Savory Steamed Dumplings are a favorite in many households, and for good reason. The soft, pillowy dough filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned meat and vegetables is a comforting treat. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or for a special occasion, Savory Steamed Dumplings never fail to impress. I remember making these dumplings for the first time with my mom, and now it’s a recipe I turn to time and time again for a delicious homemade meal. The steaming process keeps the dumplings moist and tender, making them irresistible.
The Perfect Filling
To make the perfect Savory Steamed Dumplings, the filling is key. A combination of ground pork (or chicken) with finely chopped cabbage, garlic, ginger, and a dash of soy sauce creates a delicious and juicy center. You can also add some mushrooms for extra flavor if you like. The vegetables help keep the filling moist, while the meat provides a satisfying richness. The seasoning is simple yet savory, with a little salt, pepper, and sesame oil to bring everything together. The filling needs to be mixed well to ensure every bite is full of flavor.
Shaping the Dumplings
Once your filling is ready, it’s time to shape the dumplings. Take a small spoonful of the mixture and place it in the center of each dumpling wrapper. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch the seams tightly to seal them. You can fold the edges in pleats for a more traditional look or just fold them over and press to make a half-moon shape. It’s important to make sure the dumplings are sealed well to prevent the filling from leaking during steaming.
Steaming and Serving
To steam the Savory Steamed Dumplings, set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water. Make sure the dumplings are not touching each other to allow steam to circulate freely. Steam them for about 10-12 minutes until the dough is soft and the filling is fully cooked. Serve them with a simple dipping sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a little chili oil for an extra kick. These dumplings are a great appetizer or can even be a main course with some rice on the side.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Savory Steamed Dumplings
- Fresh Dumpling Wrappers: For best results, use fresh dumpling wrappers. If using frozen ones, make sure they’re fully thawed before working with them. You can also make your own wrappers from flour and water, but store-bought wrappers are quicker and more convenient.
- Filling Consistency: When mixing the filling, ensure it’s well-combined but not over-mixed. Over-mixing can make the filling too dense, resulting in tough dumplings. A gentle stir is sufficient to incorporate all ingredients.
- Moistening Edges: Moisten the edges of the dumpling wrappers thoroughly with water to ensure they seal properly. If they don’t stick well, you can also use a small brush or your finger to apply water evenly along the edges.
- Avoid Overfilling: Be cautious not to overfill the dumplings, as too much filling can cause the wrapper to tear during cooking. About 1 tablespoon of filling per dumpling is perfect.
- Cooking in Batches: When pan-frying, don’t overcrowd the dumplings in the pan. Give them space to crisp up properly and steam evenly. If you’re making a large batch, it’s better to cook in multiple rounds.
- Steam Level: If you’re using a bamboo steamer, make sure the water is simmering gently, not boiling, to prevent overcooking the dumplings. Steaming for 5-7 minutes will cook them perfectly.
- Serving Tip: These dumplings are great for dipping! Prepare a simple dipping sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, a touch of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze uncooked dumplings by arranging them on a baking sheet and freezing them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag for later use. Steam directly from frozen – they may need an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
Savory Steamed Dumplings
4
dumplings30
minutes20
minutes250
kcal10
minutes1
hourDive into the delightful world of homemade dumplings with this easy and flavorful recipe! Perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks, these savory steamed dumplings boast a juicy filling and tender wrappers that melt in your mouth. Inspired by traditional techniques and customizable to suit your taste, you’ll love crafting each dumpling with confidence. Whether you’re preparing a cozy meal for your family or entertaining guests, these dumplings are sure to impress. Get ready to experience the perfect balance of textures and tastes that make dumplings a timeless favorite in any cuisine. Let’s get cooking and bring a touch of culinary magic to your kitchen!
Ingredients
- Filling
1 pound ground pork
2 cups finely chopped napa cabbage
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Dumplings
30 pieces dumpling wrappers
2 tablespoons water
- For Serving
Soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
- Alternative Ingredients:
Ground Pork: Substitute with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
Napa Cabbage: Use finely shredded bok choy or spinach.
Soy Sauce: Tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
Sesame Oil: Olive oil can be used in a pinch though it alters the flavor.
Dumpling Wrappers: Store-bought wonton wrappers or make your own using flour and water.
Minced Garlic: Garlic paste or powder can replace fresh garlic.
Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger as a substitute using half the amount.
Directions
- Prepare the Filling – In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, finely chopped napa cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Assemble the Dumplings – Place a dumpling wrapper in the palm of your hand. Spoon approximately one tablespoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper. Moisten the edges with a little water using a pastry brush. Fold the wrapper over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Ensure there are no gaps to prevent the dumplings from opening during cooking.
- Cook the Dumplings – Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Arrange the dumplings in the pan without overcrowding. Cook for about 2 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Add 1/4 cup of water to the pan, cover with a lid, and steam the dumplings for another 5-7 minutes until the filling is cooked through. Remove the lid and let any remaining water evaporate.
- Serve and Enjoy – Transfer the cooked dumplings to a serving plate. Serve hot with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- Nonstick Pan
- bamboo steamer
- spoon
- pastry brush
- digital scale
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 6mg
- Iron: 8mg
FAQ- Savory Steamed Dumplings
Can I use a different protein for the filling?
Yes! You can substitute ground pork with ground chicken, turkey, or beef. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled firm tofu or tempeh. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit the different proteins.
Can I make the dumpling wrappers from scratch?
Absolutely! To make your own wrappers, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with about 1/2 cup of warm water and a pinch of salt. Knead into a dough, then roll out into thin circles. However, store-bought wrappers are much quicker and more convenient for a fast recipe.
How do I store leftover dumplings?
Leftover cooked dumplings can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, steam them for a few minutes until heated through. Uncooked dumplings can be frozen for up to a month – steam directly from frozen.
Can I steam dumplings without a bamboo steamer?
Yes! If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, use a metal steamer basket, or place the dumplings in a heatproof dish, cover with foil, and place the dish in a large pot with a little water at the bottom. The key is to keep the steam circulating around the dumplings.
How can I make my dumplings crispier?
After steaming, you can pan-fry the dumplings for a crispy bottom. Heat a nonstick pan with a small amount of oil, and cook the dumplings until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. This gives you the best of both worlds – soft on top, crispy on the bottom!
