Pork Pot Stickers
Pork dumplings have a rich history that traces back to various cultures, particularly in East Asia. Their origins can be linked to Chinese cuisine, where they are known as “jiaozi.” These dumplings are believed to have been created over 1,800 years ago during the Han Dynasty. Traditionally, they were made with ground pork mixed with vegetables and wrapped in a thin dough, then boiled, steamed, or pan-fried.
The concept of dumplings spread to other countries and cultures, leading to variations like Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, and Russian pelmeni, all of which feature similar fillings but differ in preparation and presentation.
In addition to their cultural significance, pork dumplings are often associated with family gatherings and celebrations, such as the Lunar New Year in China, where they symbolize wealth and prosperity due to their similar shape to ancient gold ingots.
Ingredients
For the Dough
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup boiling water
A pinch of sea salt
For the Filling
1 pound ground pork
1 cup finely chopped green onions
1 cup finely chopped cabbage (or napa cabbage)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Make the Dough
In a bowl, mix the flour and sea salt. Gradually add the boiling water while stirring with a fork or chopsticks until it starts to come together.
Once cool enough to handle, knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth (about 5-7 minutes).
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, green onions, cabbage, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, sea salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Assemble the Dumplings
Divide the dough into small pieces (about 1 inch in diameter) and roll each piece into a thin circle (about 3 inches in diameter).
Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges to seal tightly, and pleat the edges for a decorative touch, if desired.
Cook the Dumplings
You can either steam, boil, or pan-fry the dumplings.
Steaming
Place the dumplings in a steamer lined with parchment paper. Steam for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
Boiling
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the dumplings and cook for about 6-8 minutes until they float and are cooked through.
Pan-frying
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the dumplings in the skillet and fry for about 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Add a splash of water (about ¼ cup), cover the skillet, and steam for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
Enjoy the dumplings hot with soy sauce, vinegar, or your favorite dipping sauce!
Feel free to adjust the filling ingredients to your taste!
Thank you for trying this recipe. Please let me know how you liked it.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a look at other recipes on my fast, simple and good pork page.
Pork Pot Stickers