These tender pockets of savory goodness bring people together with their authentic flavor that rivals your favorite restaurant dumplings. Simple ingredients, multiple cooking methods, and perfect for meal prep since uncooked dumplings freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
1lbground pork450g, or substitute with ground chicken or tofu for vegetarian
1cupcabbagefinely chopped
½cupgreen onionsfinely chopped
2tbspgingergrated
2clovesgarlicminced
2tbspsoy sauce
1tbspsesame oil
1tspsugar
½tspground black pepper
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
¼cupsoy sauce
1tbsprice vinegar
1tspsesame oil
1tspchili flakesoptional, for heat
Instructions
Combine flour and salt in a large bowl, gradually add warm water while stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, then cover with a damp towel and rest for 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine ground pork, cabbage, green onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the filling holds together when pressed.
Divide dough into 4 pieces, roll each into a 1-inch log, and cut into 10 portions. Roll each portion into a 3-inch circle with slightly thinner edges, place 1 tsp filling in center, fold into half-moon shape, and pinch edges to seal with 3-5 pleats.
Boiling: Cook in batches of 10-12 in boiling water for 5-7 minutes until they float. Pan-frying: Brown in oil for 2-3 minutes, add ¼ cup water, cover and steam 5 minutes. Steaming: Steam in bamboo steamer for 8-10 minutes until translucent.
Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Mix well and serve alongside hot dumplings.
Notes
Always keep dough and shaped wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying and cracking
Use only 1 tsp of filling per dumpling to prevent tearing and ensure proper sealing
Dab a little water around wrapper edges before sealing for a stronger bond
To freeze: Place uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid (2 hours), then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months
Cook frozen dumplings directly from freezer, adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time
Test one dumpling first to ensure correct cooking time before doing a full batch
Reheat cooked dumplings by steaming for 3-5 minutes; avoid microwaving as it makes wrappers rubbery
Store-bought dumpling wrappers can substitute homemade dough for time savings
Variations: Try shrimp, chicken, vegetable medley, or kimchi fillings using the same assembly method
Let filling cool to room temperature before assembling to prevent soggy dough