How to Make Authentic Chinese Pork and Cabbage Dumplings

Simple Summary

Delicious homemade Chinese dumplings filled with savory pork and crisp cabbage, perfect for a comforting meal or festive gathering.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 6 (4 dumplings per serving)
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 pound ground pork
• 2 cups finely chopped Napa cabbage
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup water (for steaming)

For the dipping sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix flour and warm water until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, mix ground pork, chopped cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle about 3 inches in diameter.

4. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold in half and pinch edges to seal, creating pleats if desired.

5. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place 8-10 dumplings in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until bottoms are golden brown.

6. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan and cover immediately. Steam for 3-4 minutes until the water evaporates and the dumplings are cooked through.

7. Repeat with remaining dumplings, adding oil as needed.

8. Mix all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

9. Serve hot dumplings with dipping sauce on the side.

Chef's Notes

• For a crispier bottom, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 1/4 cup water and pour into the pan after the initial frying step.
• Dumplings can be frozen before cooking. Arrange on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the steaming time.
• Try substituting ground chicken or finely chopped shrimp for the pork for different variations.
• Leftover dumplings can be reheated in a pan with a little oil or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (4 dumplings): Approximately 350 calories, 20g protein, 30g carbohydrates, 18g fat. These dumplings are a good source of protein and provide essential vitamins and minerals from the cabbage and green onions.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as an appetizer at a Chinese-themed dinner party or as a main course with a side of stir-fried vegetables.
• Pair with a light Chinese beer or jasmine tea for an authentic experience.
• Garnish with additional chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
• For a complete meal, serve alongside hot and sour soup or a refreshing cucumber salad.