Making dumplings with a savory filling is a great way to enjoy a variety of flavorful ingredients wrapped in soft, doughy parcels. Here’s a recipe for delicious savory dumplings with a simple yet tasty filling.
Ingredients:
For the Dumpling Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (you may need more or less depending on the dough consistency)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for a softer dough)
For the Savory Filling:
- 1/2 lb ground pork, beef, or chicken (or a mix of these)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage (or spinach, or mushrooms for a different twist)
- 1/4 cup grated carrot (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balancing flavors)
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for extra freshness)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dumpling Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Gradually add warm water, stirring with chopsticks or a spoon, until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes, adding small amounts of flour if needed, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough relax, making it easier to roll out.
2. Prepare the Savory Filling:
- In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground meat (pork, beef, chicken, or a combination) until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the chopped cabbage or spinach, grated carrots, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper, salt, and sugar. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool down slightly. Stir in the chopped green onions if using.
3. Assemble the Dumplings:
- After the dough has rested, divide it into small portions (about 20-25 pieces).
- Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a thin round disk using a rolling pin or your hands (about 3 inches in diameter).
- Place a small spoonful of the savory filling (about 1-2 tablespoons) in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape or a pleated dumpling, sealing the edges tightly. You can pinch the edges together or crimp them to ensure they stay sealed during cooking.
4. Cooking the Dumplings:
You have several options for cooking the dumplings:
A. Boiling:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the dumplings into the water, one by one, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
- Once the dumplings float to the surface (about 4-5 minutes), let them cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the filling is fully cooked.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and serve.
B. Steaming:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water. Place the dumplings in the steamer, making sure they are not touching.
- Steam for 10-12 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through.
C. Pan-frying (Potsticker Style):
- Heat a little oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Place the dumplings in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
- Add 1/4 cup of water to the pan and immediately cover with a lid. Let the dumplings steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the dumplings are cooked through.
5. Serve:
- Serve the dumplings hot with dipping sauce. A simple dipping sauce can be made by mixing soy sauce, vinegar, and a splash of sesame oil. Add chili flakes for some heat if you like.
Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with tofu or mushrooms. Just make sure to cook the filling ingredients fully and allow them to cool before filling the dumplings.
- If you’re making dumplings in advance, you can freeze them. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag. To cook, simply steam, boil, or pan-fry from frozen, adding a little extra time.
These savory dumplings are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal. Enjoy making them and experimenting with different fillings!
