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Chinese fried dumplings

Making Chinese fried dumplings, also known as "guo tie" or "potstickers," is a delightful culinary adventure. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create these crispy and flavorful dumplings in your own kitchen.
Yield: 4
Cost: $5

Materials

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
  • A pinch of salt

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup ground pork
  • 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Cooking:

  • Vegetable oil
  • Water (for steaming, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt.
  • Gradually add water while stirring until a rough dough forms.
  • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  • In a bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped cabbage, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
  • Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
  • Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Refrigerate the filling for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Rolling the Dough

  • Cut the rested dough into small pieces, about the size of a walnut.
  • Roll each piece into a ball, ensuring they are of equal size.
  • On a floured surface, use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a thin, round wrapper. Aim for a thickness of about 3 inches, ensuring the edges are thinner than the center.

Step 4: Filling and Folding

  • Spoon a small amount of the filling into the center of each wrapper, being careful not to overfill.
  • Fold the wrapper in half, enclosing the filling. Seal the edges by crimping them together using your fingers or a fork.
  • Create pleats along the sealed edge by folding and pressing the dough together. This adds a decorative touch and helps the dumpling maintain its shape during cooking.

Step 5: Pan-Frying the Dumplings

  • Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add a generous amount of vegetable oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
  • Carefully place the dumplings in the hot oil, ensuring they are not too crowded.
  • Allow the dumplings to cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown.
  • For a combination of crispiness and juiciness, add water to the pan (enough to cover the bottom) and immediately cover with a lid.
  • Let the dumplings steam and cook until the water evaporates, and the bottoms crisp up again.
  • Once the dumplings are golden brown and crispy on both sides, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 6: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

  • Mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, a splash of sesame oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of sugar. Adjust the quantities to achieve the desired balance of salty, tangy, and sweet flavors.
  • Alternatively, experiment with different dipping sauce recipes, such as a spicy soy dip or a ginger sesame sauce.