Caribbean Chinese Dumplings

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Guotie to Caribbean Chinese cuisine, we incorporate Caribbean spices and flavors to give the dish a distinct Caribbean twist. The original Chinese dumplings are typically filled with a mixture of ground pork, cabbage, and ginger, while our Caribbean Chinese Dumplings feature a filling of ground pork, shrimp, Caribbean spices, and fresh herbs. The addition of ingredients like thyme, Scotch bonnet pepper, and fresh herbs infuses the dumplings with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. We alse have the original recipe for Guotie, so you can check it out.

• 1 pound (450g) ground pork 1 pound (450g) ground pork
• 1/2 pound (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 pound (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 scallions, finely chopped 2 scallions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped 1 teaspoon Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 30 dumpling wrappers 30 dumpling wrappers
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a food processor, pulse the shrimp until finely chopped. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. 2.
   Add ground pork, garlic, ginger, scallions, thyme, Scotch bonnet pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the chopped shrimp. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. 3.
   Take a dumpling wrapper and place a spoonful of the filling in the center. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water and fold it in half, pressing the edges together to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
4. 4.
   Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the dumplings in the skillet, flat side down, and cook until the bottoms are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
5. 5.
   Pour 1/4 cup (60ml) of water into the skillet and cover immediately. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through and the water has evaporated.
6. 6.
   Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes to crisp up the bottoms of the dumplings.
7. 7.
   Serve the Caribbean Chinese Dumplings hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to pulse the shrimp in a food processor until finely chopped to ensure a consistent texture in the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper in the filling.
• Serve the dumplings with a dipping sauce made from a combination of soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of honey for a tangy and sweet flavor.
• To save time, you can make the filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• Experiment with different shapes for the dumplings, such as pleating the edges or folding them into half-moons, to add visual appeal.
• If you're not a fan of pork, you can substitute it with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

Serving advice

Serve the Caribbean Chinese Dumplings as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal. They pair well with a side of steamed rice or a refreshing Asian-inspired slaw.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dumplings on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, and serve with the dipping sauce on the side. The vibrant colors of the filling and the crispy bottoms of the dumplings will make for an enticing presentation.