Golden pan-fried donggeurangttaeng patties served with soy dipping sauce

Donggeurangttaeng (Korean Meat & Tofu Patties)

  • Korean Food Addict
  • Jun 27, 2025
45 min
Story

About Donggeurangttaeng

Donggeurangttaeng is a beloved Korean holiday dish, especially popular during Chuseok (harvest festival) and Seollal (Lunar New Year). The name comes from the Korean word for "round," describing these adorable circular patties.

Holiday Tradition

These pan-fried patties are a staple on Korean holiday tables and ancestral ceremony offerings. The round shape symbolizes harmony and unity, making them especially meaningful during family gatherings.

Nutritional Balance

Combining plant-based protein from tofu with animal protein from pork, plus various vegetables, these patties offer excellent nutritional balance. They're loved by all ages and make a perfect side dish or snack.

Versatile Uses

Leftover donggeurangttaeng can be added to kimchi jjigae, doenjang jjigae, or tteokguk. They also work wonderfully in lunchboxes or as an appetizer with drinks.

Instructions:

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Pressing moisture out of tofu using a kitchen towel

Drain the Tofu

  • Wrap 1 block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
  • Press firmly to squeeze out excess moisture
  • Crumble the tofu finely with your hands
  • Well-drained tofu is key to patties that hold together

Recipe Notes:

  • Thoroughly drain the tofu to ensure patties hold together well.
  • You can substitute beef or use a pork-beef mixture.
  • If mixture is too wet, add a little flour to bind.
  • Fry over medium heat to cook through without burning.
  • Freeze floured patties before egg-coating for meal prep.
  • Perfect for Korean holidays - make ahead and freeze.
  • Great for kids' lunchboxes and as a snack.
  • Leftover patties are delicious in stews and soups.

Ingredients:

Serving size

Main Ingredients

  • 300 g ground pork
  • 1 block tofu (about 300g)
  • 1/3 carrot
  • 1/2 onion
  • 1 green onion

Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • black pepper to taste

Coating

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 eggs
  • cooking oil for frying

Dipping Sauce

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp vinegar