Asian > Chinese > Chinese Dumplings

Napa Cabbage and Pork Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 cups finely chopped Napa cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package dumpling wrappers
- 1/4 cup water

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Dumpling wrapper cutter or circular cookie cutter
- Dumpling press or fork
- Large pot for boiling dumplings
- Skillet for pan-frying dumplings (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, Napa cabbage, scallions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Take a dumpling wrapper and place a tablespoon of the filling in the center. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper.

3. Fold the wrapper in half and press the edges together to seal. Use a dumpling press or fork to crimp the edges for a decorative look.

4. Repeat until all the filling is used up.

5. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the dumplings and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface.

6. Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate.

7. If desired, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Pan-fry the dumplings for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

8. Serve hot with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Boiling water
Serving size:
Makes approximately 30 dumplings

Nutritional information:
Per serving (3 dumplings):
Calories: 190
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 520mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for pork.
- Savoy cabbage or bok choy can be used instead of Napa cabbage.
- Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used instead of rice vinegar.

Variations:
- Add chopped shiitake mushrooms or water chestnuts for extra texture.
- Use wonton wrappers instead of dumpling wrappers for a different shape.
- Make vegetarian dumplings by substituting the pork with tofu or mushrooms.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to chop the Napa cabbage finely to ensure it cooks evenly in the dumplings.
- Don't overfill the dumpling wrappers or they will be difficult to seal.
- If the dumplings stick to the pot or skillet, add a bit of oil or water to prevent them from sticking.

Storage instructions:
- Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze dumplings, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat boiled dumplings, simply steam them for 3-4 minutes or until heated through.
- To reheat pan-fried dumplings, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the dumplings on a platter and garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds.
- Serve the dumplings in individual bamboo steamers for a traditional look.

Garnishes:
- Chopped scallions
- Sesame seeds
- Chili oil
- Soy sauce

Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Hot and sour soup

Suggested side dishes:
- Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce
- Egg drop soup
- Fried rice

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dumplings are falling apart, make sure to moisten the edges of the wrapper with enough water to create a good seal.
- If the filling is too wet, add a bit of cornstarch to thicken it up.
- If the dumplings are sticking to the pot or skillet, add a bit of oil or water to prevent them from sticking.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the dumplings thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftover dumplings in the refrigerator or freezer promptly to prevent bacterial growth.

Food history:
- Dumplings have been a popular food in China for over 1,800 years and are enjoyed in many other Asian countries as well.
- The shape of the dumpling is said to resemble ancient Chinese currency, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

Flavor profiles:
- The filling is savory and slightly sweet with a hint of sesame and vinegar.
- The dumpling wrapper is soft and chewy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the dumplings as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal.
- Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce or as is.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Umami, Spicy, Aromatic