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Growing up as the son of a chef, I often found myself in restaurant kitchens, mesmerized by the craft of cooking. One night at Mr. Lee’s Chinese restaurant, I was invited to learn the art of dumpling-making. With flour-dusted hands, I fumbled through my first pleats under his patient guidance. That night, I discovered that dumplings weren’t just food—they were tradition, culture, and a labor of love.
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Steamed Dumplings
These homemade dumplings are a delightful balance of tender, chewy wrappers and flavorful fillings. Choose from fresh garden vegetables, savory pork, or spicy chicken to suit your taste. The dumplings are gently steamed to perfection, making them a light yet satisfying dish. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, they pair beautifully with soy sauce, chili oil, or a tangy dipping sauce!
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 24 dumplings
- Category: Appetizers
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh Garden Vegetable Filling
- 1 cup finely chopped napa cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup diced mushrooms
- 2 tbsp finely chopped scallions
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Savory Pork Filling
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup finely chopped bok choy
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
- Spicy Chicken Filling
- 1/2 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1/2 cup finely diced bell peppers
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add boiling water, stirring until a dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes on a floured surface until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Fillings: Mix all ingredients for your chosen filling in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Shape the Dumplings: Roll the dough into a long cylinder and cut into 1-inch pieces. Flatten each piece into a thin round wrapper. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold and pleat the edges to seal.
- Steam the Dumplings: Line a bamboo or metal steamer with parchment paper. Arrange dumplings without touching. Steam over boiling water for 8–10 minutes until the wrappers are translucent and fillings are cooked.
