Dumplings come in many forms: Other varieties of dumplings include Sheng Jian, or 生煎 (shēng jiān), which is another Shanghainese specialty. Pot stickers, or 锅贴 (guō tiē) is the pan-fried version. And there are many others! The type of dumplings we are going to make today is boiled dumplings, or 水饺 (shuǐ jiǎo), which is the most common version to make at home. It’s also a great beginner recipe.
Step 1: Preparing the Wrappers:
To embark on your dumpling-making adventure, you have two options: use store-bought wrappers for convenience, or dive into the rewarding process of making them from scratch. Although the quality and texture of the wrappers might vary from one store to another, most of them get the job done. Look for 水饺皮 (shuǐ jiǎo pí) on the packaging or something that looks similar to the image......
Step 2: Preparing the Filling:
Dumpling fillings offer endless possibilities. At United Dumplings, we cherish the traditional combinations, such as succulent pork with Chinese chives, known as 韭菜猪肉 (jiǔ cài zhū ròu); refreshing Chinese celery with pork, 芹菜猪肉 (qín cài zhū ròu); and the delightful Chinese cabbage with pork, 白菜猪肉 (bái cài zhū ròu). Additionally, we take pride in offering the ever-popular three fresh delicacies, 三鲜 (sān xiān), a delightful three-ingredient filling combining pork, shrimp, and a vegetable of your choice.
In this recipe, we will use Chinese celery with pork as our filling. Here are the ingredients you need: 250 grams of ground pork 500 grams of Chinese celery A small piece of ginger A handful of green onions Soy sauce Chinese cooking wine Salt If you can, choose ground pork with more fat. This will give you juicer dumplings. But of course, this is completely up to you.
Step 3: Folding the Dumplings:
Folding dumplings may seem like an art, but with practice, you can do it also. I find the store purchased dumpling wrappers are a bit less sticky so you need a bowl of water on the side to make the wrappers wet to stick when needed.
Step 4: Cooking the Dumplings:
The secret to dumpling perfection lies in the cooking process. Boiling the dumplings just right ensures they are tender and bursting with flavors. Depending on the number of dumplings cooking, bring a medium to large pot of water to a boil. Drop in the dumplings, and stir immediately so they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Bring back to a boil, and boil for 6-8 minutes, depending on their size. Ideally, anytime the water comes up to a vigorous boil, add 1/4 cup of cold water. This cools the water down and prevents the dumpling wrappers from overcooking and becoming starchy.
Step 5: Enjoying the Dumplings:
The moment has arrived to savor your culinary masterpiece! At United Dumplings, we take pride in offering you an authentic Shanghai dipping sauce, featuring black vinegar, thinly sliced ginger strips, and a touch of sweetness. Our delightful sauce complements your dumplings like a harmonious dance of flavors.
Making dumplings at United Dumplings is an experience that goes beyond just the food. It's a celebration of Chinese culture, cherished traditions, and the joy of bringing people together. We invite you to join us at our cozy Rockridge location for a hands-on dumpling-making class and discover the heartwarming delight of crafting your own dumplings.
