Homemade Pork Dumplings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

1/2 pound of ground pork
1 cup of shredded cabbage
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon of white pepper
1 pack of dumpling wrappers
1 tablespoon of cornstarch, for dusting
2 cups of water, for steaming
1/2 cup of soy sauce, for serving
1/4 cup of rice vinegar, for serving

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, shredded cabbage, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Lay out the dumpling wrappers on a clean surface dusted with cornstarch. Place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of each wrapper.
Wet the edges of the dumpling wrapper with a little water. Fold the wrapper over the filling to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges to seal.
In a steamer, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Place the dumplings in the steamer, making sure they do not touch each other.
Steam the dumplings for about 15 minutes, or until the pork is fully cooked.
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce and rice vinegar to make a dipping sauce.
Once the dumplings are cooked, serve them hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tools for making

Large bowl - for mixing the filling ingredients
Clean surface - to lay out the dumpling wrappers and assemble the dumplings
Steamer - for steaming the dumplings
Small bowl - to mix the dipping sauce
Spoons - for measuring and mixing ingredients
Knife - for mincing garlic and chopping green onions
Cornstarch - for dusting the surface and preventing sticking

Recipe variations

Substitute the ground pork with ground chicken or beef for a different flavor.
Add finely chopped shrimp or diced vegetables such as carrots or mushrooms to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Use gluten-free dumpling wrappers or make your own gluten-free dough using alternative flours like rice flour or tapioca flour.
Try a different dipping sauce such as a spicy chili sauce, hoisin sauce, or a combination of soy sauce and sweet chili sauce.
Experiment with different seasonings such as ginger, five-spice powder, or chili flakes to customize the flavor profile of the dumplings.
Make vegetarian or vegan dumplings by substituting the meat with crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP) and adding extra vegetables.
Instead of steaming, you can pan-fry the dumplings for a crispy texture. Simply heat oil in a pan, place the dumplings in the pan, and cook until the bottoms are golden brown. Then, add water to the pan, cover, and let the dumplings steam until fully cooked.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine with this recipe for Pork Dumplings. These dumplings, filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, shredded cabbage, and a variety of seasonings, are steamed to perfection, ensuring a delightful texture and taste. Paired with a homemade dipping sauce made from soy sauce and rice vinegar, each bite is a burst of flavor that will transport you to the streets of China. This recipe is surprisingly simple to make with common ingredients and straightforward steps. The result is a delicious batch of dumplings that can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even the main course. It's a versatile and satisfying dish that's sure to impress. Enjoy making this recipe and savor every delectable dumpling.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork?
Yes, you can substitute the ground pork with ground chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I use pre-made dumpling wrappers?
Yes, you can use store-bought dumpling wrappers if you don't want to make them from scratch.
Can I freeze the dumplings?
Absolutely! Once assembled, you can freeze the dumplings on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Do I need a steamer to cook the dumplings?
While a steamer is the traditional method, you can also pan-fry the dumplings in a bit of oil until they are golden and crispy.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pork filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembling the dumplings.
What other sauces can I serve with the dumplings?
In addition to the soy sauce and rice vinegar dipping sauce, you can also serve the dumplings with chili oil, hoisin sauce, or a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients for the dumpling filling.
Steamer - A cooking utensil used to steam the dumplings.
Clean Surface - A flat and clean surface for assembling the dumplings.
Cornstarch - Used for dusting the surface to prevent sticking during dumpling assembly.
Small Bowl - A bowl to mix the soy sauce and rice vinegar for the dipping sauce.

Origin stories

Pork dumplings, a delight beloved by countless gourmets, trace their roots back to the Eastern Han Dynasty in China, over 1,800 years ago. It is said that a famous doctor of that time, Zhang Zhongjing, invented these little parcels of joy. Upon seeing many of his fellow townspeople suffering from frostbite, he created dumplings filled with mutton, chili, and healing herbs, and distributed them to help cure the ailment. The shape of the dumplings, resembling ears, was meant to help treat the frostbitten ears. Though our modern pork dumplings might not have the same medicinal properties, they are certainly a testament to the age-old tradition of combining food, art, and care for the well-being of others in Chinese culture.

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.