Savory Steamed Pork & Scallion Dumplings
Indulge in these delightful steamed dumplings, filled with a fragrant mixture of tender ground pork and fresh scallions. Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory flavors, enhanced by the aromatic ginger and garlic, all wrapped in a delicate wonton shell. These dumplings are steamed to create a soft, pillowy texture that makes for a satisfying appetizer or main course. Paired with a savory dipping sauce that combines salty and sweet notes with a subtle kick of chili oil, these dumplings are sure to impress your family and friends. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, they're as fun to make as they are to eat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
low sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup (for dipping sauce)
sugar
2 tablespoons (for dipping sauce)
rice vinegar
1 tablespoon (for dipping sauce)
chili oil
1 teaspoon (for dipping sauce)
scallions
2 bunches (cut into thirds)
garlic cloves
5 (minced)
chopped ginger
1 tablespoon (fresh, minced)
hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons (for filling)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (for filling)
sesame oil
1 tablespoon (for filling)
ground pork
1 lb (fresh)
grated garlic
2 tablespoons (for filling)
beaten egg
1 (for filling)
wonton wrappers
40 (for wrapping)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, prepare the dipping sauce by whisking together soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and chili oil until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
In a small food processor, combine scallions, garlic cloves, ginger, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and well combined.
3
Transfer the scallion mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the beaten egg and ground pork, then mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated.
4
Prepare a small bowl of water and lightly flour a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
5
Take a wonton wrapper and place about 1 tablespoon of the pork filling in the center. Moisten the edge of the wrapper with your fingertip dipped in water.
6
Carefully pinch one end of the wrapper tightly to seal it, then create several small pleats along the edge to secure the filling inside. Alternatively, fold the wrapper in half and press to seal if pleating is not preferred.
7
Place the completed dumpling on the prepared baking sheet and cover with a damp towel to prevent drying while you fill the remaining wrappers.
8
In a large nonstick skillet, heat over medium heat and add 1 cup of water to the pan. Arrange 6-7 dumplings in the water and cover with a clear lid. Steam the dumplings for 10 minutes without lifting the lid to ensure they cook evenly.
9
Repeat the steaming process for the remaining dumplings.
10
Serve the dumplings hot with the prepared dipping sauce. Any uncooked dumplings can be frozen for later use; just add 1-2 minutes to the steaming time when cooking from frozen.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Steamed Pork & Scallion Dumplings?
They are delicate wonton wrappers filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, scallions, ginger, and garlic, steamed to a soft, pillowy texture.
What ingredients are in the dumpling filling?
The filling consists of ground pork, scallions, garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a beaten egg as a binder.
How is the dipping sauce prepared?
The sauce is made by whisking together low sodium soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and chili oil until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low sodium?
Yes, but low sodium is recommended to ensure the dipping sauce isn't overly salty.
What is the purpose of the egg in the filling?
The beaten egg acts as a binding agent, helping the pork and aromatics stay together during the assembly and steaming process.
How should the scallions be prepared for the filling?
Cut two bunches of scallions into thirds and pulse them in a food processor with garlic and ginger until finely chopped.
What type of wrappers are needed for this recipe?
This recipe uses 40 standard wonton wrappers.
How much filling should I put in each dumpling?
Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the pork mixture in the center of each wrapper.
How do you seal the wonton wrappers?
Moisten the edges with water using your finger, then pinch one end and create pleats or simply fold in half and press to seal.
Do I need a bamboo steamer to cook these?
No, you can steam them in a large nonstick skillet using 1 cup of water and a tight-fitting clear lid.
How long do the dumplings need to steam?
The dumplings should be steamed for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
Can I freeze these dumplings?
Yes, uncooked dumplings can be frozen for later use.
How do I cook the dumplings from frozen?
Cook them using the same steaming method but add an additional 1-2 minutes to the total steaming time.
How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking to the tray?
Place the assembled dumplings on a parchment-lined baking sheet that has been lightly dusted with flour.
How do I keep the wrappers from drying out while making the batch?
Cover the completed dumplings on the baking sheet with a damp towel while you finish filling the remaining wrappers.
How many dumplings can I steam at one time?
In a large skillet, you should arrange 6-7 dumplings at a time to ensure they have enough space to steam evenly.
Is the dipping sauce spicy?
The sauce has a subtle kick from the chili oil, but the heat level can be adjusted to your preference.
Can I substitute the ground pork for another meat?
While the recipe specifies pork, you can use other ground meats like chicken or turkey, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
What gives the filling its aromatic flavor?
The combination of fresh minced ginger, garlic, and hoisin sauce creates the characteristic aromatic and savory profile.
What is the best way to serve these dumplings?
Serve them hot immediately after steaming, accompanied by the sweet and savory dipping sauce.
How do I prepare the ginger?
The ginger should be fresh and minced or chopped before being pulsed in the food processor with the other aromatics.
Should the garlic be minced or grated?
The recipe calls for 5 minced garlic cloves in the food processor and 2 tablespoons of grated garlic for the filling.
What texture should I expect from the finished dumplings?
Expect a soft, pillowy wrapper with a tender, juicy, and well-seasoned meat filling.
Does the recipe require oil for cooking?
The recipe uses sesame oil in the filling and chili oil in the sauce, but the cooking process uses water for steaming rather than oil for frying.
Can I use a food processor for the whole filling?
Use the food processor only for the aromatics (scallions, garlic, ginger); mix the pork and egg in by hand in a large bowl.
How many dumplings does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to yield approximately 40 dumplings.
Is there sugar in the recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of sugar are used in the dipping sauce to balance the salty soy sauce and acidic vinegar.
What is the role of hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce adds a sweet and savory depth to the pork filling.
Can these be served as a main course?
Yes, they work perfectly as either a satisfying appetizer or a main course.
Is rice vinegar necessary for the sauce?
Rice vinegar is recommended as it provides a mild acidity that complements the soy and chili oil without being overpowering.