Steaming Pork Dumplings: A Beginner's Guide To Perfection

Steamed pork dumplings are a traditional Chinese dish, often served during the Lunar New Year celebrations. They are usually served as appetisers, but can also be served as a main dish. They are made by filling dumpling wrappers with a mixture of pork, ginger, garlic, and other vegetables, and then steaming them. The process of making steamed pork dumplings can be time-consuming, but the end result is a delicious and addictive treat that can be frozen and enjoyed at a later date.

Preparing the filling

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to prepare the filling. Begin by chopping or mincing the vegetables and herbs. This may include green onions, garlic, ginger, coriander, cabbage, mushrooms, or other ingredients of your choosing. You may also want to squeeze out any excess liquid from the vegetables, particularly if you're using something like cabbage that contains a lot of water.

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork with the chopped vegetables and herbs. Add in your soy sauce, sesame oil, and any other seasonings or spices you're using. Some common options include white pepper, Chinese rice wine, chicken stock powder, or sugar.

Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together thoroughly. Keep mixing until the filling is well combined and has a thick, paste-like consistency. You want to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

And that's it! Your dumpling filling is now ready to be used. Remember to adjust the amounts of each ingredient to your taste preferences and always ensure your filling is thoroughly mixed to ensure a consistent flavor in each dumpling.

Assembling the dumplings

Assembling steamed pork dumplings is a straightforward process, but it can be a little time-consuming. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect dumplings:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Before assembling the dumplings, ensure that your filling is ready. In a large bowl, combine the pork, ginger, garlic, green onion, soy sauce, and sesame oil and any other ingredients of your choice. Mix the ingredients well until they form a thick paste. You can also add an egg to the mixture to bind the filling together.

Step 2: Set Up Your Workstation

Clear a large space on your countertop and gather all the necessary tools. You will need a small bowl of water, the bowl of filling, a parchment-lined baking sheet, and a package of dumpling wrappers. Open the package and arrange a few wrappers in front of you.

Step 3: Place the Filling

Place a small amount of filling in the centre of each dumpling wrapper. A heaping teaspoon or about 2 teaspoons of filling should be sufficient. Be careful not to overfill the wrappers, as this will make it difficult to seal and pleat the dumplings neatly.

Step 4: Dampen the Edges

Dip your finger into the bowl of water and run it along the edges of the dumpling wrapper. This step will help to seal the wrapper closed. Be sure to only moisten the edges lightly, as too much water can make the dumplings mushy during cooking.

Step 5: Fold and Pleat

Now, it's time to fold and pleat your dumplings. Lift the dumpling from the work surface and fold it in half, pressing the top closed. Then, use your thumbs to create a tiny pleat on each side of the dumpling. Press firmly to seal the dumpling closed, adding a dab of water under the pleat if needed to ensure it sticks.

Step 6: Repeat and Store

Continue filling and pleating the remaining wrappers until you have used up all your filling. As you finish each dumpling, line them up on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep the assembled dumplings covered with a damp tea towel to prevent them from drying out.

At this point, you can choose to cook the dumplings immediately or freeze them for later. If freezing, place the baking sheet in the freezer until the dumplings are solid, then transfer them to a freezer container or bag. Frozen dumplings will keep for up to three months.

Cooking methods

To cook steamed pork dumplings, you will need to prepare the filling, assemble the dumplings, and then steam them.

Prepare the filling

To make the filling, combine the pork, ginger, garlic, green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cabbage in a large bowl. Mix until well combined. You can also add in other ingredients like mushrooms, bamboo shoots, or coriander, and season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the dumplings

Now it's time to assemble the dumplings! Start by placing a teaspoon of the filling onto each wonton skin. Next, moisten the edges of the wrapper with water. You can use your finger or a brush to do this. Then, bring the edges together and form a triangle by folding the wrapper diagonally. Finally, roll the edges to seal in the filling.

Place the assembled dumplings on a lightly floured surface until you're ready to cook them. Keep them covered with a dampened tea towel to prevent drying.

Steam the dumplings

To steam the dumplings, you'll need a steamer basket. You can use a bamboo steamer or a metal steamer. Line the base of the steamer basket with baking paper or cabbage leaves to prevent the dumplings from sticking. Place the dumplings in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other.

For steaming, you can either use a wok or a large pot. Pour water into the wok or pot until it reaches about one-quarter to one-third full. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Then, place the steamer basket over the wok or pot, ensuring that the base doesn't touch the water.

Steam the dumplings for about 12 to 20 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through. The dumplings are ready when the wrappers appear translucent and noodle-like, and the filling is opaque and warmed through.

Serve the steamed pork dumplings hot with a dipping sauce such as hoisin sauce, Chinese-style mustard, or an Asian-inspired dipping sauce.

Freezing the dumplings

Freezing pork dumplings is a great way to preserve them for future meals. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to freeze steamed pork dumplings:

Firstly, it is important to let the dumplings cool down after steaming. Do not attempt to freeze them while they are still hot, as this can affect their texture and taste. Once they have cooled to room temperature, you can proceed to the next step.

The next step is to prepare a baking sheet or large plate that fits in your freezer. Line the surface with parchment or wax paper. This step is optional but recommended, as it will prevent the dumplings from sticking to the sheet or plate. However, if you are concerned about wasting paper, you can carefully omit this step. Just be aware that dumplings may stick to the surface, especially if it is made of glass.

Now, arrange the dumplings on the prepared surface, ensuring they do not touch each other. This is crucial, as you don't want them to freeze into a solid block. Leave some space around each dumpling to avoid this issue.

Place the baking sheet or plate of dumplings into the freezer. Leave them for several hours until the outsides of the dumplings harden. The exact time will depend on your freezer's temperature and the size of the dumplings, but it usually takes around 2-3 hours.

Once the dumplings are frozen solid, carefully remove them from the baking sheet or plate. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date of freezing. This will help you keep track of how long the dumplings have been frozen.

Properly stored, steamed pork dumplings can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply reheat them from frozen in the microwave or oven until heated through. There is no need to defrost them before reheating, as this can cause them to turn soggy.

Serving suggestions

Steamed pork dumplings are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dumpling-making experience:

Appetizer

Steamed pork dumplings are traditionally served as an appetizer, and they pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some options to consider:

• Hoisin sauce: This sauce is a classic choice for dumplings and can be either store-bought or homemade.
• Chinese-style hot mustard: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, this condiment adds a nice punch to the dumplings.
• Easy Asian-inspired dipping sauce: Create your own unique sauce by mixing ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and scallions.
• Black vinegar dipping sauce: This sauce is a great choice to serve with steamed dumplings, especially if you're aiming for a Cantonese dim sum experience.

Main Course

If you're serving steamed pork dumplings as the main dish, consider pairing them with Asian-inspired side dishes such as:

• Chinese green bean stir-fry: This dish complements the dumplings well and adds a crunchy texture to your meal.
• Easy fried rice: Fried rice is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste. It makes a hearty accompaniment to steamed pork dumplings.
• Chicken Shu Mai (Siu Mai): For a complete Chinese dim sum experience, pair your steamed pork dumplings with this delicious chicken dish.
• Fried shrimp wontons: These crispy treats go well with steamed dumplings and add variety to your meal.

Other Serving Tips

• Toasting sesame seeds: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top of your dumplings or as a garnish on the side.
• Freezing for later: Dumplings can be time-consuming to make, so consider making a large batch and freezing them for future meals. That way, you can enjoy them whenever you crave them without the hassle of preparing them from scratch each time.

Frequently asked questions