The combination of juicy pork and fragrant chives wrapped in a soft dough wrapper is sure to delight your taste buds. Plus, they’re simple to make and fun to eat!
Pork dumplings are a popular dish in Chinese cuisine and are known as “jiaozi” in Mandarin Chinese. Jiaozi are a traditional Chinese dish that consists of a filling, typically made with ground meat and vegetables, wrapped in a thin dough wrapper, and then boiled or pan-fried. Pork dumplings are a variation of jiaozi that uses pork as the primary filling ingredient. They are often served with a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or chili oil, and are a popular dish in many parts of China and other countries with Chinese populations.
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make tender and flavorful Pork and Chive Dumplings that are sure to become a new favorite. These mouthwatering dumplings are perfect for any occasion, from a casual dinner party to a special celebration.
We’ll take you through each step of the process, from preparing the ingredients to cooking the dumplings.
And, we’ll give you some useful tips and answers to frequently asked questions to help you make the best dumplings ever!
Pork and Chive Dumplings – A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Any Occasion
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Meat grinder or food processor
- Rolling Pin
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Cooking oil
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Colander or strainer
- Plate or serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped chives, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, white pepper, and egg. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
- Cover the mixture and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- On a clean surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
- Roll out each ball of dough into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Place a tablespoon of the pork filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal the dumpling.
- Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil and gently add the dumplings.
- Cook the dumplings for 15 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- Remove the dumplings from the water with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate or serving dish.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Recommended Pairing Drink:
We recommend pairing these delicious dumplings with a refreshing glass of Chinese Beer or a sparkling water with a splash of lemon. The crisp, clean taste of the beer complements the savory flavors of the dumplings, while the lemon adds a touch of brightness and acidity.
Useful Tips:
FAQs:
What type of flour do I need for the dumpling wrappers?
You can use all-purpose flour or pastry flour for the dumpling wrappers. All-purpose flour will result in a slightly thicker wrapper, while pastry flour will produce a finer, more delicate texture.
Can I use pre-made dumpling wrappers instead of making my own?
es, you can definitely use pre-made dumpling wrappers. Many Asian grocery stores sell frozen dumpling wrappers that you can simply thaw and use. Just note that homemade wrappers tend to have a fresher taste and better texture.
How do I mix the filling ingredients together?
Mix the filling ingredients together using a fork or your hands until everything is well combined. Make sure not to overmix, as this can make the filling too dense and sticky.
Do I need to cook the chives before using them in the filling?
No, you don’t need to cook the chives before using them in the filling. Simply chop them up and mix them in raw. The heat from the cooking process will slightly wilt the chives and give them a nice texture.
How much water should I add to the dough?
Add just enough water to the dough to bring it together. You want the dough to be moist but not soggy. Start with a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup) and gradually add more as needed.
Why did my dumplings fall apart while cooking?
There could be a few reasons why your dumplings fell apart. Check that the dough is not too wet or dry, and that you sealed the dumplings properly by pressing the edges together. Also, avoid overcooking the dumplings, as this can cause them to break apart.
How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking together?
To prevent the dumplings from sticking together, make sure to dust your rolling surface and dumpling wrappers with cornstarch or flour. You can also use a non-stick pot or add a little oil to the cooking water to help separate the dumplings.
Can I freeze the dumplings for later use?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze the dumplings for later use. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Frozen dumplings will keep for several months.
Can I substitute the ground pork with another meat?
Yes, feel free to use ground chicken, beef, or turkey as a replacement, the recipe will still work!
What’s the difference between regular and wonton wrappers?
Wonton wrappers are thinner and more delicate, ideal for wrapping dumplings. Regular dumpling wrappers are thicker and better suited for boiling or pan-frying.
