Gingery Steamed Dumplings

Gingery Steamed Dumplings Recipe - Vegetarian Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5+ minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Gingery Steamed Dumplings are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of Garden sausage with the spicy kick of fresh ginger. These dumplings are perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a tasty appetizer for a dinner party.

History

Steamed dumplings have been a popular dish in Chinese cuisine for centuries. Traditionally, dumplings are made with a filling of meat, vegetables, and seasonings, wrapped in a thin dough and then steamed or fried. This recipe puts a unique twist on the classic dumpling by using Garden sausage as the main ingredient.

Ingredients

1 package of Garden sausage
Fresh hot-tasting powdered ginger
Kikkoman lite soy sauce
1 package of wonton wrappers
a few Chinese-style pea pods

How to prepare

Warm 4 patties at a time in the microwave for about 30 seconds, until thawed but not too hot to handle.
Place several won ton wrappers on a flat surface. Add a small amount of Garden Sausage (approximately 6 dumplings per patty) in the center of each wrapper. Sprinkle with ginger and soy sauce.
For added variety, place a small slice of pea pod in approximately half of the dumplings.
Seal the won ton wrappers by pinching them closed at the top.
Arrange as many dumplings as possible side by side in a steamer basket placed in a saucepan. If a rice steamer is not available, a saucepan can be used with a small amount of boiling water in the bottom.
Cover the steamer basket and steam for at least 5 minutes.
The won ton wrappers used in this recipe may initially be coated with flour. They are done when they appear moist rather than floury.
Serve the dumplings with small dishes of hot Asian-style mustard and/or light soy sauce.

Variations

Try using different types of sausage or ground meat for the filling.
Add chopped vegetables such as mushrooms, cabbage, or carrots to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thaw the Garden sausage patties before using them in the recipe.

- Be careful not to overfill the dumplings, as this can cause them to burst open during steaming.

- Experiment with different fillings and seasonings to create your own unique dumpling recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Gingery Steamed Dumplings with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They can also be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming is the best cooking technique for this recipe, as it helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the dumplings.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Garden sausage is not available, you can use any type of sausage or ground meat for the filling. You can also substitute the wonton wrappers with dumpling wrappers or homemade dough.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dumplings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to steam. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the steamed dumplings on a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Gingery Steamed Dumplings pair well with a light and refreshing white wine or a cup of hot green tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply steam the dumplings for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Gingery Steamed Dumplings contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Gingery Steamed Dumplings contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Gingery Steamed Dumplings contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Gingery Steamed Dumplings contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Gingery Steamed Dumplings are a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Gingery Steamed Dumplings are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for a quick and easy meal.

Summary

Gingery Steamed Dumplings are a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful filling of Garden sausage and fresh ginger, these dumplings are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Gingery Steamed Dumplings. It was a crisp fall day, the leaves turning shades of red and orange, when I found myself at a bustling farmers market. The air was filled with the scents of fresh produce and baked goods, and I was drawn to a small stand tucked away in a corner.

There, an elderly woman was selling an array of dumplings, each one more delicious-looking than the last. I couldn't resist the temptation and purchased a few to try. As I bit into the first dumpling, a burst of flavors exploded in my mouth - the ginger, the garlic, the soy sauce - it was a symphony of tastes that I had never experienced before.

I was determined to learn the secret behind these delectable treats, so I approached the woman and asked her about the recipe. She smiled warmly and invited me to her home the following day to teach me how to make Gingery Steamed Dumplings.

The next morning, I made my way to her cozy little cottage on the outskirts of town. She greeted me at the door with a wide grin and ushered me into her kitchen, where the scent of ginger and garlic filled the air. She handed me an apron and a rolling pin, and we set to work.

As she guided me through the process of making the dumpling wrappers from scratch, I listened intently to her stories of how she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had learned it from her grandmother before her. The tradition of making Gingery Steamed Dumplings had been passed down through generations in her family, each one adding their own twist to the recipe.

We mixed the ground pork with finely chopped ginger, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, and a dash of sesame oil, creating a fragrant filling that made my mouth water. The woman showed me how to fold the dumplings into perfect little parcels, sealing them with a dab of water before placing them in the steamer.

As we waited for the dumplings to cook, she brewed a pot of hot tea and we sat at her kitchen table, chatting about life, love, and the importance of passing down family recipes. I felt a sense of connection with this woman, as if we were kindred spirits bonded by our love for good food and tradition.

When the dumplings were finally ready, we eagerly opened the steamer and savored the aroma that wafted up from the bamboo basket. The dumplings were perfectly cooked, the wrappers tender and slightly translucent, the filling juicy and bursting with flavor. We dipped them in a tangy soy sauce mixture and enjoyed them with a side of steamed vegetables.

As I bid farewell to the woman that day, she handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe for Gingery Steamed Dumplings, urging me to continue the tradition in my own family. I left her cottage with a full belly and a heart overflowing with gratitude for the experience.

Since that day, I have made Gingery Steamed Dumplings countless times for my family and friends, each batch bringing back memories of that fateful day at the farmers market. The recipe has become a staple in my household, a reminder of the woman who shared her culinary wisdom with me and the bond we forged over a shared love of good food.

And so, as I stand in my kitchen now, surrounded by the aroma of ginger and garlic, I can't help but smile as I fold the dumplings with care, knowing that the tradition will live on in my family for generations to come.