Juicy Steamed Dumplings

Juicy Steamed Dumplings Recipe - Authentic Chinese Flavor

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 18 dumplings

Introduction

Steamed dumplings are a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, known for their juicy and flavorful filling encased in a soft and chewy wrapper. These dumplings are a delicious and satisfying meal or snack that can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce.

History

Steamed dumplings have a long history in Chinese cuisine, dating back to ancient times. They were originally made with a simple dough of flour and water, filled with a mixture of minced meat and vegetables. Over the years, different regions in China have developed their own variations of steamed dumplings, each with their own unique flavors and ingredients.

Ingredients

4.5 cups (500 g) sifted flour
1 lb (500 g) minced lean boneless pork
4 tsp soy sauce
0.5 tsp rice wine
0.5 tsp chopped fresh ginger
2 tsp salt, or to taste
0.5 tsp sugar
4 oz (113 g) (125 ml) sesame oil
0.5 tsp msg

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine the pork, soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, msg, salt, and sugar.
Stir the mixture in one direction until it forms a paste.
Add the sesame oil and mix well.
Gradually pour 9 oz (255 g) (250 ml) of cold water into the flour, stirring to form a dough.
Allow the dough to rest.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead until it becomes firm and elastic.
Knead the dough again and divide it into 0.5 oz (15 g) balls.
Lightly flatten each ball with your hand, then roll it out into a 3 inches (7 to 8 cm) circle, rotating the dough counter-clockwise to ensure the center is slightly thicker than the edges.
Place approximately 1 to 1.5 tbsp (20 g) of filling onto each circle and pinch the edges together to create 18 pleats.
Arrange the dumplings in a steamer and steam over high heat for 5 minutes.

Variations

Vegetarian: Replace the pork filling with a mixture of minced mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables.
Seafood: Use minced shrimp or fish as the filling for a seafood twist on steamed dumplings.
Spicy: Add chopped chili peppers or Sichuan peppercorns to the filling for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- To prevent the dumplings from sticking to the steamer, line it with cabbage leaves or parchment paper.

- Steam the dumplings over high heat for a short amount of time to ensure that they cook through without becoming soggy.

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

Serving Suggestions

Steamed dumplings can be served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. They can also be enjoyed with a side of steamed vegetables or a bowl of rice.

Cooking Techniques

Steamed dumplings are traditionally cooked by steaming them in a bamboo steamer over high heat. This gentle cooking method ensures that the dumplings cook through without becoming dry or tough.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't eat pork, you can use minced chicken, beef, or tofu as a substitute for the filling in steamed dumplings. You can also customize the filling with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling and dough for steamed dumplings ahead of time and assemble them just before steaming. Store the assembled dumplings in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the steamed dumplings on a serving platter and garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for a decorative touch. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

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

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover steamed 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.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of steamed dumplings contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of steamed dumplings contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of steamed dumplings contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of steamed dumplings contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Steamed dumplings are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

Steamed dumplings contain gluten from the flour and soy from the soy sauce.

Summary

Steamed dumplings are a balanced meal that provides carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Steamed dumplings are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a meal or snack. With a juicy filling and a soft wrapper, these dumplings are a popular choice in many Asian cuisines.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold close to my heart. It was a warm summer day, much like today, when I stumbled upon the secret to making the juiciest steamed dumplings I had ever tasted.

I was visiting my dear friend Mrs. Lee, who was known in our community for her delicious homemade dumplings. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of steamed dumplings wafting through the air. Mrs. Lee smiled warmly and invited me to join her at the table.

As we sat down to eat, Mrs. Lee explained that the key to making the perfect steamed dumplings lies in the filling. She had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. Mrs. Lee generously shared her family recipe with me, knowing how much I loved to cook and how eager I was to learn her secrets.

I watched intently as Mrs. Lee demonstrated how to mix the ground pork with finely chopped vegetables, seasonings, and a splash of soy sauce. She explained that the secret to the juiciness of the dumplings was in the precise measurements and the perfect balance of flavors. As she expertly folded the dough around the filling, shaping each dumpling into a delicate little parcel, I couldn't wait to try my hand at making them myself.

Mrs. Lee patiently guided me through each step of the process, from preparing the dough to steaming the dumplings to perfection. She emphasized the importance of patience and attention to detail, reminding me that cooking is a labor of love that requires time and dedication.

As we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor, I took my first bite of the steamed dumplings and was immediately transported to culinary heaven. The juicy, flavorful filling burst in my mouth, sending waves of delight through my taste buds. I couldn't believe that I had been able to create such a delectable dish with Mrs. Lee's guidance.

From that day on, I made it a point to perfect the art of making steamed dumplings. I experimented with different fillings, playing with ingredients and seasonings to create my own unique twist on Mrs. Lee's traditional recipe. I shared my creations with family and friends, who marveled at the juicy, succulent dumplings that I had learned to make.

Over the years, I have continued to hone my skills and expand my repertoire of recipes, drawing inspiration from various sources and people. But the memory of that fateful day in Mrs. Lee's kitchen will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the day that I discovered the secret to making the juiciest steamed dumplings, a recipe that has become a beloved tradition in my own family.

As I sit here now, preparing a fresh batch of steamed dumplings for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile at the thought of passing down this cherished recipe to the next generation. I hope that one day, they too will create their own happy memories in the kitchen, learning the art of cooking with love and dedication, just as I did so many years ago.