Gow Gees

Gow Gees Recipe - Chinese Mushroom Shrimp Wontons

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Gow Gees, also known as potstickers or dumplings, are a popular Chinese dish that is enjoyed around the world. These delicious little parcels are filled with a savory mixture of shrimp, pork, vegetables, and seasonings, then wrapped in a thin dough and either steamed, boiled, or fried. In this recipe, we will be deep-frying the gow gees for a crispy and flavorful finish.

History

Gow Gees have a long history in Chinese cuisine, with origins dating back to ancient times. Traditionally, these dumplings were made by hand and served as a special treat during festivals and celebrations. Today, gow gees are enjoyed as a popular appetizer or snack in Chinese restaurants and homes worldwide.

Ingredients

3 Chinese dried mushrooms
3 oz (85 g) shelled, deveined large shrimp
3 oz (85 g) ground pork
2 tbsp finely chopped bamboo shoots, canned or fresh
2 water chestnuts, finely chopped, to make 2 tbsp
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 tsp minced ginger
1 tsp sesame oil
1.5 tsp red wine or rice vinegar
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp granulated sugar
20 round wonton wrappers
4 cups vegetable oil for deep-frying, or as needed

How to prepare

Soften the dried mushrooms by soaking them in warm water for 20 to 30 minutes.
Squeeze out any excess water.
Remove the stems and finely chop.
Soak the shrimp in lightly salted warm water for 5 minutes.
Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
While the mushrooms and shrimp are soaking, prepare the vegetables.
In a medium bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients.
Lay out the wonton wrappers.
Place 1 tsp of filling in the middle.
Moisten all the edges with water (you can also use lightly beaten egg if desired).
Carefully fold the wonton over the filling and seal, crimping the edges as you do so.
Continue with the remaining wonton wrappers until the filling is gone.
Add the oil to the wok and heat it to between 360°F (182°C) and 375°F.
Deep-fry the gow gees, a few at a time, until they are golden brown (2 to 3 minutes).
Use a slotted spoon to remove the gow gees from the oil.
Drain them on paper towels.
Serve the gow gees hot with soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, chili sauce, or your favorite dumpling dipping sauce.

Variations

Substitute the shrimp and pork with chicken or tofu for a different flavor.
Add chopped vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, or mushrooms to the filling for added texture and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly seal the edges of the wonton wrappers to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.

- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for deep-frying to ensure that the gow gees cook evenly and become crispy.

- Serve the gow gees immediately after frying for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Gow gees can be served as an appetizer or snack with dipping sauces such as soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or chili sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying is the cooking technique used in this recipe to achieve crispy and golden-brown gow gees.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or tofu instead of pork for a different protein option.

- Substitute the dried mushrooms with fresh mushrooms or omit them altogether.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the gow gees ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and fry.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the gow gees on a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve gow gees with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover gow gees can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven or toaster oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of gow gees contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of gow gees contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of gow gees contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of gow gees contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Gow gees are a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Gow gees contain shellfish (shrimp) and gluten (wonton wrappers).

Summary

Gow gees are a delicious and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Gow Gees are a delicious and versatile Chinese dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and a flavorful filling, these dumplings are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, and experiment with different fillings and dipping sauces to create your own unique gow gee recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a skilled chef, with a vast collection of recipes passed down through generations. One day, as I was rummaging through her old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded, yellowed card with the words "Gow Gees" scrawled across the top.

Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about the recipe. She smiled and told me that Gow Gees were Chinese dumplings filled with a savory mixture of pork, shrimp, and vegetables. She explained that she had learned the recipe from a friend who had traveled to China many years ago. Eager to try my hand at making these delicious dumplings, I begged my grandmother to teach me the recipe.

And so, on a warm summer afternoon, we set to work in the kitchen. My grandmother patiently guided me through each step of the process, from mixing the dough for the dumpling skins to folding them into delicate little parcels. As we worked, she shared stories of her own experiences with cooking and the joy it had brought her over the years.

I watched in awe as my grandmother expertly filled and shaped each dumpling, her hands moving with a grace that only comes from years of practice. She taught me the importance of patience and precision in cooking, reminding me that good food is always worth the effort.

Finally, after hours of labor, we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The first bite of the steaming hot Gow Gee brought a rush of flavors to my taste buds – the tender pork, the juicy shrimp, the earthy vegetables, all wrapped up in a thin, chewy skin. It was a culinary delight unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that day on, Gow Gees became a staple in our household. I would often spend hours in the kitchen, perfecting my technique and experimenting with different fillings and seasonings. My grandmother would watch me with pride, her eyes sparkling with happiness at seeing her love for cooking passed down to the next generation.

As the years passed, I continued to refine my skills and expand my knowledge of cooking. I learned new techniques and discovered new ingredients, but the recipe for Gow Gees always held a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of the bond between my grandmother and me, and the joy we had shared in the kitchen.

Now, as I sit here reminiscing about that day so long ago, I realize how much I owe to my grandmother and her wisdom in the kitchen. The recipe for Gow Gees may have been written on a simple card, but it represents so much more – a legacy of love, tradition, and the simple pleasure of sharing a delicious meal with family and friends.

And so, whenever I make Gow Gees now, I do it with a heart full of gratitude for the woman who taught me the true meaning of cooking. I hope that one day, I can pass on this recipe and all the joy that comes with it to future generations, just as my grandmother did for me.