Authentic Homemade Dumplings: The Ultimate Flavor Experience
Create Delicious, Juicy Dumplings From Scratch!
A timeless favorite that never gets old is a good plate of dumplings! Steamed to perfection and then frozen, they make a fantastic addition to a quick ramen or a satisfying snack anytime. This recipe will guide you through making incredibly flavorful, juicy dumplings right in your own kitchen.
Pork Marinating Ingredients- 2 cups ground pork (preferably with some fat for better flavor)
- 1 tsp salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (like Shaoxing wine or Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp minced ginger
Dumpling Filling Ingredients- 2 cups blanched bean sprouts (squeezed dry)
- 2 portions cooked glass noodles (finely chopped)
- 6 stalks green onions (finely chopped)
- 1/2 block firm tofu (pressed to remove excess water and crumbled)
Seasoning Ingredients- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/3 Tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 3 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cups blanched bean sprouts (squeezed dry)
- 2 portions cooked glass noodles (finely chopped)
- 6 stalks green onions (finely chopped)
- 1/2 block firm tofu (pressed to remove excess water and crumbled)
Seasoning Ingredients- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/3 Tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 3 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The secret to a delicious dumpling filling lies in the pork! Using ground pork with a good balance of fat will significantly enhance the flavor. When buying ground pork, consider this tip for a richer taste.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine 2 cups of ground pork. Add 1 tsp salt, a pinch of black pepper, 2 Tbsp of cooking wine, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, and 1/2 tsp of minced ginger. Gently mix with your hands until well combined and marinated. Ensure the mixture is homogenous for even flavor distribution.
Step 3
Blanch the bean sprouts in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately rinse under cold water. Squeeze out as much water as possible and finely chop them. Finely chop the cooked glass noodles as well. Chop the green onions finely. For the tofu, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and press firmly to remove as much water as possible. Then, crumble the pressed tofu into the bowl with the other ingredients.
Step 4
In a separate bowl, measure and combine all the seasoning ingredients: 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp oyster sauce, 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1/3 Tbsp salt, and 3 Tbsp sesame oil.
Step 5
Whisk the seasoning ingredients together until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the saltiness as needed. Remember, the filling should be slightly saltier than you might think, as the dumpling wrappers themselves have little to no flavor. This ensures the final dumpling is perfectly seasoned.
Step 6
Now, add the marinated ground pork to the bowl containing the prepared filling ingredients.
Step 7
Mix everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Use a spatula or your hands to ensure the pork and vegetables are well incorporated with the seasonings. Your delicious dumpling filling is now ready!
Step 8
For convenience, using store-bought dumpling wrappers is highly recommended, making the process much faster and easier. Have your dumpling wrappers ready. (Perhaps enlist your spouse to handle the wrappers!)
Step 9
It’s time to start shaping the dumplings! Place a generous amount of the prepared filling onto a dumpling wrapper. Fold and pleat the wrapper to seal the filling inside, creating your desired dumpling shape.
Step 10
Voila! Your beautiful homemade dumplings are ready to be cooked. Enjoy the process of creating them!
Step 11
The best way to enjoy fresh dumplings is to steam them immediately. Fill a steamer pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, arrange the dumplings in the steamer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Cover and reduce the heat to medium. Steam for approximately 15 minutes, adjusting the time based on the size of your dumplings.
Step 12
Once steamed, let the dumplings cool slightly before freezing them. This way, you can easily retrieve them from the freezer whenever you crave dumplings. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer initially to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer bag for long-term storage.
Step 13
Savor a bite of these hot, freshly steamed dumplings! The combination of the chewy wrapper and the juicy, flavorful filling is simply divine. Enjoy them while they’re warm and steamy.
Step 14
Looking for a different way to enjoy your steamed dumplings? Try pan-frying them for a crispy texture.
Step 15
Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan and pan-fry the steamed dumplings until golden brown and delightfully crispy. Enjoy the satisfying crunch!
Step 16
Serve both the chewy steamed dumplings and the crispy pan-fried dumplings together for a delightful dumpling feast. It’s a perfect meal to share with family and friends!
Step 17
Create a wonderful mealtime experience with these delicious dumplings. Homemade dumplings, made with care and love, offer a truly special taste.
