Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these juicy and crispy pork dumplings! Packed with a savory filling and wrapped in delicate dough, they’re perfect for a cozy night in or impressing friends at your next gathering. Let’s dive into this fun and delicious project that your taste buds are going to thank you for!
Budget Information
The total cost for this pork dumpling recipe is approximately $15.00, making each serving about $2.50 based on six servings. Eating delicious, homemade dumplings doesn’t have to break the bank!
Why This Recipe Works
This pork dumpling recipe stands out because it’s all about balance: savory pork, fresh veggies, and umami-rich sauces come together to create mouthwatering bites that are easy and satisfying to make. Plus, the combination of searing and steaming gives the dumplings a delightful texture—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Trust me, once you master these, you’ll want to whip them up on repeat!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need:
– Ground pork (1 pound, $4.99) – For a leaner option, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey.
– Cabbage (1 small head, $1.50) – You can use bok choy or napa cabbage if you prefer.
– Ginger (1 tablespoon, $0.30) – Fresh is best, but ground ginger works in a pinch.
– Green onions (2, $0.50) – You can swap these with chives for a milder taste.
– Garlic (3 cloves, $0.30) – Fresh garlic adds a nice kick, but garlic powder is an emergency fallback.
– Soy sauce (2 tablespoons, $0.10) – Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free substitutes.
– Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon, $0.15) – You can use apple cider vinegar for a different twist.
– Dumpling wrappers (1 package, $2.50) – If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own from scratch!
– Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, $0.20) – Any cooking oil works here, like canola or olive oil.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the cabbage. Take a small head of cabbage and chop it into thin strips. Then, slice the strips into short pieces. Sprinkle the chopped cabbage with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will help to draw out excess moisture. Once the time is up, squeeze out as much liquid as you can; you want your filling to be packed with flavor, not water!
Step 2: Make the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine your ground pork, the drained cabbage, a tablespoon of ginger, diced green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar. Just dive in with your hands and really mix it up until everything is well combined. This is where the magic happens!
Step 3: Set up your dumpling-making station. Gather your dumpling wrappers, a bowl filled with water for sealing, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and your filling mixture. A clean flat surface is perfect for assembling your dumplings; a wooden board or clean countertop works wonders!
Step 4: Fill your dumplings. Grab three dumpling wrappers at a time. In the center of each wrapper, place about a tablespoon of your flavorful filling. Now, dip your finger into the bowl of water and moisten the edges of the wrapper—just a light touch; you want them damp, not soaking. This helps to seal them later.
Step 5: Seal those beauties. Carefully fold the dumpling wrapper in half over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal. You can get fancy with pleats if you like, but honestly, a solid pinch will do just fine! Place your finished dumplings on the prepared baking sheet, ready to cook.
Step 6: Sear to perfection. Heat up some vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add your dumplings to the skillet and let them cook for a few minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and deliciously crispy. Don’t crowd the pan; this is where the magic of caramelization happens!
Step 7: Steam them up. Once they’re beautifully browned, carefully pour about half a cup of water into the skillet and immediately cover it with a lid. Lower the heat to medium-low and let them steam for about 5-7 minutes. This will cook the pork through without losing that lovely crispy bottom.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy! Transfer those gorgeous dumplings to a serving plate and serve them piping hot with your favorite dipping sauce—soy sauce, chili oil, or even a squeeze of lime if you’re feeling adventurous. You deserve these tasty little bundles of joy!
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 220
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Total Fats: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 450mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover dumplings (if!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply steam them again or place them in a hot skillet with a splash of water to warm up and re-crisp the bottoms. If you want to freeze them before cooking, just arrange the uncooked dumplings on a tray in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful dumplings alongside a light salad or some stir-fried veggies for a complete meal. They also pair wonderfully with a hot bowl of soup, perfect for cozy nights or fun gatherings. Feel free to provide a variety of dipping sauces for guests to choose from; it makes the meal interactive and extra fun!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Don’t worry if your dumpling folding technique isn’t perfect at first; practice makes perfect! You can also experiment with different fillings like shrimp, vegetables, or even tofu! If the wrappers dry out while you’re working, cover them with a damp cloth to keep them pliable. Get ready to impress yourself with how delicious these little pockets of flavor can be!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make dumplings without meat?
Absolutely! You can create delicious vegetarian dumplings by using a variety of vegetables, or tofu with seasonings, for the filling.
Can I use store-bought dumpling wrappers?
Yes, store-bought wrappers are an excellent shortcut. They save time and still taste fantastic!
How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
The filling should be steaming hot, and the dumplings will be slightly translucent on the edges when fully cooked.
Can I prepare dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead and freeze them uncooked for a quick meal later. Just adjust the cooking time when you cook them from frozen.
What’s the best way to serve dumplings?
Serve them hot with a variety of dipping sauces. Soy sauce mixed with chili paste, or a vinegar-based sauce, are always crowd favorites!
