Asian > Chinese > Dim Sum

Kai-lan Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 cups finely chopped kai-lan (Chinese broccoli)
- 1/2 cup chopped shiitake mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 package dumpling wrappers
- Water for sealing dumplings

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Dumpling wrapper cutter or round cookie cutter
- Rolling pin
- Steamer basket or bamboo steamer

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, kai-lan, shiitake mushrooms, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Take a dumpling wrapper and use a cutter to cut out a circle. Repeat until all dumpling wrappers are cut.
3. Take a circle dumpling wrapper and place a spoonful of filling in the center. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edge of the wrapper.
4. Fold the wrapper in half and pinch the edges together to seal. Repeat until all dumplings are filled.
5. Heat water in a steamer basket or bamboo steamer. Place dumplings in the steamer basket and steam for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
Steam dumplings over high heat.
Serving size:
Makes approximately 30 dumplings.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 85
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 190mg
Sugar: 0g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for ground pork.
- Bok choy or spinach can be substituted for kai-lan.
- Button mushrooms can be substituted for shiitake mushrooms.

Variations:
- Add chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for added crunch.
- Use wonton wrappers instead of dumpling wrappers for a different texture.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to seal the dumplings well to prevent filling from leaking out during steaming.
- If the dumpling wrapper is too thick, roll it out with a rolling pin to make it thinner.
- Freeze any leftover dumplings for a quick and easy meal later on.

Storage Instructions:
Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat dumplings by steaming them for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Arrange steamed dumplings on a platter and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.

Garnishes:
Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or chili oil.

Pairings:
Serve with hot and sour soup or egg drop soup.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a side salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dumplings are sticking to the steamer basket, line it with parchment paper or cabbage leaves.
- If the filling is too wet, add more breadcrumbs or flour to absorb excess moisture.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook dumplings thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftover dumplings in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Food History:
Dumplings are a popular dish in many cultures, including Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cuisine. They are believed to have originated in China over 1,800 years ago.

Flavor Profiles:
Kai-lan dumplings have a savory and slightly bitter flavor from the kai-lan, which pairs well with the umami flavor of the shiitake mushrooms and soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve kai-lan dumplings as an appetizer or main dish with your favorite dipping sauce. They also make a great addition to a dim sum spread.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Umami, Aromatic