Steamed Chinese Dumplings

Steamed Chinese Dumplings Recipe - Authentic Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4

Introduction

Steamed Chinese Dumplings are a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, known for their delicate wrappers and flavorful fillings. These dumplings are a staple in dim sum restaurants and are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

History

The origins of Chinese dumplings can be traced back to ancient China, where they were traditionally made during the Chinese New Year as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of fillings, from pork and cabbage to shrimp and chives.

Ingredients

100 (3.5-inch square) wonton wrappers
1.75 lb (794 g) ground pork
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger root
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp thinly sliced green onion
4 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp sesame oil
1 beaten egg
5 cups finely shredded chinese cabbage

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine the pork, ginger, garlic, green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, egg, and cabbage.
Stir until well mixed.
Place 1 heaping teaspoon of pork filling onto each wonton skin.
Moisten edges with water and fold edges over to form a triangle shape.
Roll edges slightly to seal in the filling.
Set dumplings aside on a lightly floured surface until ready to cook.
To cook: steam dumplings in a covered bamboo or metal steamer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute the pork with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
Add chopped shrimp or water chestnuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Use different vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or spinach in the filling for a vegetarian version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to seal the edges of the dumplings tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during steaming.

- Use a bamboo or metal steamer to cook the dumplings, as this will help them cook evenly and retain their shape.

- Serve the dumplings immediately after steaming for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Steamed Chinese Dumplings can be served with a side of soy sauce, chili oil, or black vinegar for dipping. They can also be enjoyed with a bowl of hot and sour soup or a side of steamed vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Steamed Chinese Dumplings are traditionally cooked by steaming in a covered bamboo or metal steamer. This gentle cooking method helps the dumplings retain their shape and texture while allowing the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have wonton wrappers, you can use gyoza wrappers or homemade dumpling dough. You can also substitute the pork with ground chicken, turkey, or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the dumplings ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble the dumplings just before steaming to ensure they are fresh and flavorful.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the steamed dumplings on a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a decorative touch. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce and a sprinkle of chili flakes for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Steamed Chinese Dumplings pair well with a variety of dishes, such as fried rice, stir-fried noodles, or hot and sour soup. They also go well with a cold beer, green tea, or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Steamed Chinese Dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam the dumplings for a few minutes until heated through, or pan-fry them in a bit of oil until crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Steamed Chinese Dumplings contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Steamed Chinese Dumplings contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Steamed Chinese Dumplings contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Steamed Chinese Dumplings contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Steamed Chinese Dumplings contain soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Steamed Chinese Dumplings are a balanced meal, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for a meal or snack.

Summary

Steamed Chinese Dumplings are a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course. With a flavorful pork filling and delicate wrappers, these dumplings are sure to impress your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Steamed Chinese Dumplings. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mei, in her cozy kitchen. Mei was a fantastic cook, and her dumplings were always a hit at our gatherings. I remember watching her deftly fold the dumpling wrappers around the savory pork and vegetable filling, creating little masterpieces that would soon be steamed to perfection.

As I watched Mei work her magic, I knew I had to learn how to make these delicious dumplings myself. I asked her if she would be willing to teach me, and she agreed with a smile. She handed me a pen and a piece of paper and began to dictate the recipe to me. I carefully wrote down each step, making sure not to miss a single detail.

The first step was to make the filling. Mei explained that the key to a good dumpling filling was to finely chop the ingredients so that they would cook evenly and blend together perfectly. She showed me how to mince the pork and vegetables, adding just the right amount of seasonings to create a harmonious balance of flavors.

Next, Mei taught me how to make the dumpling wrappers from scratch. She mixed flour and water together to form a smooth dough, then rolled it out into thin circles. Watching her expertly cut out the wrappers and fill them with the flavorful pork mixture was like watching an artist at work.

Finally, it was time to steam the dumplings. Mei placed them carefully in a bamboo steamer, making sure to leave enough space between each one so that they wouldn't stick together. She then placed the steamer over a pot of boiling water and let the dumplings cook until they were tender and juicy.

As the fragrant steam filled the kitchen, my mouth watered in anticipation. Mei lifted the lid of the steamer, revealing the glistening dumplings inside. They looked so perfect, with their pleated edges and golden brown bottoms. I couldn't wait to taste them.

Mei handed me a plate of dumplings, along with a small dish of soy sauce for dipping. I took a bite and was instantly transported to culinary heaven. The flavors of the pork, vegetables, and seasonings melded together beautifully, creating a symphony of taste sensations in my mouth.

I thanked Mei profusely for teaching me how to make such a wonderful dish. She smiled and told me that the secret ingredient in all great recipes was love. She said that when you cook with love and passion, your food will always turn out delicious.

From that day on, I made Steamed Chinese Dumplings a regular part of my cooking repertoire. I would often invite friends and family over to share in the joy of these delectable dumplings, just as Mei had done for me.

As the years went by, I collected many more recipes from various places and people, each one adding to my culinary knowledge and repertoire. But the recipe for Steamed Chinese Dumplings will always hold a special place in my heart, as it was the dish that taught me the true meaning of cooking with love. And for that, I will always be grateful to my dear friend, Mei.