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Easy Traditional Chinese Dumplings

Easy Traditional Chinese Dumplings

Juicy pork-and-cabbage dumplings with a tangy soy-vinegar dip. Boil or pan-fry for a crispy-bottomed treat.
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Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 14 oz round dumpling wrappers about 40–45 wrappers
  • 3 cup napa cabbage finely chopped
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt for salting cabbage
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 0.5 cup scallions thinly sliced
  • 1.5 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 tsp garlic minced
  • 2.5 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce for filling
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1.5 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
  • 0.5 tsp ground white pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1.5 tbsp cornstarch
  • 0.25 cup water for sealing edges
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil for pan-frying option
  • 0.5 cup water for steaming pan-fried dumplings
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce for dipping
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar for dipping
  • 1 tbsp chili oil for dipping
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds optional, for dipping

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Chop cabbage, toss with salt, and rest 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
  • Squeeze cabbage very dry, then set aside.
  • Combine pork, scallions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, wine, sugar, pepper, and cornstarch.
  • Stir filling in one direction until tacky, then fold in cabbage. Chill 10 minutes.
  • Set up wrappers, a damp towel, and small bowl of water.
  • Spoon 1 tablespoon filling onto a wrapper. Moisten rim, fold, and pleat to seal. Cover finished dumplings.
  • Boil method: Cook dumplings in plenty of boiling water until floating, then 2–3 minutes more. Drain well.
  • Pan-fry option: Brown in oil, add water, cover to steam until cooked, then uncover to crisp bottoms.
  • Stir soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame seeds for dipping.
  • Serve dumplings hot with dipping sauce.

Notes

Variation: Swap in half ground chicken or add chopped shrimp for a lighter filling. For potstickers, pan-fry then steam to finish. Freeze uncooked dumplings on a sheet pan, then bag; boil from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Traditional Chinese Dumplings flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.