Northeastern Chinese Style Molote

Ingredients

In the original Molote, the filling typically consists of ingredients like potatoes, chorizo, and cheese. However, in this Northeastern Chinese adaptation, the filling is made with ground pork, cabbage, ginger, and garlic, which are commonly used in Northeastern Chinese cuisine. The cooking technique is also modified from deep-frying to steaming, which is a popular method in Chinese cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Molote, so you can check it out.

• 1 pound (450g) ground pork 1 pound (450g) ground pork
• 2 cups (300g) finely chopped cabbage 2 cups (300g) finely chopped cabbage
• 2 tablespoons minced ginger 2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon 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 dumpling wrappers 30 dumpling wrappers
• Vegetable oil, for greasing steamer Vegetable oil, for greasing steamer

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped cabbage, minced ginger, minced garlic, 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. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. 3.
   Grease a steamer basket with vegetable oil to prevent the dumplings from sticking. Arrange the dumplings in a single layer in the steamer basket, leaving some space between them.
4. 4.
   Place the steamer basket over a pot of boiling water and steam the dumplings for about 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through and the dumpling wrappers are tender.
5. 5.
   Carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot and transfer the dumplings to a serving plate.
6. 6.
   Serve the Northeastern Chinese Style Molote hot with a dipping sauce made from a combination of 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.
• Ginger — Fresh ginger adds a vibrant flavor. Grate or mince it finely for the best results.
• Garlic — Use fresh garlic cloves and mince them finely to release their full flavor.
• 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 steamer, lightly grease the steamer basket with vegetable oil.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or a few drops of chili oil to the filling mixture.
• Serve the dumplings with a side of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil for dipping.
• You can make a large batch of dumplings and freeze them for later use. Just place the uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for storage.
• Experiment with different fillings by adding ingredients like mushrooms, scallions, or water chestnuts for extra texture and flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Northeastern Chinese Style Molote as an appetizer or as part of a dim sum spread. Arrange the steamed dumplings on a platter and garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro for a fresh touch. Provide small bowls of dipping sauce alongside the dumplings for guests to enjoy.

Presentation advice

Arrange the steamed dumplings in a circular pattern on a serving platter, with the dipping sauce in the center. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an attractive presentation. The vibrant colors of the dumplings and the dipping sauce will make the dish visually appealing.