Introduction:
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly steamed or pan-fried Chinese dumpling. The combination of the delicate, chewy dumpling wrapper and the juicy, flavorful filling is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional pork and cabbage filling, or you prefer something a little more adventurous like shrimp and chive, making Chinese dumplings at home is a fun and delicious way to explore the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Chinese cuisine.
Ingredients List:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 cups finely chopped Napa cabbage
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 30 round dumpling wrappers
- Water, for sealing the dumplings
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Preparation Steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped Napa cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- To assemble the dumplings, place a small spoonful of the pork filling in the center of a dumpling wrapper. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edge of the wrapper to moisten it. Then, fold the wrapper in half and crimp the edges to seal the dumpling. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- To cook the dumplings, you can either steam them or pan-fry them. For steaming, place the dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper and steam for 10-12 minutes. For pan-frying, heat some oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the dumplings in a single layer. Cook until the bottoms are golden brown, then add water to the pan and cover to steam the dumplings until cooked through.
- Serve the dumplings hot with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a splash of sesame oil. Enjoy!
Cooking Time & Servings:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (steaming) or 6-8 minutes (pan-frying)
Servings: Makes approximately 30 dumplings
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 62 per dumpling
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 4g
Tips and Tricks:
- If you’re vegetarian, you can substitute the ground pork with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu for a delicious meat-free filling.
- To save time, you can purchase pre-made dumpling wrappers from the store instead of making your own.
- Freeze leftover uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a resealable bag once frozen for quick and easy future meals.
Conclusion:
We hope you enjoy making and devouring these homemade Chinese dumplings as much as we do. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the fillings and share your favorite combinations with us. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
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