14 Yaki Mandu

When I was little we were stationed in South Korea for a few years.  I was more concerned about my purple Ked sneakers and supply of Handi-Snacks to really understand we lived overseas.  But then again I had just been born in Germany, so I didn't even know about the United States yet.  Oh, life as a military kid.  

We had a korean nanny and one of my best memories is of her teaching us how to make Yaki Mandu, a kind of meat filled dumpling.  We had my mom's enormous black steamer pot out, and I would be perched on top of a chair so that I could get in on the action.  I watched as they stirred the ground beef in the pan, and then I would help wet the edges of the wonton wrapper and fold it into the half-moon shape.  A good task for eager little hands.

We ate these over and over again as I grew up.  The taste is one of those family recipes that instantly makes you feel at home, cures a bad day, and makes you miss your mom.  

Yaki Mandu

Don't hate me, I don't really have measurements for you...I know I know then what's the point of posting?  It's all done to taste.  A dash of this and a sprinkle of that.  

1 pound Ground Beef

Generous drizzle of Sesame Oil

6 Baby Carrots, finely chopped

3 Green Onions, finely chopped

Garlic Powder

1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce

Salt

Pepper

1 Package Wonton wrappers

3 Tablespoons Grapeseed or Vegetable Oil for frying

1.  Using a food processor, chop the carrot and onion into teeny tiny bits.  Set aside.

2.  In a large saute pan, add the sesame oil andbrown the ground beef be sure to season it with salt and pepper.  

3.  Add the carrot and onion to the cooked beef and cook just until warm.  Add the garlic powder, soy sauce and re-season with salt and pepper if needed.  Remove from heat when done.

4.  Fill a small bowl with water.  Using a small spoon scoop about a tablespoon of the meat mixture into the center of the wonton.  Dot the edges with water and fold in half so that it makes a triangle.  Press the edges together and set aside.

5.  Add Vegetable oil to clean fry pan and warm to medium-high heat.  Add your wontons to the hot oil and fry for a few minutes, flip it over and cook until crispy and light golden brown.  *The first batch is always a little funky.  They will cook faster and more even as you go along*

6.  Line a plate with paper towels to place the finished wontons on.  It will absorb the excess oil.  You can also heat your oven to 200 degrees F and lay the finished wontons on a baking sheet to keep warm or just cover the plate with a towel.