East Asian > Chinese > Dumplings

Douchi and Pork Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup douchi (fermented black beans), rinsed and mashed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 package dumpling wrappers (about 40 wrappers)
- 1/4 cup water

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Dumpling wrappers
- Steamer basket
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, douchi, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, scallions, and beaten egg. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Place a dumpling wrapper on a clean, dry surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pork mixture onto the center of the wrapper.

3. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper.

4. Fold the wrapper in half and pinch the edges together to seal the dumpling. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

5. Line a steamer basket with parchment paper. Place the dumplings in the steamer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.

6. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Place the steamer basket on top of the pot and steam the dumplings for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.

7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
Steam the dumplings over boiling water.
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 40 dumplings, serving size may vary.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 70
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 200mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for the ground pork.
- Regular black beans can be substituted for douchi, but the flavor will be different.

Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables like cabbage or carrots to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Use wonton wrappers instead of dumpling wrappers for a different texture.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the edges of the dumpling wrappers are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- If the dumplings stick to the steamer basket, lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray.

Storage instructions:
Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, steam the dumplings for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the dumplings on a platter and garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro.

Garnishes:
Chopped scallions, cilantro, or sesame seeds.

Pairings:
Serve with soy sauce, chili oil, or sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Suggested side dishes:
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dumplings are falling apart during cooking, make sure the edges are well-sealed and the filling is not too wet.
- If the dumplings are sticking to the steamer basket, lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray.

Food safety advice:
Make sure the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Douchi is a traditional Chinese ingredient made by fermenting black soybeans with salt. It has a salty, umami flavor and is often used in Chinese cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
Salty, umami, savory.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the dumplings as an appetizer or main dish.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Savory, Umami, Tangy, Salty, Spicy