Steamed Pork Dumplings

Steamed Pork Dumplings Recipe from Cambodia with Wonton Pastry Squares, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Fresh Ginger

Region / culture: Cambodia | Servings: 4

Introduction

Steamed Pork Dumplings are a popular and delicious dish in Chinese cuisine. These dumplings are filled with a flavorful mixture of minced pork, prawns, mushrooms, and seasonings, then wrapped in a thin wonton pastry and steamed to perfection. They make a great appetizer or main course and are sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Steamed Pork Dumplings have a long history in Chinese cuisine and are a traditional dish enjoyed during festivals and celebrations. The origins of the recipe can be traced back to ancient China, where dumplings were considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Today, they are enjoyed all over the world and are a favorite among food lovers everywhere.

Ingredients

1 packet of wonton pastry squares
25 small school prawns (optional)

Dumpling filling

6 dried shiitake mushrooms
250 g / 8 oz minced pork
250 g / 8 oz raw prawns, shelled and deveined
1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
6 tbsp finely chopped spring onions (scallions)
6 tbsp finely chopped canned water chestnuts
0.5 tsp salt or to taste
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tsp Oriental sesame oil

How to prepare

Soak the mushrooms in very hot water for 30 minutes.
Squeeze out the excess liquid, discard the stems, and finely chop the caps.
Put the mushrooms and pork into a bowl with the prawns, finely chopped.
Add ginger, spring onions, water chestnuts, salt, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Thoroughly mix the ingredients with your hands to combine and distribute the seasonings.
Place a heaped teaspoon of the filling on a square of pastry and gather the pastry around the filling, leaving the top open like a little drawstring purse.
If desired, place a shelled small prawn on top of each dumpling, pressing it down firmly onto the filling.
Brush strips of greaseproof paper with sesame oil and place them in a steamer.
Arrange the dumplings on the paper and steam them over boiling water for 15 minutes.
Serve the dumplings warm with soy or chili sauce for dipping.

Variations

You can customize the filling of the dumplings by adding different ingredients such as cabbage, carrots, or bamboo shoots. You can also make vegetarian dumplings by using tofu or mushrooms as a substitute for the meat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the ingredients for the filling to ensure a uniform texture.

- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

- Seal the dumplings tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during steaming.

- Steam the dumplings over boiling water for the best results.

- Serve the dumplings warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious meal.

Serving Suggestions

Steamed Pork Dumplings can be served as an appetizer or main course. They pair well with soy sauce, chili sauce, or a spicy dipping sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Steamed Pork Dumplings are traditionally steamed, but you can also pan-fry or boil them for a different texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the pork with chicken or beef for a different flavor. You can also use store-bought dumpling wrappers instead of making your own.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the dumplings ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also freeze the dumplings before steaming and cook them when needed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Steamed Pork Dumplings on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or sesame seeds for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Steamed Pork Dumplings pair well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Steamed Pork Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a steamer or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Steamed Pork Dumplings contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Steamed Pork Dumplings contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Steamed Pork Dumplings contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Steamed Pork Dumplings contains approximately 20g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Steamed Pork Dumplings contain shellfish (prawns) and gluten (wonton pastry).

Summary

Steamed Pork Dumplings are a delicious and nutritious dish that is high in proteins and vitamins. They make a great addition to any meal and are sure to satisfy your cravings for Chinese cuisine.

Summary

Steamed Pork Dumplings are a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or main course, these dumplings are sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Steamed Pork Dumplings. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Lily in her cozy little kitchen. As we chatted over a cup of tea, she suddenly got up and rummaged through her collection of cookbooks.

"I have a special recipe I want to share with you," she said with a smile, pulling out a worn and stained piece of paper. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations."

I watched with curiosity as she laid out the ingredients and began to explain the process of making these delicious dumplings. The combination of tender pork, aromatic garlic, and savory spices made my mouth water as she described each step.

After hours of preparation and careful folding, we finally sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The dumplings were perfectly steamed, with a delicate wrapper that encased a flavorful filling. With each bite, I could taste the love and tradition that had gone into creating this dish.

From that day on, I knew I had to learn how to make these dumplings for myself. I spent countless hours practicing the art of folding and steaming, determined to perfect the recipe just like Lily had.

Over the years, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different seasonings and ingredients to create a unique flavor profile. I even shared the recipe with my own family, who eagerly devoured each batch that came out of my kitchen.

As I look back on that fateful day in Lily's kitchen, I realize that learning how to make Steamed Pork Dumplings was not just about mastering a recipe. It was about preserving a piece of culinary history and passing down a tradition that has brought joy and comfort to countless people.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of sizzling pork and fragrant spices, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The laughter shared with friends, the quiet moments of solitude spent perfecting each fold, and the satisfaction of seeing my loved ones smile as they bite into a freshly steamed dumpling.

In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, it is comforting to know that some things will always remain the same. The simple pleasure of sharing a meal with loved ones, the warmth that comes from a homemade dish, and the joy that comes from carrying on a tradition that has been passed down through generations.

So as I take a bite of a freshly steamed dumpling, I am filled with gratitude for the recipe that brought me so much joy and connection. And I know that no matter where life takes me, I will always have the comfort of knowing that I can recreate that magic in my own kitchen, one dumpling at a time.