Delicious Homemade Dumplings: Perfect for a Cozy Dinner
Dumplings are a delightful comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. These soft, doughy bites, filled with savory ingredients, make for a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether steamed, boiled, or pan-fried, dumplings are versatile and can be paired with a wide range of dipping sauces and sides. In this recipe, we will make classic pork and vegetable dumplings from scratch, ensuring a delightful experience in both the preparation and the eating.
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Filling:
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying, if desired)
- Water (for boiling, if desired)
Dipping Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the hot water and vegetable oil, and stir until a rough dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30-60 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine ground pork, chopped cabbage, green onions, ginger, and garlic.
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Assemble the Dumplings:
- Cut the rested dough into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long log and cut into 12-15 small pieces.
- Roll each small piece into a ball, then flatten each ball with a rolling pin to form a small circle, about 3 inches in diameter.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling onto the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges to make a decorative pattern if desired.
4. Cook the Dumplings:
- For Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add dumplings in batches and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they float to the top. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain.
- For Pan-Frying: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the dumplings in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet and cover. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the water has evaporated and the dumplings are cooked through.
5. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil (if using), and chopped green onions.
- Mix well and serve alongside the dumplings.
Enjoy your homemade dumplings with the tangy and savory dipping sauce for an utterly satisfying meal!