Authentic Chinese Guo Tie (Potstickers) Recipe

Ingredients

300 grams of ground pork
1 cup of finely chopped Napa cabbage
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon of ground white pepper
Salt to taste
20-30 dumpling wrappers
1/4 cup of water, for steaming
1/4 cup of vegetable oil, for frying

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, Napa cabbage, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and salt until well combined.
Place a small amount of the pork mixture in the center of each dumpling wrapper.
Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, then fold the wrapper over the filling and pinch the edges to seal it. Repeat until all wrappers are filled.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the dumplings in the skillet, flat side down, and cook until the bottoms are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Add water to the skillet, cover, and let the dumplings steam until the water has evaporated and the dumplings are cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
Remove the lid and let the dumplings continue to cook until the bottoms are crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove the dumplings from the skillet and serve hot.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
Skillet - A large skillet for frying and steaming the dumplings.
Chopping Board - A board to chop the Napa cabbage and green onions.
Knife - A knife to finely chop the Napa cabbage, green onions, and garlic.
Spatula - A spatula to flip and remove the dumplings from the skillet.
Steamer Basket - A steamer basket to steam the dumplings.
Brush or Spoon - A brush or spoon to moisten the edges of the dumpling wrappers with water.

Recipe variations

Use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground pork for a leaner option.
Add finely diced shrimp or chopped mushrooms to the filling for added flavor and texture.
Replace the Napa cabbage with shredded carrots or bok choy.
Experiment with different seasonings such as ginger, chili flakes, or five-spice powder.
Make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground meat with tofu or marinated tempeh.
Try using whole wheat or gluten-free dumpling wrappers for a healthier or dietary-specific option.
Add a dipping sauce such as a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, or a spicy chili sauce for an extra kick.
Create a crispy crust by pan-frying the dumplings first and then steaming them.
Make a sweet version by filling the dumplings with a mixture of fruits like diced apples or berries, and serving them with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine with this homemade Guo Tie recipe. Also known as potstickers, Guo Tie are pan-fried dumplings filled with juicy ground pork and crispy vegetables. The dumplings are first seared to a golden brown, then steamed to perfection, resulting in a delicacy that's crispy on the bottom and tender on the top. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to guide you in creating these delightful dumplings. So, grab your apron and prepare to give your taste buds a treat!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground pork?
Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground chicken, beef, or turkey.
Can I make the dumpling wrappers from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade dumpling wrappers can be made by mixing all-purpose flour and water until a smooth dough is formed, then rolling it out and cutting it into circles.
Can I freeze the dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked dumplings for later use. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be cooked directly from frozen, just increase the cooking time slightly.
What dipping sauce goes well with guo tie?
Guo tie pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces such as soy sauce, black vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil. You can also mix these ingredients together to create a flavorful dipping sauce.
Can I steam the dumplings instead of frying them?
Yes, you can steam the dumplings instead of frying them. Simply place them in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper, and steam for about 10-12 minutes until cooked through.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet - A large skillet for frying the dumplings.
Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the filling ingredients.
Chopping Board - A sturdy chopping board for finely chopping the Napa cabbage and green onions.
Knife - A sharp knife for mincing the garlic and finely chopping the Napa cabbage and green onions.
Spoon - A spoon for mixing the filling ingredients and scooping the mixture onto the dumpling wrappers.
Small Bowl of Water - A small bowl of water for moistening the edges of the dumpling wrappers to seal them.
Lid - A lid to cover the skillet while the dumplings are steaming.
Spatula - A spatula for flipping and removing the dumplings from the skillet.

Origin stories

Guo Tie, fondly known as the "pot sticker" in English, is a delicious dumpling whose origins are steeped in Chinese culinary folklore. Legend has it that a chef in the Imperial Court of the Song Dynasty accidentally left a batch of dumplings over the fire a tad too long. The bottoms of the dumplings stuck to the pan and crisped up, but instead of discarding them, the quick-thinking chef served them bottom-up, presenting them as a new dish. The crispy yet tender Guo Tie was an instant hit, and has since become a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine, enjoyed across the globe.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.