Korean kimchi dumplings are one of those dishes that make us instantly happy. The thin, soft wrapper melts in your mouth while the filling bursts with flavor.

The tangy kimchi, combined with juicy meat and a hint of sesame, creates a balance that is bright, savory, and comforting at the same time.

These dumplings are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a cozy snack during the day. Today, we’re going to share exactly how we make them at home, step by step, so you can enjoy them anytime.

What We’ll Need

For about 20 dumplings, we use:

- 1 cup well-fermented kimchi (approximately 150 g)

- 200 g minced chicken (we like a slightly fatty cut for juiciness)

- 20 round dumpling wrappers

- 1 tablespoon sesame oil

- 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Optional: a little water to help seal the edges.

Even with these simple ingredients, we can make dumplings that are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.

Step 1: Prepare the Kimchi

The first step is crucial. We chop the kimchi into small pieces, leaving some texture so the filling has chewiness. Then, we place portions of the chopped kimchi into a clean cloth or cheesecloth and gently press to squeeze out excess water. We repeat this a few times until most of the moisture is gone.

- Tip: Removing extra liquid is essential; otherwise, the dumplings will become soggy and hard to seal.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

Next, we combine the minced meat with the prepared kimchi in a bowl. We add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, then stir everything until it is evenly mixed. We don’t need extra salt because the kimchi already provides enough seasoning.

Once the mixture is smooth and combined, we let it rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes the filling easier to handle when folding the dumplings.

Step 3: Fold the Dumplings

Now comes the fun part! We take a dumpling wrapper and place it in the palm of our hand. We spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center, then fold the wrapper in half. We press the edges firmly to seal the filling inside. For a decorative touch, we can pinch small pleats along the edge, but even a simple fold works perfectly.

- Tip: Avoid overfilling, and use a bit of water along the edge if needed. This prevents the dumplings from opening during cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

We fill a deep saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, we gently add the dumplings, making sure each has space to float freely. The dumplings are ready when they rise to the surface and the wrappers become slightly translucent, which usually takes 3–5 minutes.

To ensure the filling is fully heated, we let them cook for one extra minute before removing them carefully with a slotted spoon. Then we place the dumplings on a plate, ready to enjoy.

Step 5: Optional Dipping Sauce

While the dumplings are delicious on their own, we love a simple dipping sauce. We mix:

- 2 teaspoons soy sauce

- 1 teaspoon sesame oil

- A few drops of vinegar or a sprinkle of sesame seeds

This sauce adds extra flavor without overpowering the dumplings.

Step 6: Enjoying the Dumplings

Lykkers, the first bite is always magical. The thin wrapper, the juicy meat, and the tangy, flavorful kimchi come together beautifully. Each dumpling is chewy, warm, and satisfying. We love serving them for lunch or a casual snack and sharing them with friends or family.

Tips for Best Results

- Make sure to squeeze out the kimchi water—it makes a huge difference.

- Don’t overfill the dumplings to prevent breaking.

- Resting the filling in the fridge improves texture and flavor.

- Boil in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Enjoy Every Bite

Making Korean kimchi dumplings at home is simpler than it seems, and the reward is a plate full of warmth and flavor. We hope this step-by-step guide gives you the confidence to try them yourself. Cooking together—even through these instructions—brings little moments of happiness into our day. Let’s continue exploring more easy, delicious dishes together, and we can’t wait to hear how your dumplings turn out, Lykkers!