Hey Lykkers, let's talk about a recipe that could easily become one of your new favorites—vegetable dumplings!
If you're a fan of delicious, healthy food and are looking for a way to satisfy your dumpling cravings without the need for takeout, this recipe is for you!
Homemade Dumpling Wrappers: The Heart of the Dumpling
The first step to making these vegetable dumplings from scratch is preparing the dumpling wrappers. Sure, you could always buy pre-made wrappers, but there's something special about homemade ones. To make the dough, we'll need 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour (450g) and 1 cup of tepid water, plus an additional 2 tablespoons for perfect consistency.
The key to making smooth, stretchy dough is to add the water gradually to the flour while kneading, ensuring the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This process should take around 10 minutes of kneading.
Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about an hour. This allows the dough to relax and be much easier to roll out into circles when assembling the dumplings.
Making the Flavorful Vegetable Filling
While the dough is resting, we can start on the filling. The combination of vegetables in this filling is what truly sets these dumplings apart. Heat up 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes aromatic.
Now, throw in a large chopped onion and stir-fry until it softens and turns translucent. Next, add 2 cups of chopped shiitake mushrooms to the pan, and let them cook for about 3-5 minutes until tender. It's important to cook off all the liquid released from the mushrooms so the filling doesn't become too watery.
After that, add 1 ½ cups of finely shredded cabbage and 1 ½ cups of finely shredded carrots to the pan. Stir-fry these veggies for another 2 minutes, making sure they cook down and release any excess moisture.
Once the vegetables are done, transfer everything into a large mixing bowl and let it cool. To give the filling its signature flavor, we'll add 1 cup of finely chopped garlic chives (also known as Chinese chives), ½ teaspoon of white pepper, 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, 3 tablespoons of Shaoxing drinks(or dry sherry as a substitute), 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Add salt to taste, but be cautious, as the soy sauce already adds a good amount of seasoning.
Assembling the Dumplings: Time for Creativity!
Now comes the fun part—assembling the dumplings! After the dough has rested, divide it into small pieces, about the size of a tablespoon each. Roll each piece into a small circle, about 3 inches in diameter. Here's where your creativity can shine: fold and pleat the dumplings in whatever shape you prefer. There are many tutorials online if you need guidance, so feel free to get creative with the pleating!
Fill each wrapper with a spoonful of the vegetable filling, ensuring you don't overstuff them. Once all the dumplings are assembled, you're ready to cook them.
Cooking the Dumplings: Steamed or Pan-Fried?
We've got two options for cooking these dumplings: steaming or pan-frying. If you choose to steam, arrange the dumplings in a steamer lined with a bamboo mat, cabbage leaf, or even cheesecloth. Steam them for 15-20 minutes, and they'll be soft and tender.
For a crispy twist, pan-frying is the way to go. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place the dumplings in the pan and fry for about 2 minutes. Then, pour a thin layer of water into the pan, cover it with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let them steam until the water evaporates. After removing the lid, increase the heat to medium-high again to let the bottoms crisp up. This method results in a perfectly crispy bottom with a soft and flavorful filling.
Serve with Your Favorite Dipping Sauce
These dumplings are delicious on their own, but they are best served with a dipping sauce. Whether you prefer soy sauce, chili oil, or a simple mixture of vinegar and sesame oil, the right sauce will elevate your homemade dumplings to the next level.
Give this vegetable dumpling recipe a try, and we guarantee it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy your dumpling journey, and happy cooking!
