Steamed Dumplings Recipes

HOW TO MAKE STEAMED DUMPLINGS FROM SCRATCH

Steps:

• If you are using ground meat in dumpling filling add seasonings now to marinate the meat. Note, do not add vegetables at this stage. Cover the ground meat and marinate in the fridge for 1 hour to a day. Re-hydrate and prep dry ingredients if you're making vegetarian dumplings.
• Attach dough blade to your mixer. Add flour into mixing bowl. Pour 1 cup hot water in the middle. Mix on low until the water is mostly incorporated. Stop mixer and scrape flour from the wall with a spatula. Mix on low until water is fully incorporated. Add room temperature water along the edge. Stir with spatula to mix. Start mixer on low until it forms a dough. If the dough won't come together, keep adding cold water, 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time, until a dough is formed. The dough should be a bit springy, not sticking to the bowl, and not too tender. Add flour if the dough is too soft and doesn't hold its shape. Keep kneading until the surface becomes smooth, about 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a working surface and knead a few times to shape into a dough ball.
• Add flour into a large mixing bowl. Pour 1 cup hot water in the middle. Mix in a swirling motion to combine the flour in center of the bowl and leave some of the flour along the edge untouched. When the water is fully combined, add room temperature water along the edge in a swirling motion. Keep mixing until all the water is absorbed. Dust both hands with flour and start kneading to form dough. When dough has formed, dust the working surface with flour and dust hands again. Transfer the dough to the working surface and continue to knead it until its surface becomes smooth, about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Brush a thin layer oil in a bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and rest it for 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you don't make the dumplings immediately, store the dough in the fridge for up to a day.
• Now it's the time to finish up the dumpling filling. Adding vegetables to the marinated ground meat. Finish with sesame oil. Mix well.
• Line a large steamer with napa cabbage leaves or a few layers wet cheese cloth.
• If you're going to serve the dumplings immediately, add water to a large skillet or a wok. Bring it to the boil.
• Divide the dough into 4 parts and roll into balls. Work on them one by one. Place the rest of the dough balls back in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
• Shape and roll the dough into a long stick, about 20-cm (8-inch) length. Cut into 2-cm (2/3-inch) thick small pieces. You will get 10 to 12 pieces dough. I personally prefer to make large dumplings, so you can wrap in more fillings which are less work.
• Lightly dust both sides of each small dough with flour, and shape them into a cylinder. Work on them one at a time. Cover the rest with a few layers of wet kitchen paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
• Dust the working surface again. Take one dough ball and press it to a round disc. Roll with a rolling pin and rotate it a few times to thin out the dough. Then rotate the dough with one hand while rolling the dough with the other hand at the same time until it forms a round sheet (refer to the video to see how). Try to roll it so that that the edge is thinner than the center. The wrapper should be about 2 millimeters (1/16-inch) thick in center (i.e. almost same as the thickness of a CD), and paper thin on the edges. The diameter should be about 10 to 11-cm (4-inch). It is ok if the wrapper is not perfectly round.
• Starting here, you should work as quickly as you can because the wrappers will dry out quickly. Cover the wrappers with a few layers of wet paper towel to l prevent them from drying out too fast. If they do, you will find it difficult to seal the dumplings later. If the wrappers dry out when you start to fold the dumplings, brush a bit of water over the edge so you can still seal the dough.
• If you have a helper, they could start folding dumplings now, while you keep rolling the wrapper.
• Scoop about 2 tablespoons (or less, so you can easily fold the dumpling) of dumpling filling and place it in the center of the wrapper. Hold the dumpling with one hand and start sealing the edges with the other hand (refer to the video to see how to fold a dumpling). After folding, press edge again to seal well. You can use any way to fold the dumplings as long as you're comfortable with it.
• If you're going to cook the dumplings immediately, place them into the steamer, about 1 finger apart.
• If you're going to cook the dumplings later, place them onto a baking tray and seal with plastic wrapper. Store dumplings in the freezer for up to 1 month. Once the dumplings are completely frozen, about a day, you can transport them to an air-tight container or a gallon bag to save freezer space.
• To steam dumplings, prepare the steamer by adding 2" (5cm) water to the steamer. Place the dumplings onto the steaming rack, at least one finger apart each other (the dumplings will expand a lot after cooking). Place the steaming rack onto the steamer and cover. Heat over medium heat until the steam comes out. Leave to cook, without peeking into the steamer, for 10 minutes or until the dumplings are completely cooked through.
• Serve immediately with dipping sauce. When the dumplings are just off the stove and still hot, carefully try one without any dipping sauce. The dumpling should have a lot of juice inside and be delicious and flavorful without any sauce.
• I introduced 4 types of dumpling sauce recipes in this post.
• The best way to store is to freeze uncooked dumplings immediately after wrapping. Steam frozen dumplings without thawing until they're cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
• If you have leftover cooked dumplings, store in airtight container in the fridge and consume within 1 to 2 days.
• To reheat in microwave - Add dumplings into a bowl and sprinkle with a few drops of water. Cover and heat until warm.
• To reheat by steaming - Just like steaming the raw dumplings, cook dumplings in a steamer until heated through, about 5 minutes.
• To pan fry - Grease a nonstick skillet with a thin layer of oil and heat over medium heat. When skillet is hot, add dumplings. Swirl in a tablespoon of water, cover immediately, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

HEALTHY STEAMED DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first 12 ingredients. Add turkey; mix lightly but thoroughly. , Place 1 tablespoon filling in center of each pot sticker wrapper. (Cover remaining wrappers with a damp paper towel until ready to use.) Moisten wrapper edge with water. Fold wrapper over filling; seal edges, pleating the front side several times to form a pleated pouch. Stand dumplings on a work surface to flatten bottoms; curve slightly to form crescent shapes, if desired., Line a steamer basket with six cabbage leaves. In batches, arrange dumplings 1 in. apart over cabbage; place in a large saucepan over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; steam, covered, 6-8 minutes or until cooked through. Discard cabbage. If desired, serve with chili sauce. Freeze option: Cover and freeze cooled dumplings on waxed paper-lined baking sheets until firm. Transfer to a large freezer container. To use, microwave dumplings, covered, for 30-45 seconds or until heated through.

STEAMED DUMPLINGS RECIPE

Steps:

• Combine the ground pork, shrimp, chopped scallions, ginger, and all the seasonings together. Mix well and set aside.
• To make dumplings, place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of a wrapper. Dab a little water with your finger and circle around the edge of the skin, and then fold and pleat the dumpling accordingly. Repeat the same for the rest. (Please refer to this video to learn how to fold/pleat dumplings.
• Arrange the dumplings in a bamboo steamer (lined with parchment paper at the bottom) and steam for 8-10 minutes. Serve immediately with black vinegar dipping sauce.

HOW TO MAKE STEAMED DUMPLINGS, TWO WAYS (蒸饺)

Steps:

• For regular wrappers: Pour boiling water into the flour while mixing with chopsticks. Then add room temperature water. Stir until no more liquid can be seen. Combine and knead with your hands until smooth. Cover the bowl then rest for 30 minutes.
• For crystal wrappers: Mix wheat starch and tapioca starch (or cornstarch) in a bowl. Pour boiling water over (It has to be just boiled). Stir with chopsticks immediately to distribute the water evenly. Then add oil. Combine and knead with your hands until very smooth. It can be used straight away. Remember to cover it well while preparing the filling.
• Put minced pork into a mixing bowl. Add white pepper, salt, sesame oil & water. Stir to combine.
• Add Chinese chives, water chestnut & dried papery shrimp. Mix well then keep in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the dumplings.
• Divide the dough into two parts. Roll each part into a rope then cut into 12 equal sections (24 pieces in total).
• Use a rolling pin to flatten a piece into a thin disc, about 9-10cm in diameter (Please refer to the tutorial below). Dust with flour/starch if it sticks. Remember to cover the unused pieces to prevent them from drying out.
• Place a spoonful of filling on the wrapper. Fold and seal completely. The video below shows you how I fold them in half-moon shape and triangle shape.
• Check out my post and video on "Ten Ways to Fold Dumplings" if you wish to learn other techniques.
• Scatter carrot slices in the steamer basket, then place dumplings on top (This is to avoid sticking. You may use parchment paper or coat the steamer with a thin layer of oil).
• Bring the water to a full boil, then place the basket in and cover with a lid.
• Steam over medium heat for 10 minutes for the regular dumplings, or 6 minutes for the crystal dumplings.
• It's best to enjoy steamed dumplings when warm.
• You can serve them on their own, with a simple mix of homemade chilli oil & black rice vinegar or with other delcious sauces found in my post "Six Dumpling Sauces".
• Keep the leftover cooked dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you may either steam for 3-4 minutes or pan fry over low heat with a little oil until piping hot.
• Right after the dumplings are assembled, lay them in a single layer on a tray. Freeze until completely frozen. Transfer to an airtight container/plastic bag. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Cook frozen dumplings: Do not defrost. Steam for 15 mins or so.

VEGETARIAN STEAMED DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
• Cut the tofu in half horizontally and lay between layers of paper towels. Place on a plate, top with another plate, and place a weight on top (a 14-ounce can of vegetables works well). Let stand 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, cut the tofu into 1/4-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the carrots, cabbage, red pepper, scallions, ginger, cilantro, soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, egg, salt, and pepper. Lightly stir to combine.
• To form the dumplings, remove 1 wonton wrapper from the package, covering the others with a damp cloth. Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with water. Place 1/2 rounded teaspoon of the tofu mixture in the center of the wrapper. Shape as desired. Set on a sheet pan and cover with a damp cloth. Repeat procedure until all of the filling is gone.
• Using a steaming apparatus of your choice, bring 1/4 to 1/2-inch of water to a simmer over medium heat. Spray the steamer's surface lightly with the non-stick vegetable spray to prevent sticking. Place as many dumplings as will fit into a steamer, without touching each other. Cover and steam for 10 to 12 minutes over medium heat. Remove the dumplings from the steamer to a heatproof platter and place in oven to keep warm. Repeat until all dumplings are cooked.

VEGETARIAN STEAMED DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• Cut the block of tofu in half horizontally and put it between several layers of paper towels, set between two large plates, and top with a 28-ounce can from the pantry. Set aside for 20 minutes to extract as much whey as possible.
• Cut the tofu into 1/4-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl along with the carrots, cabbage, bell pepper, scallions, ginger, cilantro, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, egg, salt and pepper. Toss by hand to combine.
• To form the dumplings: Remove 1 wonton wrapper from the package, covering the others with a damp cloth. Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with water. Place 1 rounded teaspoon of the tofu mixture in the center of the wrapper. Fold into a triangle and then attach the ends, then brush two points with a little water and pinch together to make a wonton shape.
• Bring a large pot of at least 3 inches of water to a low boil. Brush a parchment paper round lightly with oil, then place into a steamer basket. Place dumplings onto the parchment and cover the steamer with the lid. Steam dumplings for 15 minutes, until dough is cooked and center has cooked through. Remove dumplings from steamer and serve!

SIOPAO (FILIPINO STEAMED DUMPLINGS)

Steps:

• Dissolve yeast in the water; stir in the sugar and beat in 2 1/2 cups of rice flour to make a soft sponge. Set aside in a warm place to double in bulk, about 40 minutes. Mix in 2 more cups of rice flour and 1/4 cup of shortening and place the dough on a greased work surface; knead in the remaining 1/4 cup of shortening to make a smooth dough. Cut the dough into 15 equal-sized pieces; form each piece into a ball.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir the onion and garlic in the hot oil until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken, soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of sugar, green onion, salt, and pepper. If the mixture is juicy, add cornstarch to thicken.
• Working on a lightly greased work surface, flatten a dough ball into a circle about 4 inches in diameter with the heel of your hand. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling into the center of the dough ball, bring the edges of the dough together at the top, and pinch and twist to seal in the filling. Place each filled dumpling onto waxed paper with the pinched seal at the bottom while you finish the rest of the dumplings.
• Spray a multi-layered bamboo steamer with cooking spray, place the steamer on top of a large saucepan, and pour in water to several inches below the steamer. Bring the water to a boil.
• Working in several batches, place 3 or 4 filled buns into each steamer layer without letting the buns touch each other or the edge of the steamer, cover the steamer, and let the buns steam over medium-low heat until puffy and the dough is springy, about 15 minutes per batch. Serve warm.

STEAMED BEEF DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• For dough, combine flour, the 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2/3 cup boiling water in a medium mixing bowl, stirring constantly with a fork. Add 1/4 cup cold water; mix with your hands until dough forms a ball. (The dough will be sticky.) Cover; set aside.
• NOTE: I had to add a little bit more water than posted; go by the look and feel.
• For filling, stir together hoisin and cornstrach in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in finely diced bok choy, carrot, finely sliced green onion, cilantro and salt. Add ground beef; mix well. Using about 1 tablespoon of the filling for each, shape filling into 30 balls. Set aside.
• NOTE: I used an egg ring to form the wraps; made it easier for filling.
• Divide dough in half. Return one portion to the bowl; cover and set aside. Divide the other portion into 15 balls. On a well-floured surface, roll each dough ball into a 3-inch circle. Place a meatball in the center of each circle. Fold the dough up and around all but the top of the meatball, pleating dough firmly. Gently flatten the bottom of each dumpling. Repeat with remaining dough and meatballs to make 30 dumplings total.
• NOTE: Keep a moistened towel over the wontons so they do not dry out while you continue to make the batch.
• Bring water to boiling in a steamer or Dutch oven. Place dumplings, open sides up, on a greased steamer rack; make sure the dumplings don't touch one another. (If all the dumplings won't fit on a steamer rack, refrigerate remainder until ready to steam.) Place rack over, but not touching, boiling water. Cover and steam dumplings for 16 to 18 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Meanwhile, combine rice vinegar and soy sauce. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon thinly sliced green onion. Serve with dumplings.
• NOTE: Used a rice steamer and oil sprayed the top insert each time.

STEAMED TURKEY DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• Mix ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper for seasoning mix together in a large bowl. Add turkey, egg, soy sauce, bread crumbs, and garlic for wontons; mix well.
• Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a skillet. Spray the inside of a steamer basket with cooking spray.
• While water is coming to a boil, place wonton wrappers on a smooth surface. Place small rounded scoops of turkey mixture into the center of each wonton. Lightly brush the outer edges with water, bring corners of each wonton up toward the center, and pinch edges to seal. Place wontons into the steamer basket.
• Reduce heat under the skillet to a simmer and place steamer basket inside. Cover and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of each wonton reads at least 160 degrees F (71 degrees C), 5 to 7 minutes.
• While wontons are steaming, combine vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for sauce in a small bowl; mix well.
• Carefully transfer steamed wontons to a serving platter and serve with sauce.

CHINESE STEAMED DUMPLINGS WITH DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Mix ingredients for dipping sauce and set aside.
• Lightly oil a large bowl.
• Put the flour and salt in another large bowl, piled up.
• Make a dent in the top of the pile, and crack the egg into it.
• Mix the egg into the flour.
• Add enough water to the mixture to make a thick dough.
• The consistency should be like bread dough.
• In any case, don't add too much water--it shouldn't be like batter at all!
• Turn the dough out onto the flour-dusted counter, and form into a ball.
• (It helps to flour your hands first).
• Place the dough into the oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap (cellofane).
• Let stand 1 hour.
• Meanwhile mix all ingredients for filling and place in the fridge.
• Next, remove dough and place on flour-dusted counter (or work surface).
• Knead a bit and flatten until very thin (but not see-through or falling apart).
• Using a large, round cookie-cutter (or bottom of coffee can or top of glass) cut three-inch rounds.
• Don't place them on top of each other, as they could stick together!
• Knead the leftover pieces together again and cut more rounds until there's no dough left.
• Spoon a bit of the filling into the center of each round and fold in half (to make a semi-circle shape).
• Seal edges with a bit of water, and use tongs of a fork to decorate the edge.
• To prepare, either steam the dumplings (if you have a steamer) for 15 mins, or boil for 10 mins.
• If you boil, add some oil to the water and don't overcrowd the pan--make them in batches.
• If you like, you can fry the dumplings in a skillet or wok to brown them before serving.
• Handle gently!

STEAMED OPEN-TOPPED DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• Place the ground pork in a mixing bowl. Wrap the shrimp or scallops in a dish towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Dice the shrimp or scallops fine and add to bowl. Add remaining ingredients, through the cornstarch, and then stir vigorously.
• Line steamer trays with lightly oiled parchment or punch lightly oiled aluminum pie plates with holes. Place a heaping tablespoon of the filling in the middle of one dumpling skin and gather the edges of the skin around the filling, leaving the top open. Pick it up and press bottom flat to it will stand upright. Dip the back of a spoon in water and smooth the filling on top. Arrange the dumplings 1/4-inch apart.
• Fill a wok or a pot with water and bring to boil. Place the steamer trays with the dumplings over the boiling water and steam 15 minutes. Remove and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Mix soy sauce and black vinegar and use as a dip.