How to Make Pork Dumplings from Scratch
Dumplings are a beloved dish across many cultures, and pork dumplings, also known as “Jiaozi” in Chinese cuisine, are no exception. These delicious morsels are perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a festive celebration. Making pork dumplings from scratch is a rewarding experience that allows you to control the quality and flavor of your dumplings. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making pork dumplings from scratch, so you can enjoy this delightful dish in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients
Before you start making pork dumplings, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound ground pork
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup warm water
– Vegetable oil for frying or steaming
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork Filling: In a large bowl, mix the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped green onions, sesame seeds, salt, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir the ingredients together until well combined. Set the filling aside while you prepare the dough.
2. Make the Dough: In a separate bowl, combine the flour and warm water. Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water; if it’s too wet, add a little more flour. Once the dough is smooth and pliable, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
3. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has rested, divide it into small, equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it with your fingers. Using a rolling pin, roll out each ball into a thin, round wrapper.
4. Fill and Seal the Dumplings: Place a small spoonful of the pork filling in the center of each wrapper. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, fold it in half to form a half-moon shape, and pinch the edges together to seal the dumpling.
5. Cook the Dumplings: There are two methods to cook pork dumplings: frying or steaming. For frying, heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the dumplings in the skillet, seam side down, and cook until the bottoms are golden brown. Flip the dumplings and cook for another minute. For steaming, place the dumplings in a steamer basket, leaving a little space between them. Steam for about 10-12 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through.
6. Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked, remove them from the skillet or steamer and serve them hot. You can enjoy them on their own or with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.
Making pork dumplings from scratch is a satisfying and enjoyable process that will leave you with a batch of delicious dumplings to share with family and friends. With this recipe, you can now enjoy the authentic taste of pork dumplings in the comfort of your own kitchen.
