Envision this: golden-brown, crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. There’s something wonderfully comforting about a plate of fried dumplings.
These delightful bites are surprisingly easy to make, turning simple ingredients into a beloved treat.
As the dough crisps and the savory filling cooks, the kitchen fills with irresistible aromas.
Let’s bring these delicious dumplings to life and enjoy a taste of comfort in every bite.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 rolling pin
- 1 frying pan
- 1 spatula
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 teaspoon
- 1 plate lined with paper towels
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cabbage, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while making fried dumplings, you can follow this timeline that includes prep work, cooking activities, and additional time for reading the instructions:
- Reading Time: 5 minutes
- Begin by thoroughly reading through the recipe and instructions to understand the process.
- Prep Work: 20 minutes
- 0:00 – 0:05: Gather all equipment and ingredients.
- 0:05 – 0:10: Measure and mix flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- 0:10 – 0:15: Gradually add water to form the dough and knead until smooth.
- 0:15 – 0:20: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Resting Time for Dough: 30 minutes
- During this time, prepare the filling.
- 0:20 – 0:35: Chop cabbage and prepare garlic and ginger.
- 0:35 – 0:45: Mix ground pork, cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in another bowl.
- Assembling Dumplings: 15 minutes
- 0:45 – 1:00: Divide the dough, roll out circles, fill them with the pork mixture, and seal the dumplings.
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- 1:00 – 1:10: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan, fry dumplings until golden, add water, steam, and then crisp up the dumplings.
- Final Steps: 5 minutes
- 1:10 – 1:15: Transfer dumplings to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
Gradually add water to the flour mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
In another bowl, mix ground pork, cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin circle using a rolling pin.
Place a small spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of each dough circle.
Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal the dumpling.
Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Place the dumplings in the pan and fry until the bottoms are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Add a small amount of water to the pan and cover to steam the dumplings for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the lid and continue cooking until all the water has evaporated and the dumplings are crispy.
Transfer the dumplings to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serving Tips
- Soy Sauce and Vinegar Dipping Sauce: A classic accompaniment that enhances the savory flavors of the dumplings.
- Chili Oil: Adds a spicy kick and complements the richness of the pork filling.
- Steamed Vegetables: Offers a fresh and healthy contrast to the fried dumplings.
- Rice: A simple side that balances the flavors and makes for a more filling meal.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with cilantro or green onions for an added burst of freshness and color.
Storage
Store fried dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to maintain their crispy texture before serving.
Freezing
To freeze fried dumplings, allow them to cool completely.
Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for storage.
Reheating
To reheat fried dumplings, use a frying pan over medium heat with a bit of oil to restore crispiness.
Alternatively, steam them briefly to maintain moisture without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Fried dumplings are a delightful appetizer that combines the flavors of savory pork, crunchy cabbage, and aromatic spices in a crispy, golden-brown package.
Preparing them is a rewarding process that requires attention to detail, especially when making the dough and filling.
The key to success lies in rolling the dough thinly and evenly, ensuring each dumpling is well-sealed to prevent any filling from escaping during cooking.
Achieving the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a chewy interior involves frying the dumplings until golden brown, then steaming them to cook the filling thoroughly.
Once the water has evaporated, allowing the dumplings to crisp up again adds a satisfying texture.
Serve your fried dumplings with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy this delightful dish as a starter or a snack, and savor the rich, harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for the Filling?
Yes, you can substitute ground pork with chicken, beef, or turkey. Make certain the meat is finely ground for even cooking. Adjust seasoning ratios, maintaining a balance of flavors. Experiment with added herbs or spices for unique profiles.
Are There Vegetarian Alternatives for the Filling?
You can substitute the filling with 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms, 1/2 cup grated carrots, 1 cup shredded cabbage, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon minced ginger. Sauté vegetables briefly to enhance flavors before using them.
What Type of Dipping Sauce Pairs Best With Fried Dumplings?
For a perfect pairing, blend two tablespoons soy sauce, one tablespoon rice vinegar, and a teaspoon chili oil. This mixture balances salty, tangy, and spicy flavors, enhancing your dish. Adjust proportions according to your taste preference.
How Can I Prevent the Dumplings From Sticking to the Pan?
Guarantee proper oil heat before adding dumplings. Use 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, swirling to coat the pan. Avoid overcrowding; maintain medium heat. For effective non-stick, add water, cover immediately, and steam. Use a non-stick pan.
Is It Possible to Bake Instead of Fry the Dumplings?
You can bake them at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Place dumplings on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake until golden brown. This method reduces oil use, creating a different texture than frying.
Fried Dumplings
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Frying pan
- 1 Spatula
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 teaspoon
- 1 Plate lined with paper towels
Ingredients Â
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cabbage finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 3 tablespoon vegetable oil
InstructionsÂ
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Gradually add water to the flour mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix ground pork, cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin circle using a rolling pin.
- Place a small spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal the dumpling.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Place the dumplings in the pan and fry until the bottoms are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add a small amount of water to the pan and cover to steam the dumplings for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid and continue cooking until all the water has evaporated and the dumplings are crispy.
- Transfer the dumplings to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Notes
