Delectable Homemade Guotie (Chinese Pan-Fried Dumplings) Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup of ground pork
½ cup of napa cabbage, finely chopped
1 green onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of Chinese rice wine
1 teaspoon of sesame oil
¼ teaspoon of white pepper
30 dumpling wrappers
4 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 cup of water
1 recipe dumpling dipping sauce
Sesame seeds for garnish

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, napa cabbage, green onion, ginger, soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, sesame oil, and white pepper.
Stir the mixture until it is well-mixed.
Lay a dumpling wrapper on a clean, flat surface, and place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of the wrapper.
Fold the dumpling wrapper in half, pinching the edges together to seal the dumpling. Repeat this process with the remaining dumpling wrappers and pork mixture.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, non-stick pan over medium heat.
Arrange the dumplings in the pan so that they are not touching each other.
Cook the dumplings for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown.
Carefully pour the water into the pan, and then cover the pan with a lid.
Steam the dumplings for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the dumplings are cooked through.
Serve the dumplings warm, with dumpling dipping sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top.

Tools for making

Large bowl - For mixing the ingredients together.
Clean, flat surface - To assemble the dumplings.
Non-stick pan - For frying the dumplings.
Lid - To cover the pan and steam the dumplings.
Spoon - To spoon the pork mixture onto the dumpling wrappers.
Chopping board - For chopping the napa cabbage and green onion.
Grater - To grate the ginger.
Measuring spoons - For precise measurements of ingredients.
Tongs - For flipping and removing the dumplings from the pan.
Plate - To serve the cooked dumplings.

Recipe variations

Substitute ground pork with ground chicken, beef, or turkey for different protein options.
Add finely chopped shrimp or crab meat to the filling for seafood lovers.
Include vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or water chestnuts for added texture and flavor.
For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Experiment with different seasonings and sauces such as hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or chili sauce.
Try using different types of wrappers like wonton wrappers or homemade dumpling wrappers.
Add spices like garlic powder, five-spice powder, or chili flakes to give the filling an extra kick.
For a healthier option, steam the dumplings instead of pan-frying them.
Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free dumpling wrappers or making your own using alternative flours.
Make mini-sized dumplings for bite-sized appetizers or larger ones for a satisfying main course.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine with this delicious Guotie recipe. Guotie, also known as Chinese pan-fried dumplings, are a savory delight filled with ground pork and napa cabbage, with a hint of ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil for an extra burst of flavor. These dumplings are first pan-fried to a perfect golden brown, then steamed to seal in the juicy filling. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce and garnished with sesame seeds, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that works well as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. With this straightforward recipe, you'll be able to bring a piece of authentic Chinese cuisine straight to your kitchen. Enjoy the process of crafting each dumpling, and the satisfaction that comes with your first bite of these delicious bundles.

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 even tofu if you prefer.
Can I make the dumpling wrappers from scratch? Yes, you can make the dumpling wrappers from scratch using flour and water. There are various recipes available online for homemade dumpling wrappers.
Can I freeze the uncooked dumplings? Absolutely! Place the uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag for long-term storage.
How should I store the cooked dumplings? If you have leftovers, you can store the cooked dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them by lightly pan-frying or steaming them again.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground pork with finely chopped mushrooms or a meat substitute. For a vegan version, use plant-based dumpling wrappers and omit any animal-based ingredients.
What can I serve as a side dish with Guotie? Guotie goes well with a variety of side dishes such as steamed vegetables, stir-fried noodles, or a simple green salad. You can also enjoy them as part of a larger Chinese meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients for the filling.
Chopping Board - A sturdy surface to chop the napa cabbage and green onion.
Knife - A sharp knife to finely chop the napa cabbage and green onion.
Grater - A tool to grate the ginger.
Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure the soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, sesame oil, and white pepper.
Non-stick Pan - A large pan to cook the dumplings.
Lid - A lid to cover the pan and steam the dumplings.
Spatula - To flip and remove the dumplings from the pan.
Plate - A plate to serve the cooked dumplings.
Dumpling Dipping Sauce Bowl - A small bowl to serve the dipping sauce.
Serving Utensils - Optional utensils such as tongs or chopsticks for serving the dumplings.

Origin stories

Guotie, commonly known as potstickers in the West, are a popular type of Chinese dumpling that have been enjoyed for centuries. Their creation is often tied to a chef during the Song Dynasty, who accidental left a pot of dumplings over the fire for too long, causing the bottoms to become crispy. Rather than discard them, he served them to his guests who loved the crunchy texture. This 'mistake' then evolved into what we know and love today as guotie or the potsticker. The unique cooking method of frying and then steaming makes these dumplings a delicious combination of crispy and soft textures, a delightful surprise that continues to impress food lovers to this day.

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.