Thai-inspired Pierogi

Ingredients

While the original Pierogi recipe features a savory filling and is typically served with sour cream, this Thai-inspired version incorporates Thai flavors and spices. The filling is infused with lemongrass, ginger, and Thai basil, and the dumplings are served with a tangy chili dipping sauce. We alse have the original recipe for Pierogi, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup (150g) mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, cabbage) 1 cup (150g) mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, cabbage)
• 1 cup (200g) cooked chicken, shredded 1 cup (200g) cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon Thai basil, chopped 1 tablespoon Thai basil, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water, for sealing dumplings 1/4 cup (60ml) water, for sealing dumplings
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and onion. Sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the mixed vegetables and cooked chicken to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, Thai basil, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the filling mixture and stir well to combine. Remove from heat and let it cool.
5. 5.
   Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough.
6. 6.
   Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Moisten the edges with water and fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal.
7. 7.
   In a large pot of boiling water, cook the dumplings in batches for about 5 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain.
8. 8.
   Heat some vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the dumplings until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
9. 9.
   Serve the Thai-inspired Pierogi hot with a side of chili dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Remove the tough outer layers before finely chopping the tender inner part.
• Thai basil — If you can't find Thai basil, regular basil can be used as a substitute.
• Fish sauce — If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute with soy sauce or tamari.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.
• If the dough becomes too sticky, dust it with a little flour while rolling it out.
• Experiment with different fillings such as shrimp, tofu, or mushrooms to suit your taste.
• Serve the dumplings with a side of Thai sweet chili sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Leftover dumplings can be frozen and reheated in a steamer or microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Thai-inspired Pierogi as a main course or as an appetizer. Garnish with fresh Thai basil leaves and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dumplings on a platter, showcasing their golden brown color. Drizzle the chili dipping sauce over the dumplings or serve it in a small bowl on the side for dipping.