Pot Stickers: Pan-Seared Perfection

Potstickers are a type of dumpling. They are often filled with pork and cabbage, but can be customised based on personal taste and preference. They are usually folded into a pleated crescent shape, but can also be folded in half with no pleats for simplicity.

Potstickers are pan-fried, which creates a nice crispy exterior and a juicy interior. They can also be steamed and boiled for an overall soft texture. They are typically served with a soy-based dipping sauce.

How to make the filling

To make the filling for your pot stickers, you will need the following ingredients:

• Ground pork
• Finely chopped cabbage (Napa cabbage or Chinese cabbage)
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Garlic chives
• Light soy sauce
• Chinese wine or mirin, sake or dry sherry
• Sesame oil
• White or black pepper
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• An egg
• Cornstarch

If you are vegetarian, you can replace the meat with diced and sautéed mushrooms, or spinach leaves, kale, napa cabbage or savoy cabbage.

To prepare the filling, start by placing the dried shiitake mushrooms in a bowl and pouring boiled water over them. Leave them to rehydrate for about 20 minutes, then squeeze out the excess water and finely chop them.

Next, place the cabbage in a bowl and toss it with salt. Set it aside for about 15 minutes, then use your hands to squeeze out the excess liquid.

Now, simply place the cabbage, mushrooms and remaining filling ingredients in a bowl and mix them together with your hands until well combined.

If you want to make your pot stickers right away, proceed to the assembly stage. Otherwise, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the filling until well-chilled, for at least 30 minutes.

How to make the dough

To make the dough for pan-seared pot stickers, you will need the following ingredients:

• All-purpose flour,
• Salt
• Hot water
• Oil (canola or vegetable)

Some recipes also call for an egg, which is used to seal the pot stickers after they have been filled and folded.

• Combine the dry ingredients: Place the flour and salt in a mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
• Add liquid: Slowly pour in the hot water and oil (if using). Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until it forms a shaggy dough.
• Knead the dough: Flour your hands and transfer the dough to a clean work surface. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. If the dough seems too sticky, sprinkle a small amount of additional flour (up to 1/2 cup) and continue to knead.
• Let the dough rest: Form the dough into a ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Let the dough rest at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the gluten in the flour to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
• Roll out the dough: After the dough has rested, use a rolling pin to carefully roll it out into a thin sheet. The ideal thickness will be between 1/8" and 1/4".
• Cut out circles: Use a biscuit cutter or the top of a drinking glass to cut out circles in the dough. The circles should be about 3" in diameter. These will form the wrappers for your pot stickers.

Once you have made the dough and cut out the circles, you can fill and fold your pot stickers. Remember to seal them well, either by pinching the edges or using a beaten egg as a glue. Then, you can proceed to cook your pot stickers by pan-frying or steaming them.

How to pleat the pot stickers

Pleating potstickers is an art, and there are many ways to do it. The most common method is to create a pleat pattern by curling the top of the wonton wrapper and pressing the curve down into the edge. Repeat this process until you've pleated almost the entire edge, leaving a small opening at the corner. Then, carefully pinch the corner closed and gently press around the entire edge to seal it completely.

Another way to pleat potstickers is to start by pinching the wrapper together on the right side. Then, use your index fingers to create a pleat on the side facing away from you. Flatten and seal the pleat by pressing it over to the right. Repeat this process until the entire dumpling is pleated and sealed.

If you're a beginner, it's best to start with wider pleats. As you get more comfortable with the process, you can move on to narrower pleats. It's also important to cover the wrappers with a dry cloth as you work to prevent the edges from drying out.

Pleating potstickers may take some practice, but with time and patience, you'll be able to master this skill and create beautiful and delicious dumplings.

How to cook the pot stickers

Ingredients

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. For the filling, you will need ground pork, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cabbage. You can also add in other ingredients such as shiitake mushrooms, egg, cornstarch, and cayenne pepper. For the dough, you will need flour, hot water, and salt. You will also need oil for frying, and water for steaming.

Making the filling and dough

Combine the ground pork, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cabbage in a mixing bowl. You can also add in other ingredients of your choice, such as shiitake mushrooms, egg, cornstarch, and cayenne pepper. Mix until everything is combined, and then refrigerate the filling until it is chilled and ready to use.

To make the dough, slowly pour hot water over the flour and salt, and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Assembling the pot stickers

Divide the dough ball into four equal pieces and keep the other pieces covered while you work with one piece at a time. Roll the dough into a log and then divide it into six equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle to form the pot sticker wrapper. Repeat this process until all the dough is used up.

Place a small amount of pork filling in the center of each wrapper. Wet the edges of the wrapper and fold the two sides together, pinching the edges to seal them. Tap the pot sticker on the work surface to flatten it slightly, and add a slight curve so that it can stand on its own.

Cooking the pot stickers

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the pot stickers in the hot oil, with the flat side down, and cook until the bottoms are golden brown. Add water to the skillet and cover it to steam the pot stickers for about 3 minutes. Uncover and continue to pan-fry until the water has evaporated and the bottoms of the pot stickers are crunchy.

Serving the pot stickers

Pot stickers are typically served with a dipping sauce. You can make a simple dipping sauce by combining soy sauce and rice vinegar. You can also add other ingredients such as hot sauce, garlic, minced green onions, or ginger to dress up the sauce.

How to make the dipping sauce

To make the perfect dipping sauce for your potstickers, you'll need a few key ingredients and just a few minutes. This sauce is tangy and salty with a hint of sweetness and spice.

Ingredients:

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce, or if you want to make it gluten-free, opt for gluten-free soy sauce. You can also replace the soy sauce with tamari, a Japanese version that's a little thicker.
• Rice Vinegar: This adds a tangy flavour to the sauce. For an authentic flavour, try using Chinese vinegar or Chinese black vinegar.
• Sesame Oil: This can be found near the oils or bottles of vinegar in your local store or in the Asian aisle.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar, honey, or maple syrup balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions are the perfect garnish for this sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Add a little spice to your sauce with red pepper flakes.
• Sesame Seeds (optional): These add flavour and texture and make a beautiful garnish.

Instructions:

• Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
• Stir in the sliced green onion, then garnish with red pepper flakes and sesame seeds.
• Whisk the sauce again just before serving.

Your dipping sauce is now ready to be served with your freshly made potstickers!

Frequently asked questions