17 Classic Chinese Dumpling Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
In addition to its delicious taste, the classic Chinese dumpling holds a rich history and cultural significance. This beloved dish has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries, and is often enjoyed during special occasions and festivals. With its unique shape and flavorful filling, the Chinese dumpling is a must-try for any food lover. In this article, we will delve into the traditional recipe for making these mouth-watering dumplings, and explore the techniques and ingredients that make them so special. So, put on your apron and get ready to learn the secrets of making the perfect Chinese dumpling!
Chinese dumplings, also known as jiaozi, are a staple in Chinese cuisine. These small parcels of deliciousness are made with a dough wrapper and filled with various types of meat, vegetables, or seafood. They can be steamed, boiled, or pan-fried, making them a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are 20 of the best Chinese dumpling recipes to try at home.
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How to make Chinese dumpling wrappers
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Water, Salt, Spinach
The key to a good Chinese dumpling is the dough wrapper. Making your own wrappers may seem intimidating, but it's actually quite simple. All you need is flour, water, and a rolling pin. The result is a soft and chewy wrapper that holds the filling perfectly. You can also make a large batch and freeze them for future use.
In Chinese culture, it is common to serve dumplings in a flavorful broth. This not only adds moisture to the dumplings but also infuses them with extra flavor. The broth can be made with chicken, pork, or vegetable stock, and can be enhanced with aromatics like ginger, garlic, and green onions.
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Sui Kow (Chinese Dumpling)
Main Ingredients: Choy Sum, Chicken Stock, Green Onions, Sesame Oil
Sui Kow is a type of Chinese dumpling that is often enjoyed during Chinese New Year celebrations. These dumplings are bigger in size and are filled with a mix of pork, shrimp, and vegetables. The wrapper is usually made with a combination of wheat flour and rice flour, giving it a translucent appearance when cooked.
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Air Fryer Potstickers with Chinese Dumpling Sauce
Main Ingredients: Potstickers, Spray Oil, Sauce, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil
If you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy Chinese dumplings, try making them in an air fryer. The result is crispy and delicious dumplings without the added oil from pan-frying. Serve them with a homemade Chinese dumpling sauce, made with a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
No Chinese takeout meal is complete without a side of fried rice. This classic dish is made with cooked rice, scrambled eggs, vegetables, and diced pork. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other Chinese dishes.
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Classic Beef Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Salt, Water, Baking Soda, Dark Soy Sauce
For those who prefer beef over pork, there is also a classic beef fried rice option. This dish uses the same ingredients as the pork version but swaps out the meat for tender strips of beef. The key to a good fried rice is using day-old rice, which is drier and able to absorb the flavors better.
Orange chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine. It's made by coating chunks of chicken in a sweet and tangy orange sauce and then deep-frying them until crispy. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and is often served with steamed rice and vegetables.
A classic Chinese stir-fry, beef and broccoli is a simple yet delicious dish that can be made at home. The key to a good stir-fry is high heat and quick cooking. The beef is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil, while the broccoli is blanched before being stir-fried with the beef.
Another version of fried rice, Chinese fried rice is a dish that is commonly served in Chinese households. It's a simple dish that is made with rice, eggs, vegetables, and a protein of your choice. The flavors are enhanced with a touch of oyster sauce and soy sauce.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
This dish may seem simple, but it's packed with flavor. The chicken thighs are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder before being baked in the oven. The result is tender and juicy chicken with a sweet and savory glaze.
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Best Potsticker Dumpling
Main Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Hot Water, Cold Water, Shredded Cabbage
Potstickers are a type of Chinese dumpling that is pan-fried until crispy on one side and steamed to cook the rest of the wrapper. They are often filled with a mix of ground pork, cabbage, and green onions. The key to a good potsticker is the crispy bottom and the juicy filling.
This dish is similar to the beef and broccoli stir-fry, but with chicken as the protein. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch before being stir-fried with broccoli and a flavorful sauce. It's a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal.
Egg drop soup is a simple and comforting dish that is commonly served in Chinese restaurants. The soup is made with chicken broth, eggs, and cornstarch, which gives it a slightly thick and silky texture. It can also be enhanced with ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and green onions.
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Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
Another variation of fried rice, egg fried rice is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It's made by scrambling eggs in a hot wok and then adding cooked rice and a mix of vegetables. The dish is often seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil for added flavor.
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Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic
This dish is a Chinese take on the classic fried chicken wings. The wings are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder before being deep-fried until crispy. They are often served as an appetizer or as part of a larger Chinese meal.
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Chinese Broccoli Beef
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Freshly Ground
Another popular stir-fry dish, Chinese broccoli beef is made with tender strips of beef, Chinese broccoli, and a savory sauce. The key to a good broccoli beef dish is to blanch the broccoli first before stir-frying it with the beef. This ensures that the broccoli is cooked but still retains its crunch.
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Crazy Rich Asians Dumpling
Main Ingredients: Deveined Shrimp, Ground Pork, Ginger, Garlic, Bone
This recipe is a tribute to the movie "Crazy Rich Asians" and is a take on the classic pork dumpling. The filling is made with a mix of pork, shrimp, and mushrooms, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. The dumplings are then pan-fried until crispy on one side and steamed to cook the rest.
Egg rolls are a popular appetizer in Chinese cuisine. They are made by wrapping a filling of vegetables and sometimes meat in a thin wrapper and then deep-frying until crispy. These crispy and flavorful rolls are often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Chinese BBQ pork, also known as char siu, is a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine. The pork is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder before being roasted in the oven. The result is tender and flavorful pork that can be enjoyed on its own or in dishes like fried rice or noodles.
The Perfect Dough: The Foundation of Every Dumpling
Flour Variations
When it comes to making Chinese dumplings, the dough is the most crucial element. The dough not only provides the structure for the dumpling, but it also contributes to the overall flavor and texture. In traditional recipes, wheat flour is used to make the dough. However, some variations call for a mixture of wheat and rice flour, which adds a unique chewiness to the dumpling skin. For those who are gluten intolerant, rice flour can be used as a substitute.
The Importance of Water and Kneading
The key to achieving the perfect dumpling dough is the ratio of flour to water. The dough should be soft and pliable, but not too wet. Start by adding water gradually and kneading the dough until it forms a smooth ball. The kneading process is essential as it helps to develop the gluten in the flour, giving the dough elasticity and making it easier to roll out.
The Versatile Filling: A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite
Meat or Vegetarian?
Traditionally, Chinese dumplings are made with a filling of ground pork, but there are also vegetarian options available. For a meatless filling, you can use a combination of finely chopped vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. For a burst of umami flavor, add some chopped shiitake mushrooms or a splash of soy sauce.
The Art of Seasoning
The secret to a delicious dumpling filling lies in the seasoning. Besides the essential salt and pepper, Chinese dumplings often include a combination of ginger, garlic, and spring onions. These aromatics add depth of flavor to the filling and give the dumplings a distinctive taste. For those who prefer a spicy kick, a pinch of chili flakes can also be added.
The Final Touch: Folding and Cooking
Folding Techniques
The folding of the dumpling is an art in itself. While there are various folding techniques, the most common one is the "pleating" method. To achieve this, place a spoonful of filling in the center of the dough, fold it in half, and then pleat the edges together to seal the dumpling. The number of pleats can vary, but it is said that the more pleats, the luckier the dumpling will be!
Cooking Methods
Chinese dumplings can be cooked in various ways, including steaming, boiling, or pan-frying. Steaming is the most common method, as it results in a soft and tender dumpling. Boiling is ideal for larger batches of dumplings, while pan-frying gives the dumplings a crispy texture. Whichever method you choose, make sure the dumplings are cooked through and have a slightly translucent appearance.
In conclusion, the classic Chinese dumpling recipe is a true representation of the rich culture and traditions of China. This simple yet flavorful dish has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved dish for many. With its versatile filling and various cooking methods, there is no limit to the creativity and variations you can try with this timeless recipe. So, why not gather your loved ones and make some delicious Chinese dumplings today?
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