Dumplings for your dumplins
This week is an incredibly special week in our house. Not only because Valentine’s Day awaits us this weekend, but because Chinese New Year falls on Sunday this year too!
So despite my incredibly slow gait these days (I am seriously waddling like a penguin), I am doing my best to prepare special meals and activities filled with love.
And nothing says love and celebration like handmade food and… dipping sauce!
So in honor of the Chinese tradition of having dumplings on Chinese New Year, I spent most of Sunday preparing a house favorite- Potstickers.
**My usual disclaimer: In case you do not normally stock rice cooking wine or oyster sauce in your house (if you’re Chinese, shame on you!), this recipe is very forgiving and you can just increase the amount of soy sauce and oil to compensate. But you will need the sesame oil, white pepper, and the other fresh ingredients. They are important. The sesame oil alone will fill your house with an amazing aroma! Also, this recipe may seem intense, but it is really quite easy. The time invested is SO worth it, and it yields enough for multiple meals. Unless of course, you have a husband who eats potstickers by the dozen, then this recipe may be just enough.
Ingredients:
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten
- 3 tbsp rice cooking wine
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 2 stalks finely chopped scallions
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 pound lean ground pork
- 1 package wonton skins or dumpling wrappers (I use round for dumplings and square for wontons)
Yields approximately 40 dumplings or wontons
With most Asian dishes, it is all about the prep work. This one is no different. While onions, carrots and celery make the up a Mirepoix, the “holy trinity” flavor base for many French dishes, in Chinese cuisine, it is often ginger, garlic, and scallion/onion.
Once you are done chopping and measuring your ingredients, whisk together the egg white, rice cooking wine, sesame oil, white pepper, salt, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a medium-size bowl. Stir in the scallion, ginger, and garlic. Then add the ground pork using a fork or chopsticks until it’s thoroughly combined.
I like to cover the mixture and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at LEAST one hour before stuffing the dumplings. They need time to mingle and get acquainted.
After they’ve sat together for an hour or so (or even overnight if you like), fill each dumpling wrapper with about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture.
Keep a bowl of plain water handy. Dip your finger in the water and moisten the inside edge of the wrapper. This makes the wrapper sticky. Just make sure to keep the water away from the pork, or else the wrapper will become gooey and rip.
At this point you can fold the edges together over the meat like a taco, and press or crimp the edges together like a turnover or empanada. However, if you want to make your dumplings look all ‘official’, moisten the front edge of the wrapper too. Fold over and pinch down the front edge a few times to form pleats (I aim for 5 pleats) and then join the back and pleated front edges together to seal. Lightly dabble the edge with more water if necessary.
*However you decide to fold your potstickers, be sure to place your folded potstickers down onto parchment or wax paper so the skin doesn’t rip or stick.
If you don’t get the folding down at first, don’t worry, this recipe yields a few dozen potstickers and I promise by the tenth one, it will be easy peasy. It will almost feel like molding with Play-Doh.
Once you’re done filling the wrappers, you have many options on what you can do:
- You can freeze portions of the dumplings for later meals (I reserve 1- 2 dozen in the freezer for when I’m in a pinch for dinner)
- You can boil the dumplings in chicken stock with veggies to make a wonton soup. Just boil the dumplings until they float and they’re done!
- You can steam the dumplings in bamboo steamers for 12-14 minutes in a pot over an inch of boiling water. Line the steamer with a lettuce leaf to prevent them from sticking to the bottom. And make sure the potstickers are not touching the water.
- How I like to eat potstickers the best is by pan frying them. They are crispy on the outside while soft and juicy on the inside.
Just add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to a skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat thoroughly and coat the bottom of the pan evenly. Add a few potstickers to the pan 1-inch apart from each other and do not touch them for 2 minutes.
Add 3 tablespoons of water to the pan and cover immediately. Turn the heat down slightly and allow it to cook for 5 minutes.
Carefully uncover the pan and cook off any remaining water or fluid. Gently turn the dumplings using a spatula and shake the pan occasionally to toss them around while they continue to fry for another 2 minutes. This will help crispify the other sides and turn them golden brown and delicious.
Serve them immediately just plain or with a little soy sauce for dipping and they make the perfect finger food, appetizer, or addition to any meal for someone you love.
Enjoy!
Wow, those look tasty! Too bad I’m allergic to sesame, or I’d totally try it out.
Tabitha´s last blog ..Six months down…six hundred to go!
February 8th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Ahhhh! I’m drooling! Drooling, I tell you!
Kat´s last blog ..Mission Accomplished
February 8th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
They look so *so* delicious. Do you do mail order?
February 8th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Okay – I have to admit that I’m not typically a fan of Chinese food. I hope that doesn’t ruin our friendship.
HOWEVER, that being said, I can totally appreciate the artisticness and beauty of these creations!! They remind me a bit of my own ethnic (Greek) cooking – especially making Spanakopitas.
Feel free to not be a fan of Greek cuisine – then I’d feel like we were even.
Rachel @ Grasping for Objectivity´s last blog ..Rachel, Topped With Drama and a Side of Angst.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
i. <3 you for making this!!! yay!! i usually don't like Chinese food as you know but I LOOOOOOOVE potstickers!!! Wooo hooo!!
Jameil´s last blog ..Monday Mindspacing Vol. 35
February 8th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Yum! Thanks for the recipe!
Asianmommy´s last blog ..Review of Ni Hao, Kai-lan: New Year’s Celebration Nintendo DS Game
February 8th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
I LOVE pot stickers. Yum.
lceel´s last blog ..Monday Meanders 2-8
February 8th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Those look -delicious-! The cooking half of this relationship has promised me he will try to make them later this week. Thank you for sharing the recipe! And for easy-to-follow instructions!
Tracy´s last blog ..Vroooom!
February 8th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Oh Dumplings, you make my heart go pitter patter! We make mandu in my house but that’s just because my BIL is Korean. A dumpling by any other name would taste just as delicious!
I have all the ingredients I just need some motivation, and this post is just that. Nothing can come between me and a craving 
Thanks!
MBonn´s last blog ..This is why I’m hot…or ya know, not.
February 8th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Uhhhh….those are one of my favorite asian dishes. Dammit those look awesome.
Hockeyman´s last blog ..Valentine’s Day Meh
February 8th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
We love potstickers around here. I suspect my husband is in the same camp as yours in that they are better by the dozen(s). I was always too intimidated to attempt them myself. Your description makes them sound doable. As soon as we dig ourselves out of this unbelievable snow, I’m going to track down the ingredients and give it a go!
Cara´s last blog ..SnOMG 2010
February 8th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
This looks delicious.
Puna´s last blog ..Kisses & Smooches
February 8th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Oh My God those look good!
Jenners´s last blog ..Arts and Literature FAQs
February 8th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
Those pot stickers are making me hungry!!!
Joyce-Anne´s last blog ..That Damn Tree
February 8th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
I love dumplings!!! I made a batch last week and they’re gone already. I would love to say it was hubby’s fault, but it was me who was eating them by the dozen…lol.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
I nominated your blog for an award. Check it out in today’s post at my blog
sheila´s last blog ..We won an award
February 8th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
Um…this looks like a lot of work…couldn’t you just make some for me and ship them to my house?
Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings´s last blog ..Mock me, will you? Oh. You will. Well, OK. . .
February 8th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
These sound absolutely fantastic. I love making Chinese food at home.
Allison´s last blog ..Why I Started Blogging
February 9th, 2010 at 12:07 am
I asked my husband if he would like me to bookmark this recipe, and he nearly squealed with delight!!!
Thank you for sharing!
Muthering Heights´s last blog ..Are You, Or Aren’t You?
February 9th, 2010 at 12:13 am
My husband saw the pic and said, “Now where do they live?” I think he wants to come over for dinner. LOL!
Marie´s last blog ..Not All "Art Projects" Work Out
February 9th, 2010 at 1:27 am
Those look great, Sandy! I’m not kidding when I say this photo made my stomach growl! lol
Have a wonderful weekend; sounds like a lot of fun!
Genny´s last blog ..Nine years ago…
February 9th, 2010 at 1:47 am
That look so good, and not super hard, either! Thanks for showing us how to make them step by step. My hubby will love these! Also, I have an award for you.
Amy´s last blog ..May I Take Your Order, Please?
February 9th, 2010 at 3:06 am
That’s love! My mom makes lumpia and that’s a lot of time, patience …and yummy ; These dumplings are my 2 older boys (18, 14) favorite dish!!
Jenjen @GottaLoveMom´s last blog ..Don’t give up now! Week 3 of my P90x Challenge
February 9th, 2010 at 4:07 am
As soon as I can find wonton wraps, I’m going to try this, it looks delicious!
Jientje´s last blog ..Macro Monday, Does Anyone Know?
February 9th, 2010 at 5:16 am
How ’bout I just come over and eat dumplings with you?
February 9th, 2010 at 7:50 am
I made dumplings once. Took way too much time. I guess I’m not cut out to be Chinese–that folding and sealing thing is beyond me. Now I buy mine from Costco in a big bag.
But if you want to come by and make potstickers, I’ll pour the wine. Wait, you can’t have wine. Oh, well.
The Mother´s last blog ..What Time?
February 9th, 2010 at 8:10 am
Thank you so much for sharing that! Sometimes I feel like my chinese ancestry is long gone and I long for some sort of connection. You are it!!!
Elaine B.´s last blog ..High Fashion Couture Feminine Illustrations
February 9th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Oh my gosh, YUMMMM! Do you know if I can take out the soy? I have a soy intolerant child but she’d love this otherwise! I’ve bookmarked this page so I can make this. Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm.
sheila´s last blog ..Sadistically Smiling in the Window
February 9th, 2010 at 11:00 am
That look delicous my dear friend !
February 9th, 2010 at 11:05 am
Wow,
beautiful!
My whole family love fried dumplings…
wish U happy New Year!
Happy Valentine’s Day as well!
cute post,
jingle´s last blog ..Count from 1 to 10 Twenty Different Ways (11-15)
February 9th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Looks so delicious and beautiful!!! I can’t wait for Chinese New Year this year as well. Thanks for the detail recipe especially how to pan fry them.
Yum!!!!
Amy @ The Q Family´s last blog ..Family Travel Tips: How to Survive 4 Hours Delay at the Airport
February 9th, 2010 at 11:19 am
Thanks, I’m sitting at work and you’ve made me drool all over my desk! LOL
Sara´s last blog ..___ for granted.
February 9th, 2010 at 11:51 am
Now I’m craving for pot stickers!!!!!!
Alicia´s last blog ..PRE-VALENTINES DINNER
February 9th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Yummy! I used to make these at least once a month. Now I can’t remember the last time I made them from scratch. I usually buy them frozen. And lately I’ve had trouble with them sticking to the pan. I wish I had your patience and cooking skills!
Cookie´s last blog ..Exam
February 9th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
I love those, especially the steamed version. I’m used to having them with a slightly sweetened soy dipping sauce with scallions in it — that’s what they always served when I lived in NY. This recipe looks very easy to follow, but I’m going to try to resist because I would definitely try to eat them all.
Dot´s last blog ..Comment on Same Snow, Different Day by Momisodes
February 9th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
I’ve always wanted to try to make these– you’ve inspired me!
OK, now fess– who takes pictures while your hands are holding the dumplng?
ImBeingHeldHostage´s last blog ..A New Trend
February 9th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Oh, I love dumplings…and since I don’t have the time or the patience to make them…maybe I will just head out to a restaurant, because I now need them!
February 9th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
That looks delicious!
Cascia @ Healthy Moms´s last blog ..Hooray for Giveaways! | 2/8 – 2/15
February 9th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
seriously beautifully delicious oh my.
J.B. Vadeboncoeur´s last blog ..Garden – Devas
February 9th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Looks DELICIOUS for sure! Thanks for sharing the recipe and the proper folding process. Reminds me of when I used to make wonton all the time
Hugs and blessings,
Happily Retired Gal´s last blog ..Morning Musings of a Happily Retired Gal
February 9th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Wow! Your dumpling sealing skills are amazing. I think I’d give up after two and make them into some kind of ravioli. How multicultural of me!
February 9th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Sounds so wonderful and delicious…my first visit..
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
Dorothy Stahlnecker´s last blog ..Blogging and it’s importance to the before, after and my future
February 9th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Those look awesome, mine never look that good. Do you have a recipe for onion bread? We don’t have an asian bakery around here and would love to learn to make it. I haven’t had any luck with google. Next, I’ll ask my mother in law but with her broken English I might not get the correct translation.
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February 9th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
These look so good. I am super impressed with the gorgeousness of the final, cooked ones. We had a friend who used to throw an annual potsticker party, and we would make HUNDREDS of them. And, of course, eat them all. Yummm… Now I can’t wait to try your recipe.
February 9th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
Wontons, potstickers….don’t forget “gyoza!”
I am definitely trying your recipe! I used to make these with my mom when I was a young girl…..never made them on my own but I do buy the frozen ones.
I giggled at your “shame on you” comment regarding the rice cooking wine and/or oyster sauce! We always have it on hand too….as well as soy sauce, sesame oil and chili oil. And yes…pan fried is THE BEST!
February 10th, 2010 at 12:14 am
They look delicious!
!
Thanks for the recipe and happy New Year
Nicole´s last blog ..View from Aida cliff top
February 10th, 2010 at 12:57 am
Those look DELICIOUS! We celebrate Chinese New Year every year with our friends. Maybe I’ll wow everyone with some homemade dumplings!
Run DMT´s last blog ..What’s in a Name?
February 10th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
we had our Lunar new year party at my home last weekend. But I got lazy this year and just bought a bag of dumplings at Costco.
But… rumor has it that the friends I’ll be spending this weekend with are going to get ingredients so we can hand make some. YUMMY!
CC´s last blog ..Auctionable Cookies. Month 9.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
We had chinese dumplings made by my friend from Hong Kong yesterday. So yummy! She also made a rice and coconut milk dessert, it was kind of chewy but delicious. I’m going to learn to make these.
Brenda´s last blog ..Mischievous Cat/Wordful Wednesday
February 10th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Oh they look so good! Now I am so tempted to go to the nearest Chinese restaurant….
katcarneo´s last blog ..A Turquoise Wedding
February 11th, 2010 at 3:47 am
Ever since I saw you made these I’ve been craving them. I have to make them today. I haven’t even thought of Chinese New Year or what to make for it (and I don’t have any rice wine – shame on me)
Candy´s last blog ..In-N-Out Burger and their ‘secret’ menu.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:08 am
I have to make these dumplings this weekend. We eat them by the dozens! Here’s wishing you Kung Hei Fatt Choi!
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February 11th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
I have the oyster sauce (I think) but not the rice wine. For shame! Those look really great! Of course, I’m of the stock who make everything from scratch, including the wrappers. And that is why we have no dumplings at our house yet
Angela at mommy bytes´s last blog ..Children of Invention – Coming to Boston!
February 11th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
You don’t know how badly my mouth watered.
xoxo
Secret Agent Mama´s last blog ..Blissdom 365 Shots
February 12th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Dumplings for my dumplings! hee hee….cute. I had some sesame ginger chicken dumplings the other day! They were DE-licious…..so tasty…always wanted to know how to make them myself. Now I know! doesn’t sound too tough…thanks for sharing.
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February 15th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Oh my goodness those look fantastic. I think I’m going to try it! My 6-year-old would enjoy helping. I feel like I should pay you for what you just posted!
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February 16th, 2010 at 12:46 am