Dumplings 101
Chinese dumplings, or jiaozi (饺子), are more than just a meal; they are a cultural symbol of Chinese tradition, family, and celebration. These savory, bite-sized pockets of goodness have stood the test of time, with their origins tracing back over 1,800 years to the Eastern Han Dynasty. Whether steamed, boiled, or pan-fried, these delightful dumplings are enjoyed across China and have spread their popularity worldwide.
In China, dumplings are traditionally eaten during the Chinese New Year to symbolize wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. The shape of the dumpling resembles an ancient Chinese gold ingot, known as a yuanbao, believed to bring financial luck. The inclusion of fillings such as pork, shrimp, and vegetables also ties in with the symbolism of family and togetherness.
Chinese dumplings are incredibly versatile, with various fillings, dough preparations, and cooking methods. In this article, we will be sharing some simple ways to wrap dumplings as well as how to cook them.
Wanton (馄饨)
Wanton wrappers are usually yellow and square-shaped. Wantons are a specific type of chinese dumpling that is generally deep-fried or served in soups. Did you know that wanton skins can also be used to make siew mai, a dim sum snack in the Cantonese cuisine?
Basic Recipe
Ingredients (approx 75 pcs)
1️⃣ 1 pack Twirlee Wanton Wrappers
2️⃣ 400g minced pork
3️⃣ 8 pcs shitake mushroom (diced)
4️⃣ 200g shrimp (diced and pat dry)
5️⃣ 2 pcs spring onion (diced)
Seasoning
1️⃣ 2 tbsp corn starch
2️⃣ 1 tbsp oyster sauce
3️⃣ 1 tsp sugar
4️⃣ 1 tsp salt
5️⃣ 2 tbsp water
6️⃣ A few dashes of white pepper
7️⃣ 1 tbsp sesame oil
1. Mix all seasoning (except sesame oil) together in a bowl
2. Pour seasoning mixture into minced meat and mix well, add sesame oil after and mix well
3. Add mushroom, shrimp and spring onion into bowl and mix well
4. Cover and refrigerate for 30 min
How to wrap wanton
Ways to Enjoy Wanton
Gyoza (锅贴)
Gyoza wrappers are typically pale white and circular shaped. Gyoza skin are used to make gyozas, a type of Japanese dumpling or Chinese Potstickers. Both have similar preparation method.
Basic Recipe
Ingredients (Approx 30pcs)
1️⃣1 pack of Twirlee Gyoza Wrappers
2️⃣100g cabbage diced
3️⃣200g minced pork
4️⃣60g shitake mushroom diced
5️⃣1 clove of garlic diced
6️⃣ 1/2 tsp ginger diced
7️⃣1 green onion diced
Seasoning
1️⃣1 tbsp corn starch
2️⃣1 tsp soy sauce
3️⃣1 tsp oyster sauce
4️⃣1 tsp sesame oil
1. Prepare diced cabbage by mixing it in 1tsp of salt and let it rest for 15 min (we want to draw out as much water as possible so that you wont get soggy dumplings!)
2. Place cabbage in a clean cloth and squeeze out as much water as possible
3. Place all ingredients and seasoning in a mixing bowl and mix well
4. Start wrapping dumplings by placing 1 tbsp of meat mixture in the middle of the wrapper and fold it according to the video (there are many dumpling folding techniques out there!)
5. PANFRY: In a hot pan, add some oil. Place gyoza in a single layer with flat side down. Cook until bottom is golden brown. Then, add 1/4 cup water into the pan and immediately cover the lid for 3-4 min until the water evaporates. Cook the gyozas uncovered for a few more min until the bottom is crispy.
6. Serve with some vinegar and ginger/chilli oil or as a meal with our Twirlee QQ Noodles!
To store gyozas, place them on a plate and freeze them for 2-3hours before transferring them into a bag - this will prevent them from sticking together.
You can also serve gyozas by steaming them, boiling them or deep frying them.
