Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of warm water
- 1/2 pound of ground pork
- 1/2 cup of suan cai (Chinese pickled cabbage), chopped
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Rolling pin
- Dumpling wrappers cutter
- Dumpling steamer basket
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and warm water. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. In another mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, suan cai, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a long cylinder shape. Cut the dough into small pieces, about the size of a walnut.
4. Using a rolling pin, flatten each piece of dough into a small circle. Use a dumpling wrapper cutter to cut the dough into a perfect circle.
5. Place a small spoonful of the pork and suan cai mixture in the center of each dumpling wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half and pinch the edges together to seal the dumpling.
6. Place the dumplings in a steamer basket and steam for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
7. Serve the dumplings hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
Steam the dumplings at medium-high heat.
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 20 dumplings.
Nutritional information:
Each dumpling contains approximately 70 calories, 3g fat, 7g carbohydrates, and 4g protein.
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground chicken or beef can be used instead of pork.
- Regular cabbage can be used instead of suan cai.
Variations:
- Add chopped scallions or cilantro to the pork and suan cai mixture for extra flavor.
- Use a different dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, vinegar, or chili oil.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to seal the dumplings tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during steaming.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it's too wet, add a little more flour.
- You can freeze the dumplings before steaming for later use.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the dumplings, steam them for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Arrange the dumplings on a plate and garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds.
Garnishes:
Chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes.
Pairings:
Serve the dumplings with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Steamed rice, stir-fried bok choy, or sautéed green beans.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.
- If the dumplings are falling apart during steaming, make sure to seal them tightly.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the dumplings thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
Food History:
Dumplings are a traditional Chinese dish that originated in Northern China over 1,800 years ago.
Flavor Profiles:
The pork and suan cai filling is savory and slightly sour, while the dumpling wrapper is soft and chewy.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the dumplings as an appetizer or main dish for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Region: Chinese