Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in these pot stickers?
The main protein used in this recipe is one pound of ground pork.
What ingredients are needed to make the homemade dough?
The dough is made from 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of hot water, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How long does the pot sticker dough need to rest?
The dough should be covered and allowed to rest for 20 minutes before rolling.
What is in the soy dipping sauce?
The sauce contains 1/2 cup of Kikkoman soy sauce, 1/4 cup of rice wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of chili oil or Hunan sauce, and 1 finely chopped green onion.
Can I use tamari instead of soy sauce in the filling?
Yes, the recipe allows for either soy sauce or tamari in the pork filling.
How much ginger is used in the pork filling?
The filling requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of grated fresh ginger.
What provides the crunchy texture inside the pot stickers?
A 9-ounce can of finely chopped water chestnuts provides the signature crunch.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
The dough should be rolled out on a floured surface to approximately 1/8 inch thickness.
What size should the dough circles be?
You should cut the dough into circles that are about 3 inches in diameter using a biscuit cutter or a glass.
How much filling goes into each dumpling?
Place approximately 2 teaspoons of the pork filling in the center of each dough circle.
How do you seal the pot stickers?
Brush water around the edges, fold the dough into a half-moon shape, and press the edges tightly to ensure no air is trapped inside.
How long should the dumplings be boiled?
The dumplings should be cooked in a rolling boil of salted water for about 5 minutes.
Can these pot stickers be pan-fried?
Yes, after boiling, you can fry them in a skillet with oil until they are golden brown on one side.
Can I freeze the pot stickers for later?
Yes, you can freeze the dumplings after they have been boiled and drained.
What type of vinegar is used for the dipping sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of rice wine vinegar.
Are these pot stickers inspired by a specific restaurant?
Yes, these are inspired by the iconic T.G.I. Friday's version of pork pot stickers.
What is the purpose of the egg in the filling?
The egg acts as a binder to help hold the ground pork and vegetable mixture together.
What type of oil is used in the pork filling?
One tablespoon of sesame oil is added to the filling for flavor.
How many green onions are needed for the filling?
The filling requires 3 chopped green onions.
What kind of water is used to make the dough?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of hot water for the dough mixture.
Is there any sugar in the pork filling?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of sugar is included in the savory filling.
What is the role of cornstarch in the recipe?
One tablespoon of cornstarch is added to the filling to help thicken and bind the ingredients.
How should the garlic be prepared for the filling?
One garlic clove should be minced before being added to the pork mixture.
What should I do after frying the dumplings?
Drain the fried pot stickers on paper towels before serving to remove excess oil.
Can I use Hunan sauce in this recipe?
Yes, Hunan sauce can be used as an alternative to chili oil in the dipping sauce.
What cooking methods are suggested?
The dumplings can be enjoyed either just steamed/boiled or pan-fried for a crispy texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 19 ingredients including the components for the dough, filling, and sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Yes, these pot stickers are described as a perfect treat for gatherings and party food.
How should the pot stickers be served?
Serve them warm alongside the prepared zesty soy dipping sauce.
What is the first step in making the filling?
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, sugar, salt, pepper, green onions, egg, cornstarch, water chestnuts, and garlic.