Mandoo Ssam
Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture
- 16 oz ground meat turkey, beef, pork, or chicken
- 2 cloves garlic sliced
- 1 tbsp ginger diced
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp coarse sea salt
For the Vegetables
- 1 head bok choy chopped (separated into stems and leaves)
- 2 carrots julienned
- 2 green onion(s) chopped
For the Seasoning
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp korean red pepper paste (gochujang)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- ¼ cup chopped kimchi
For Serving:
- lettuce leaves green leaf, red leaf, or butter lettuce
- additional kimchi
- extra sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and ground meat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Break meat into small pieces while adding garlic and ginger. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add bok choy stems and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add bok choy leaves, carrots, green onions, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and gochujang. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with sesame seeds and chopped kimchi.
- Serve with lettuce leaves for wrapping.
Nutrition
Recipe Tips
- Choose sturdy lettuce leaves that won’t tear
- Keep lettuce leaves whole for better wrapping
- Drain excess liquid before wrapping
- Adjust gochujang to preferred spice level
- Prepare different lettuce varieties for variety
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Additional kimchi
- Steamed rice (optional)
- Ssamjang (wrapping sauce)
- Extra gochujang
- Korean pickled vegetables
Variations
- Use ground chicken for a lighter version
- Add mushrooms for extra umami
- Include glass noodles
- Make it vegetarian with crumbled tofu
- Add different vegetables like spinach or bean sprouts
Nutrition Information
Per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Storage
- Store meat mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Keep lettuce leaves separate and unwashed until ready to use
- Store kimchi separately
- Best assembled fresh when ready to eat
My Essential Korean Pantry contains several of these ingredients, specifically:
– Sempio Soy Sauce
– Kadoya Sesame Oil
– Shirakiku Roasted Sesame Seeds
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