Homestyle Sichuan Dumplings

Ingredients

• For the dumpling wrappers: For the dumpling wrappers:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine) 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• For the chili oil: For the chili oil:
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons chili flakes 2 tablespoons chili flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For serving: For serving:
• Chopped green onions, for garnish Chopped green onions, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, water, and salt for the dumpling wrappers. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground pork, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, salt, and white pepper for the filling. Stir until well combined.
3. 3.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough.
4. 4.
   Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the circle in half and pinch the edges to seal the dumpling.
5. 5.
   In a large pot of boiling water, cook the dumplings for about 5-6 minutes or until they float to the surface and the filling is cooked through.
6. 6.
   While the dumplings are cooking, prepare the chili oil. In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the Sichuan peppercorns, chili flakes, minced garlic, sesame oil, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil is fragrant and the chili flakes are slightly toasted.
7. 7.
   Remove the cooked dumplings from the pot using a slotted spoon and place them on a serving plate. Drizzle the chili oil over the dumplings and garnish with chopped green onions.
8. 8.
   Serve the Homestyle Sichuan Dumplings hot and enjoy the fiery flavors of Sichuan cuisine.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sichuan peppercorns — Toast the peppercorns in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant before grinding them. This enhances their flavor.
• Shaoxing wine — If you don't have Shaoxing wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry or rice vinegar for a similar flavor profile.
• Chili flakes — Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Dumpling wrappers — If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour to make the dumpling wrappers. Alternatively, you can skip the wrappers and enjoy the filling as a spicy pork stir-fry.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground pork with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu.
• To save time, you can use store-bought dumpling wrappers instead of making them from scratch.
• Serve the dumplings with a side of black vinegar for a tangy contrast to the spiciness.
• Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili oil drizzled over the dumplings.
• Leftover dumplings can be pan-fried for a crispy texture the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Homestyle Sichuan Dumplings as an appetizer or as part of a larger Chinese meal. They pair well with a bowl of steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dumplings on a platter, drizzle the chili oil over them, and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a vibrant and appetizing presentation. Serve them with small dipping bowls filled with black vinegar and soy sauce for an authentic touch.