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How to Wrap Perfect Pork Dumplings


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5 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Honest Cooking Magazine
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 50 dumplings 1x

Description

Dumplings are everyone’s favorite dim sum, and this is how to master the art of making them.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Dumpling Filling:

  • 1 lb ground pork (450 g)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped napa cabbage (50 g)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions (25 g)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro (10 g)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (15 ml)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (15 ml)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (15 ml)
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Dumpling Wrappers:

  • 50 round dumpling wrappers

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dumpling Filling

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped napa cabbage, scallions, and cilantro.
  • Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  • Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Using your hands or a spoon, stir until the mixture is evenly seasoned.

2. Assemble the Dumplings

  • Lay a dumpling wrapper on a clean surface.
  • Place a heaping teaspoon of filling in the center.
  • Lightly brush the edges of the wrapper with water to help seal the dumpling.
  • Fold the dumpling in half, pinching the center to form a crescent shape.
  • Use your fingertips to pleat the edges, pressing firmly to ensure a tight seal.

3. Choose Your Cooking Method

Steaming Method:

  • Arrange the dumplings in a single layer in a bamboo or metal steamer, leaving space between them.
  • Steam over boiling water for 8–10 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.

Pan-Frying Method (Potstickers):

  • Heat 1–2 tbsp of oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat.
  • Arrange the dumplings in the pan with their flat sides down and cook for 2 minutes, or until the bottoms turn golden brown.
  • Add 1/4 cup of water to the pan and immediately cover with a lid to steam.
  • Steam for 3–4 minutes, then remove the lid and continue frying until both sides are golden brown, about 2–3 more minutes.

4. Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve dumplings hot with soy sauce, black vinegar, or a homemade dipping sauce.
  • Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or a drizzle of chili oil.

Notes

Dipping Sauce: Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp black vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp chili flakes for a flavorful dipping sauce.

If you don’t have dumpling wrappers, you can make your own by mixing 2 cups of flour with 1/2 cup warm water and rolling out thin circles.

Cooked dumplings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated by steaming or pan-frying.

  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Course
  • Method: Steaming
  • Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5 dumplings
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg