- Shaoxing wine or Chinese cooking wine (1 tablespoon)
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon)
- **Dumpling Wrappers:**
- Wheat flour (2 cups)
- Water (3/4 cup)
- **Cooking Ingredients:**
- Sesame oil (2 teaspoons) for brush on dumplings
- Soy sauce (for serving)
- Black vinegar or rice vinegar (for serving)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
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Steps
### How to Make Chinese Pork Dumplings: A Step-by-Step Guide
Chinese pork dumplings, also known as "Jiaozi" in Mandarin, are a delightful traditional dish enjoyed during festivals and casual gatherings alike. These dumplings feature a savory filling encased in a soft, chewy dough wrapper. Follow these detailed steps to create delicious pork dumplings that will impress your family and friends.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup ground pork
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions (green part only)
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine or Chinese rice wine
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water for dough
- All-purpose flour for dough
- Optional: ginger, garlic, hoisin sauce
#### Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Damp cloth
- Dumpling wrapper cutter or sharp knife
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Filling**:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork with finely chopped scallions.
- Add 1 teaspoon of Shaoxing wine to enhance the flavor and help tenderize the meat.
- Mix in sesame oil for depth of taste.
- Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
2. **Make the Dough**:
- In a separate mixing bowl, gradually mix water into all-purpose flour until you have a smooth dough.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the gluten in the flour to relax, making the dough easier to work with.
3. **Roll Out Dough**:
- Divide the dough into small pieces (about 15-20 grams each).
- Roll each piece of dough into a thin circle using a rolling pin or by hand.
- Alternatively, you can use a dumpling wrapper cutter for faster results and more uniform wrappers.
4. **Assemble the Dumplings**:
- Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper.
- Fold the wrapper over to create an envelope shape, sealing around the edges with your fingers or by pinching them together tightly.
5. **Cooking the Dumplings**:
- There are several ways to cook dumplings: steaming, boiling, or frying. For this recipe, we'll use steaming.
- Place the dumplings on a steamer rack and cover with a damp cloth to keep them moist during cooking.
- Steam over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are cooked through.
6. **Serving**:
- Serve your dumplings hot, accompanied by soy sauce or hoisin sauce for dipping.
- Optionally, serve with vinegar and sesame oil on the side to add more flavor variations.
### Tips for Success:
- Make sure not to overfill the wrappers; a small amount of filling will allow you to seal them properly without bursting during cooking.
- Keep your dumplings moist by covering them with a damp cloth until ready to cook.
- For added flavor, marinate the meat in Shaoxing wine and spices overnight before using.
### Conclusion:
Chinese pork dumplings are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed all year round. With this simple guide, you'll be able to create perfect dumplings at home that will make your guests marvel at your cooking skills. Happy cooking!