Bhutanese MoMo Dumplings
Experience the rich culinary heritage of Bhutan with these authentic MoMo Dumplings. In week 31 of my food blog, "Travel by Stove," I explored this beautiful Himalayan kingdom through its food. Traditionally made with yak meat, these dumplings exemplify Bhutanese flavors, incorporating ground beef as a suitable alternative. Filled with a savory mixture of fragrant spices, onions, and a kick of jalapeno, these dumplings are perfect for sharing. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for an unforgettable taste of Bhutan, reflecting its vibrant culture and simple, hearty cuisine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground yak or beef
1/2 lb (ground)
Onion
1/2 (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (finely minced)
Chinese wine (xiaoshing)
1 oz (none)
Flour
2 tsp (none)
Soy sauce
2 tsp (none)
Jalapeno pepper
1 (seeds removed, finely minced)
Wonton wrappers
1 (12 oz) package (none)
Lettuce or cabbage leaves
a few large (used to line the steamer basket)
Soy sauce
1/4 cup (for dipping sauce)
Rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup (for dipping sauce)
Chili oil
1 tsp (for dipping sauce)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground yak or beef with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Chinese wine (xiaoshing), flour, soy sauce, and minced jalapeno. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until well blended.
2
Take one wonton wrapper and place a small spoonful of the filling mixture in the center. Avoid overfilling to prevent the dumplings from bursting.
3
Fold the wrapper in half to create a half-moon shape. Carefully pinch the edges together to ensure a tight seal, making sure there are no air pockets.
4
If desired, create pleats along the edge for a decorative touch by pinching small sections of the edge together.
5
Prepare your steamer by lining the basket with large lettuce or cabbage leaves. This prevents sticking and adds extra flavor during steaming.
6
Place the filled dumplings in a single layer in the steamer basket, making sure they do not overlap to ensure even cooking.
7
Cover the steamer and steam the dumplings over boiling water for about 30 minutes, until cooked through and tender.
8
While the dumplings are steaming, prepare the dipping sauce by combining soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and chili oil in a bowl. Adjust seasonings to taste.
9
Once cooked, serve the dumplings hot with the dipping sauce on the side for a delightful culinary experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bhutanese MoMo Dumplings?
Bhutanese MoMo Dumplings are traditional Himalayan dumplings known for their savory meat filling and fragrant spices, reflecting the simple and hearty cuisine of Bhutan.
What meat is traditionally used in MoMos?
Traditionally, MoMo dumplings are made with yak meat, though ground beef is a suitable and common alternative.
What ingredients are used in the meat filling?
The filling consists of ground yak or beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Chinese xiaoshing wine, flour, soy sauce, and minced jalapeno.
How should the filling ingredients be combined?
Combine the meat, vegetables, wine, and seasonings in a mixing bowl and use your hands to thoroughly mix them until well blended.
What type of wrappers are used for Bhutanese MoMos?
This recipe uses a 12 oz package of standard wonton wrappers.
How much filling should I put in each dumpling?
Place a small spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each wrapper, being careful not to overfill them.
Why shouldn't I overfill the dumplings?
Overfilling the wrappers can cause the dumplings to burst during the cooking process.
What is the standard shape for these dumplings?
The wrappers are typically folded in half to create a half-moon shape.
How do I ensure the dumplings don't open while steaming?
Carefully pinch the edges together to create a tight seal, making sure there are no air pockets left inside.
How can I make the MoMos look more decorative?
You can create decorative pleats along the edge of the dumpling by pinching small sections of the edge together.
How do I prepare the steamer basket?
Line the steamer basket with large lettuce or cabbage leaves before adding the dumplings.
What is the purpose of lining the steamer with leaves?
The leaves prevent the dumplings from sticking to the basket and add extra flavor during the steaming process.
How should the dumplings be arranged in the steamer?
Place the dumplings in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap so they cook evenly.
How long do Bhutanese MoMo Dumplings take to cook?
The dumplings should be steamed over boiling water for approximately 30 minutes until they are cooked through and tender.
What ingredients are in the MoMo dipping sauce?
The dipping sauce is made by combining 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of chili oil.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dipping sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the seasonings, including the chili oil, to your personal taste.
What kind of onion is best for the filling?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of an onion, finely chopped, to provide flavor and moisture to the meat.
How much garlic is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves, which should be finely minced.
What is Chinese wine (xiaoshing) used for in this recipe?
One ounce of xiaoshing wine is used in the filling to add depth and traditional aroma to the meat mixture.
Why is flour included in the meat mixture?
Two teaspoons of flour are added to the meat filling to help bind the ingredients together.
How do I prepare the jalapeno for the filling?
The jalapeno should have its seeds removed and then be finely minced to provide a mild kick.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While the specific serving count isn't listed, it uses 1/2 lb of meat and a 12 oz package of wrappers, making it a perfect dish for sharing.
Should MoMos be served hot or cold?
MoMos are best served hot, immediately after they have finished steaming.
Is this a spicy dish?
It has a mild to moderate heat level due to the inclusion of one minced jalapeno in the filling and chili oil in the dipping sauce.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Common tags include bhutanese cuisine, momo dumplings, himalayan food, and traditional recipes.
What is 'Travel by Stove'?
'Travel by Stove' is the food blog where this recipe was featured during an exploration of Bhutanese cuisine.
Can I substitute the rice wine vinegar in the sauce?
While rice wine vinegar is traditional for the tanginess of the sauce, you can experiment with other light vinegars if necessary.
Does the recipe use a specific type of steamer?
Any standard steamer basket placed over boiling water will work for this recipe.
How much soy sauce is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of soy sauce in the filling and 1/4 cup in the dipping sauce.
What makes this recipe authentic to Bhutan?
The combination of meat, pungent aromatics like garlic and onion, and the specific steaming method are staples of Bhutanese culinary heritage.