Homemade Pan-Fried Dumplings

Ingredients

• 300g (10.5 oz) ground pork 300g (10.5 oz) ground pork
• 1 cup (150g) finely chopped cabbage 1 cup (150g) finely chopped cabbage
• 2 green onions, finely chopped 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy 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 round dumpling wrappers 30 round dumpling wrappers
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   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. Pleat the edges of the dumpling to create a decorative pattern, if desired. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. 3.
   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 for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
4. 4.
   Pour 1/4 cup of water into the skillet and immediately cover with a lid. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and the water has evaporated.
5. 5.
   Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the bottoms of the dumplings are crispy and golden brown. Transfer the dumplings to a serving plate.
6. 6.
   Repeat the cooking process with the remaining dumplings, adding more oil as needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the homemade pan-fried dumplings hot with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground pork — Make sure to use lean ground pork for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute it with ground chicken or turkey.
• Cabbage — Finely chop the cabbage to ensure it cooks evenly and blends well with the other ingredients.
• Dumpling wrappers — You can find pre-made dumpling wrappers at Asian grocery stores or make your own using a simple dough recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the dumplings from sticking to the pan, make sure the skillet is well-oiled before adding the dumplings.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground pork with crumbled tofu or mushrooms.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce or black vinegar for a unique flavor experience.
• Freeze any leftover uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Serve the dumplings with a side of steamed vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the homemade pan-fried dumplings as an appetizer or as a main course accompanied by steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden dumplings on a platter, showcasing their pleated edges. Serve them with the dipping sauce in a small bowl placed in the center for easy access. Consider adding a sprig of fresh cilantro or a slice of red chili as a garnish to enhance the presentation.