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