Try Making Dumplings This CNY With These Recipes

Making Dumplings is a wonderful part of the Chinese New Year Celebration, and if you and your family and friends want to try and make them at home we have three great recipes for you to try. All three can be made using the same basic dumpling wrapper recipe, or you can buy store-made wrappers:

For the dumpling wrappers

Ingredients: 

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm water

Method:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and warm water until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth.
3. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. After it has rested, take a small piece of dough (around 12g) and roll it into a ball. 
5. Use a rolling pin to turn it into a flat, thin circle about 3-4 inches in diameter.

The OG Filling:

The first filling is the most traditional, with pork for success, cabbage for wealth and leeks or green onions for longevity. Because who doesn’t want a winning year where you make lots of money and live long enough to enjoy it?

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground pork
• 1 cup napa cabbage, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

For cooking:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
• Water (for steaming)

For dipping sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon chili oil (optional)

Method:

Prepare the filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, napa cabbage, green onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, white pepper, and salt.
• Mix thoroughly in one direction until the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive.

Assemble the dumplings:

• Place a wrapper in your palm and add about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center.
• Fold the wrapper in half to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together, pleating as you go for a tight seal.

Cook the dumplings (choose your method):

• Boiled: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add dumplings in batches and cook until they float, then continue boiling for 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.
• Steamed: Place dumplings on a parchment-lined steamer basket. Steam over boiling water for 8-10 minutes.
• Pan-fried: Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet. Arrange dumplings in a single layer and cook until the bottoms are golden brown. Add ¼ cup of water, cover, and steam for 5 minutes. Uncover and cook until water evaporates.

Prepare the dipping sauce:

• Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil (if using) in a small bowl.

Vegetarian Mushroom Dumpling Filling

If you prefer a meatless but still traditional dumpling, try using mushrooms in your filling. They represent health and well-being in traditional Chinese medicine.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mushrooms (shiitake or button mushrooms), finely chopped
• 1 cup napa cabbage, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for binding)

Method:

Prepare the vegetables:

• Finely chop the mushrooms, napa cabbage, green onions, and carrot.
• Place the napa cabbage in a bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let it sit for 10 minutes to release excess water.
• Squeeze out the liquid before adding to the filling.

Cook the filling (optional but recommended):

• Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of sesame oil.
• Sauté mushrooms until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
• Add garlic, ginger, and carrots, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in napa cabbage, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and white pepper. Cook until the mixture is well combined and fragrant.
• Remove from heat and let cool. If needed, mix in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to help the filling hold together.

Assemble the dumplings:

• Follow the same assembly steps as for pork dumplings, using the mushroom filling.

Cook the dumplings:

• Boil, steam, or pan-fry the dumplings as desired.

Serve and enjoy:

• Pair with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional chili oil.

Dessert Dumplings:

Like most timeless things dumplings have evolved, and creative cooks from all over have found ways to modernize and make them their own. These dessert dumplings are easy, delicious and a fun surprise. Full credit goes to a young expat chef who wishes to remain anonymous but was happy to share their creative confection.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Nutella (or your favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread)
• ½ cup finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds (optional, for added crunch)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for pan-frying)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Fresh fruit (optional, such as strawberries or raspberries)
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)

Method: 

• Place a small dollop of Nutella (and nuts, if using) in the center of each wrapper.
• Fold the wrapper in half and seal the edges tightly, pleating if desired.
• Pan-fried: Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Arrange the dumplings in a single layer and cook until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook the other side until crispy.
• Dust the dumplings with powdered sugar.
• Serve with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Got a creative cook in your home? Share their favorite twist on a traditional dumpling in the comments.

READ: Dumplings: A Brief History Ahead of CNY

Images: Canva