Ultimate Hawaiian Style Fried Dumplings (Gau Gee)
These Ultimate Hawaiian Style Fried Dumplings, known as Gau Gee, are a treasured family recipe that brings together an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Each bite features a savory mix of minced shrimp and ground pork, enhanced with crunchy water chestnuts and aromatic green onions. Finished with a hint of five-spice powder and fresh ginger juice, these dumplings are then expertly sealed in delicate wonton wrappers, creating a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the juicy filling inside. Serve them as a standout appetizer or make them the heart of your meal, paired with a delightful homemade sweet and sour sauce for the perfect dipping experience. Gather your friends and family, and enjoy these mouthwatering dumplings that are sure to bring joy to any table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
shrimp
1/4 lb (minced)
ground pork
1/4 lb
water chestnuts
8 (minced)
green onion
1/4 cup (chopped fine)
salt
1 tsp
ginger juice
1 tsp (fresh grated)
soy sauce
2 tsp
five-spice powder
1/2 tsp
wonton wrappers
30
pepper
1 dash
sweet and sour sauce
(prepared with later ingredients)
cornstarch
1 tbsp
sugar
1/2 cup
vinegar
1/4 cup
ketchup
1 tbsp
water
6 tbsp
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced shrimp, ground pork, minced water chestnuts, chopped green onions, and fresh ginger. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
2
Season the mixture with salt, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and a dash of pepper. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
3
Take a wonton wrapper and place a small portion of the filling in the center (about a teaspoon). Be careful not to overfill.
4
Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water using your fingertip. Fold the wrapper over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges tightly to seal. Make sure there are no air pockets.
5
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the dumplings in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
6
Fry the dumplings for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
7
For the sweet and sour sauce, combine sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and add cornstarch, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
8
Serve the fried dumplings hot with the sweet and sour sauce on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gau Gee?
Gau Gee are Hawaiian-style fried dumplings known for their savory meat and shrimp filling and crispy wonton exterior.
What is the main filling for these Hawaiian style dumplings?
The filling is a combination of minced shrimp and ground pork, mixed with water chestnuts and green onions.
How do I prepare the shrimp for this recipe?
The shrimp should be minced into small pieces before being mixed with the other filling ingredients.
What ingredients provide the crunch in the dumpling filling?
Minced water chestnuts are added to the filling to provide a satisfying crunchy texture.
How many wonton wrappers do I need for this recipe?
This recipe requires approximately 30 wonton wrappers.
How do I season the dumpling filling?
The filling is seasoned with salt, soy sauce, five-spice powder, ginger juice, and a dash of pepper.
How do I make the ginger juice?
You can make ginger juice by grating fresh ginger and squeezing the juice from the pulp.
What is the recommended filling amount per dumpling?
Place about a teaspoon of the meat and shrimp mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper.
How do I seal the Gau Gee?
Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, fold it into a half-moon shape over the filling, and press the edges tightly.
Why is it important to remove air pockets when sealing?
Removing air pockets ensures the dumplings don't burst or open while frying.
What is the best way to fry these dumplings?
Fry the dumplings in a deep pan with hot oil over medium-high heat until golden brown.
How long should I fry each dumpling?
Fry the dumplings for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
How do I prevent the pan from overcrowding?
Cook the dumplings in batches rather than putting them all in the pan at once.
What should I do with the dumplings after frying?
Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
What are the ingredients for the homemade sweet and sour sauce?
The sauce consists of sugar, vinegar, ketchup, water, and cornstarch.
How do I thicken the sweet and sour sauce?
Add cornstarch to the boiling mixture and stir constantly until it reaches the desired thickness.
Can I serve Gau Gee as an appetizer?
Yes, they are a standout appetizer and perfect for parties and family gatherings.
What kind of texture should the fried dumplings have?
They should have a very crispy exterior that contrasts with a juicy, savory interior.
Are these dumplings considered Asian cuisine?
Yes, they are a popular part of Hawaiian-Asian fusion cuisine.
Can I use different types of meat for the filling?
While this recipe uses ground pork, some variations use ground chicken or turkey.
How do I fold the wrapper?
Fold the square or circular wonton wrapper in half to create a half-moon or triangular shape.
Is five-spice powder necessary?
Five-spice powder provides the authentic aromatic flavor profile characteristic of Hawaiian Gau Gee.
Should I serve the sauce on the side?
Yes, serve the fried dumplings hot with the sweet and sour sauce in a separate bowl for dipping.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the filling can be mixed ahead of time and kept refrigerated until you are ready to assemble.
What is the role of cornstarch in the sauce?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to give the sweet and sour sauce its glossy, viscous consistency.
Are these dumplings spicy?
No, they are savory and aromatic rather than spicy, though you can add chili if desired.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes, but the homemade sauce provided in the recipe is specifically designed to complement these dumplings.
What color should the dumplings be when finished?
They should be a rich golden brown color.
Can I make these for a large group?
Absolutely, you can easily double or triple the recipe to serve more guests.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, the flavors are mild and the crispy texture makes them a favorite for both children and adults.