Savory Taiwanese Sweet Potato Dumplings with Chicken Filling
Indulge in these unique Taiwanese sweet potato dumplings that feature a delectable chicken filling, combining a delightful sweetness and savory notes. The sticky texture reminiscent of tapioca makes each bite an adventure in flavor and texture. Perfectly steamed to retain moisture, these dumplings offer a comforting meal or snack that is both fun to make and eat. Whether you’re hosting friends or savoring a cozy night at home, these dumplings are sure to impress with their vibrant color, enticing aroma, and satisfying chewiness.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tapioca flour
500 g (none)
Sweet potatoes
200-300 g (peeled and cooked)
Wheat flour
1/2 cup (for dusting and coating)
Chicken breasts
2 (finely diced)
Oil
2 tablespoons (for stir-frying)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Shallots
2 stalks (finely chopped)
Bamboo shoots
200 g (finely chopped (canned))
Instructions
1
In a large wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced chicken breasts and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the finely chopped bamboo shoots to the wok and continue to stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the finely chopped shallots and soy sauce, and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the shallots are soft and fragrant. Once done, remove the mixture from the heat and set aside to cool.
4
Prepare the sweet potato by placing it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with cling wrap, and microwaving on medium-high for approximately 10 minutes, or until soft and cooked through. Allow it to cool enough to handle, then peel off the skin.
5
On a clean work surface, pour out the tapioca flour. Mash the cooked sweet potato and combine it with the tapioca flour. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, non-sticky ball, achieving a light orange color and a texture similar to playdough.
6
Dust your hands with wheat flour to prevent sticking. Take a small handful of the dough and flatten it into an oval shape approximately 1/4 inch thick.
7
Place about a teaspoon of the chicken filling in the center of the dough oval. Carefully fold the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal the dumpling completely. Gently roll it into a ball shape. Repeat this process until all the dough and filling have been used up.
8
Line a steamer basket with baking paper and dust it lightly with wheat flour to prevent sticking. Arrange the dumplings in the steamer, leaving about 1 inch of space between each to allow for expansion.
9
Steam the dumplings for 15-20 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through and firm to the touch.
10
Serve the dumplings immediately while warm. If not serving right away, wrap each dumpling individually in cling wrap to preserve their moisture and texture, as they tend to dry out quickly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Taiwanese Sweet Potato Dumplings?
They are a unique Taiwanese dish featuring a sticky, chewy sweet potato and tapioca dough filled with a savory chicken and bamboo shoot mixture.
What ingredients are in the chicken filling?
The filling consists of finely diced chicken breasts, bamboo shoots, shallots, soy sauce, and oil for stir-frying.
How are the sweet potatoes prepared for the dough?
The sweet potatoes are microwaved for about 10 minutes until soft, then peeled and mashed before being mixed with tapioca flour.
What type of flour is used for the dumpling dough?
Tapioca flour is the primary ingredient for the dough to achieve a sticky, chewy texture, while wheat flour is used for dusting.
How long do you microwave the sweet potato?
Microwave the sweet potato on medium-high for approximately 10 minutes or until it is soft and cooked through.
What is the recommended cooking method for these dumplings?
These dumplings should be steamed for 15-20 minutes until they are firm to the touch.
How long should the dumplings be steamed?
The dumplings need to be steamed for 15 to 20 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked through.
How do you prevent the dough from sticking to your hands?
You should dust your hands with wheat flour before handling the dough to prevent it from sticking.
What is the texture of the finished dumpling dough?
The texture is sticky and chewy, similar to tapioca pearls or mochi.
How much space is needed between dumplings in the steamer?
Leave about 1 inch of space between each dumpling to allow for expansion during the steaming process.
How do you prevent dumplings from sticking to the steamer?
Line the steamer basket with baking paper and lightly dust it with wheat flour.
How should leftover dumplings be stored?
If not serving immediately, wrap each dumpling individually in cling wrap to preserve their moisture and prevent drying.
Why is it important to wrap the dumplings in cling wrap?
The dumplings tend to dry out very quickly once cooked, so wrapping them helps maintain their soft and chewy texture.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes finely chopped bamboo shoots and shallots.
How do you know when the dumplings are finished cooking?
The dumplings are done when they have been steamed for at least 15 minutes and feel firm to the touch.
Can the filling be made ahead of time?
Yes, the filling is prepared in a wok and then set aside to cool, so it can be made before you start the dough.
What gives the dumplings their orange color?
The vibrant light orange color comes naturally from the mashed cooked sweet potatoes mixed into the dough.
How thick should the dough be when flattened?
The dough should be flattened into an oval shape approximately 1/4 inch thick.
Can I use fresh bamboo shoots instead of canned?
The recipe calls for canned bamboo shoots, but fresh ones can be used if they are properly prepared and finely chopped.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a savory, salty chicken and soy sauce filling.
Is soy sauce added to the dough?
No, the soy sauce is only used to season the chicken and vegetable filling.
How should the chicken be prepared for the filling?
The chicken breasts should be finely diced and stir-fried in a wok until cooked through.
How long does it take to stir-fry the chicken?
Stir-frying the chicken takes about 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat.
What is a good substitute for bamboo shoots?
While not specified in the recipe, water chestnuts could provide a similar crunch if bamboo shoots are unavailable.
What is the ratio of sweet potato to tapioca flour?
The recipe uses 200-300 grams of sweet potato for every 500 grams of tapioca flour.
Is this recipe considered a snack or a meal?
It can be served as either a satisfying comforting meal or a fun snack for guests.
What should the dough feel like after kneading?
After kneading, the dough should be a smooth, non-sticky ball with a texture similar to playdough.
Should the dumplings be served hot or cold?
The dumplings are best served immediately while they are still warm.
What oil is used for the filling?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of oil for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.