Shiitake Pot Stickers with Sesame Dipping Sauce

Shiitake Pot Stickers with Sesame Dipping Sauce Recipe - Traditional Chinese Cuisine

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

Introduction

Shiitake Pot Stickers with Sesame Dipping Sauce is a delicious and savory dish that combines the earthy flavors of shiitake mushrooms with the nutty taste of sesame oil. These crispy dumplings are perfect for appetizers or as a main course.

History

Pot stickers, also known as dumplings, have been a popular dish in Chinese cuisine for centuries. Traditionally, they are filled with a mixture of meat and vegetables, then pan-fried to create a crispy exterior. This recipe puts a twist on the classic pot sticker by using shiitake mushrooms and tofu as the main filling ingredients.

Ingredients

1 oz (28 g) dried shiitake mushrooms
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
0.33 cup minced leeks, white and green parts
0.33 cup minced scallions, white and green parts
5 canned water chestnuts, minced
2 tbsp tamari soy sauce
1 tbsp chinese rice wine or dry sherry
3 oz (85 g) pressed tofu
24 round wonton wrappers
cornstarch for dusting
peanut oil for cooking
sesame Dipping Sauce

How to prepare

Place the dried mushrooms in a medium-sized bowl and cover with 2 cups of boiling water. Let them sit for 20 to 30 minutes, or until softened. Drain and discard the liquid.
Mince the mushrooms.
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the ginger for about 30 seconds, then add the mushrooms and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the leeks, scallions, water chestnuts, and tamari soy sauce. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Mince the tofu in a food processor and add it to the mushroom mixture. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and dust it with cornstarch.
To assemble, place a wrapper on a work surface and keep the unused wrappers under plastic wrap. Put 2 to 3 tbsp of filling in the middle of the wrapper. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water. Fold the wrapper in half over the filling, pinching it shut at the center.
Starting from the right side of the sealed edge and working towards the midpoint, pinch small pleats in the wrapper edges.
Repeat the previous step from the left side. Place the pot sticker on the cookie sheet. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Dust each pot sticker with cornstarch.
Heat 1 tbsp of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
Arrange 8 pot stickers, pleat side up, in the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn dark golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat if needed.
Wipe the pan with paper toweling and repeat the previous step.
Serve immediately or place the pot stickers on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them loosely with foil.
Keep the pot stickers warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven.
Serve with Sesame Dipping Sauce.

Variations

Substitute shiitake mushrooms with other types of mushrooms, such as cremini or button mushrooms.
Add minced garlic or chili paste to the filling for extra flavor.
Use ground pork or chicken instead of tofu for a meatier filling.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly drain the soaked shiitake mushrooms before mincing them to remove excess moisture.

- Use a food processor to finely mince the tofu for a smoother texture in the filling.

- Dusting the pot stickers with cornstarch before cooking helps create a crispy crust.

- Be careful not to overfill the wrappers to prevent them from bursting during cooking.

- Adjust the heat as needed while cooking the pot stickers to ensure they are evenly browned and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shiitake Pot Stickers with Sesame Dipping Sauce as an appetizer or as a main course with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Pan-frying the pot stickers creates a crispy crust while keeping the filling moist and flavorful. Make sure to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have shiitake mushrooms, you can use other types of mushrooms or vegetables in the filling. Tofu can be replaced with ground meat or shrimp for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the pot stickers ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and cook. Leftover pot stickers can be frozen and reheated later.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cooked pot stickers on a platter and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a decorative touch. Serve them with the Sesame Dipping Sauce on the side for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Shiitake Pot Stickers pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a spicy peanut sauce. They also go well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover pot stickers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Shiitake Pot Stickers contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Shiitake Pot Stickers contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Shiitake Pot Stickers contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Shiitake Pot Stickers contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B6, and iron. Tofu provides calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and sesame oil, which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to check for any food allergies before consuming.

Summary

Shiitake Pot Stickers are a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for a meal or snack.

Summary

Shiitake Pot Stickers with Sesame Dipping Sauce are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and a savory filling, these dumplings are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them as an appetizer or as a main course, and don't forget to dip them in the delicious Sesame Dipping Sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Shiitake Pot Stickers with Sesame Dipping Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting Chinatown in San Francisco with my dear friend Mei Ling. We were wandering through the bustling streets, marveling at the vibrant colors and exotic smells that surrounded us.

As we passed by a small food stall, a delicious aroma wafted towards us, drawing us in like a magnet. The stall was filled with an array of steaming dumplings and savory sauces, and the sight of them made my mouth water. Mei Ling, who was always adventurous when it came to trying new foods, insisted that we stop and sample some of the dumplings. I hesitated at first, unsure of what to expect, but eventually gave in to her enthusiasm.

We each ordered a plate of the Shiitake Pot Stickers and sat down at a nearby table to enjoy our meal. The first bite was a revelation - the dumplings were perfectly crispy on the outside, with a juicy and flavorful filling of shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, and garlic on the inside. The accompanying sesame dipping sauce added a nutty richness that complemented the dumplings perfectly.

I was completely captivated by the flavors and textures of the dish, and I knew immediately that I had to learn how to make it myself. Mei Ling, sensing my excitement, asked the owner of the stall for the recipe. To my surprise and delight, he was more than happy to share it with us.

As I scribbled down the ingredients and instructions on a napkin, I felt a sense of gratitude towards this kind stranger for giving me the gift of his recipe. Little did I know at the time that this simple act of generosity would set me on a path to discovering a whole world of new flavors and culinary techniques.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients and getting to work in my kitchen. The process of making the pot stickers was both challenging and rewarding - from shaping the dough to filling and folding each dumpling by hand, I poured all of my love and care into the dish.

After hours of labor, the pot stickers were finally ready to be cooked. I heated up a pan with a drizzle of oil and carefully placed the dumplings in, listening to the satisfying sizzle as they browned and crisped up. The smell that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor.

When the pot stickers were done, I plated them up and drizzled the sesame dipping sauce over the top. With a sense of anticipation, I took my first bite and was transported back to that sunny day in Chinatown. The flavors were just as delicious as I remembered, and I felt a rush of pride knowing that I had created something so special with my own two hands.

From that moment on, Shiitake Pot Stickers with Sesame Dipping Sauce became a staple in my cooking repertoire. Whenever I made them, I couldn't help but think of the kind stranger who had shared his recipe with me and the wonderful memories I had of that day in Chinatown.

Over the years, I have continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own personal touches and variations to make it truly my own. Each time I make the pot stickers, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting connections.

Now, whenever I cook this dish for my family and friends, I share the story of how I first learned to make it and the journey it has taken me on. And as we sit around the table, enjoying the delicious flavors and warm company, I am grateful for the recipe that has become a part of my culinary legacy.