Savory Homemade Dumplings: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the boiling water until a dough forms. Knead the dough until smooth, then cover and let rest for about 30 minutes.
  2. In another bowl, combine the ground pork, scallions, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Divide the dough into small pieces and roll each one out into a thin circle.
  4. Place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of each dough circle.
  5. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges together to seal, creating a dumpling.
  6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the dumplings and fry until the bottoms are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Add a small amount of water to the skillet, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook until the water has evaporated and the dumplings are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
  8. Remove the dumplings from the skillet and serve immediately.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier or gluten-free option.
  • Replace the ground pork with ground chicken, beef, or shrimp for different flavor profiles.
  • Add minced vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, or mushrooms to the filling for added texture and flavor.
  • Include spices like chili flakes, five-spice powder, or Sichuan peppercorns to give the dumplings a spicy kick.
  • Make a vegetarian or vegan version by substituting the meat with tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces such as soy-ginger sauce, sweet chili sauce, or black bean sauce.
  • Try pan-frying the dumplings in a shallow amount of oil for a crispy texture, or steam them for a healthier option.
  • Add a beaten egg to the filling mixture for a richer and more binding consistency.
  • Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint into the filling for a burst of freshness.
  • Make dessert dumplings by filling them with sweet fillings like Nutella, fruit preserves, or chocolate chips.

Recipe overview

Dive into the world of Asian cuisine with this traditional Dumplings recipe! Dumplings are a popular dish in many Asian cultures, with each rendition spotlighting its own unique fillings and flavors. This recipe centers around a savory pork filling, mingled with aromatic scallions, garlic, and ginger, all encased in a tender homemade dough. The dumplings are first fried till golden, then steamed to perfection, resulting in a beautiful combination of crispy and soft textures. Expect a hands-on cooking experience, as you'll be kneading dough, crafting dumplings, and managing a two-part cooking process. The end result is a delightful plate of dumplings that are equally perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering. Get ready to impress your guests with your culinary skills and this flavorful, authentic dish!

Common questions

  1. How do I make the dough for the dumplings? In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3/4 cup of boiling water until a dough forms. Knead the dough until smooth, then cover and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
  2. What kind of filling should I use? For this recipe, the filling consists of 1/2 pound of ground pork, 1/4 cup of finely chopped scallions, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
  3. How do I shape the dumplings? Divide the dough into small pieces and roll each one out into a thin circle. Place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges together to seal, creating a dumpling.
  4. How do I cook the dumplings? Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the dumplings and fry until the bottoms are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add a small amount of water to the skillet, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook until the water has evaporated and the dumplings are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
  5. Can I steam the dumplings instead of frying them? Yes, you can steam the dumplings instead of frying them. Place the dumplings in a steamer basket and steam for about 10-12 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
  6. Can I freeze the dumplings? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked dumplings. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. To cook, simply follow the frying or steaming instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling pin - Used for rolling out the dough into thin circles.
  • Large skillet - Used for frying the dumplings and cooking them with water.
  • Bowl - Used for mixing the flour, water, and pork mixture.
  • Spoon - Used for measuring and mixing ingredients.
  • Knife - Used for chopping scallions and mincing garlic and ginger.
  • Cutting board - Used for chopping ingredients and assembling the dumplings.

Origin stories

Dumplings have a profound place in Chinese culinary tradition, tracing their roots back more than 1800 years. As the tale goes, a famous physician named Zhang Zhongjian returned to his home village during the winter, after a long absence. He found that many of his fellow villagers were suffering from the cold and showing early signs of frostbite, especially around their ears. To remedy this, Zhang cooked up a batch of mutton, chili, and healing herbs, wrapped the mixture in scraps of dough, and shaped them to look like little ears. After steaming them, he distributed these 'ear dumplings' to his villagers to keep them warm and cure the frostbite. Thus, the dumpling was born! Over time, these tasty morsels have evolved and diversified, becoming a staple of meals, a must-have at celebratory feasts, and a symbol of home and warmth.

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.