Whether you’re a dumpling pro or just starting out, learning to properly wrap dumplings is an exciting and rewarding experience. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step and show you how to create perfectly wrapped pork dumplings every time.
First, gather your ingredients and prepare your filling. For this recipe, we will be using pork, but feel free to experiment with other meats or veggies. Next, take a dumpling wrapper and place a heaping teaspoon of filling in the center. To ensure that the wrapper sticks together, lightly brush the edges with water.
Fold the wrapper in half to form a half-circle, and pinch the center together. Then, using your thumb and index finger, make a pleat towards the center of the wrapper. Repeat this process, making 3-4 pleats down the right side of the dumpling. It’s important to only pleat the top layer of the wrapper while leaving the bottom layer smooth. Repeat the process on the left side of the dumpling.
Finally, dip your fingertips in water and lightly pinch the seams together to ensure a good seal. And there you have it! A perfectly wrapped pork dumpling.
I recommend making a large batch of dumplings and storing them in the freezer for quick and easy meals in the coming weeks. These dumplings can be boiled, steamed, or pan-fried straight from the freezer, making them a convenient and delicious option for any meal.
Dumplings are a delicious, fun and creative way to enjoy your favorite ingredients. Experiment with different meats and vegetables to create your own unique flavors. And remember, making dumplings is a process that takes time and patience, but the end result is worth it!
Pork Dumplings
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 50 dumplings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup finely chopped napa cabbage
- 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 50 dumpling wrappers
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, napa cabbage, scallions, cilantro, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Leave in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Take a dumpling wrapper and place a heaping teaspoon of filling in the center. To ensure that the wrapper sticks together, lightly brush the edges with water.
- Fold the wrapper in half to form a half-circle, and pinch the center together. Then, using your thumb and index finger, make a pleat towards the center of the wrapper. Repeat this process, making 3-4 pleats down the right side of the dumpling. It's important to only pleat the top layer of the wrapper while leaving the bottom layer smooth. Repeat the process on the left side of the dumpling.
- Finally, dip your fingertips in water and lightly pinch the seams together to ensure a good seal. And there you have it! A perfectly wrapped pork dumpling.
- Steam for 8-10 minutes in bamboo baskets.
- If pan frying, fry in a little bit of oil for 2 minutes. Add a little water to the pan, put a lid on and steam for an additional 3-4 minutes. Open lid, and pan fry until golden brown on two sides, about 3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-inspired
