Chinese Dumplings
Chinese dumplings filled with savory meat and cabbage, wrapped in tender dough, perfect for sharing. A flavorful, comforting dish ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil cabbage leaves for 1 minute, then drain and chop.
- Mix ground beef with soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and chopped scallions, then stir in the chopped cabbage.
- Combine water with flour, knead until smooth, and shape into a ball.
- Roll the dough into a sausage shape, tear off bits, and shape each into a ball.
- Flatten each ball with a rolling pin into a circle.
- Place 2 teaspoons of filling in the center of each dough circle, fold in half, and seal the edges by scoring.
- Drop the dumplings one by one into boiling water and cook for 1 minute, then drain.
- Serve warm with Chinese dipping sauces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother dumpling dough, ensure the water is warm when mixing with flour. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu. Adding a bit of sesame oil to the filling can enhance the flavor. When rolling the dough, dust with flour to prevent sticking, and consider making extra dumplings to freeze for later use.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dumplings warm with an assortment of Chinese dipping sauces, such as soy sauce or chili oil. They pair wonderfully with a simple stir-fry like Stir-Fry Beef With Broccoli And Mushrooms or a refreshing salad. For a complete meal, consider adding steamed rice or noodles on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam them for about 5 minutes or pan-fry them in a little oil until heated through and crispy on the outside. You can also freeze uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag for later cooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Dumplings contains roughly 319 calories, with 6g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2389mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dumpling dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with and help maintain a good texture.
What can I use as a filling besides beef?
You can fill the dumplings with a variety of ingredients. For a vegetarian option, use a mix of finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and bok choy. Alternatively, try a mix of shrimp and vegetables for a seafood twist, or use ground pork for a different flavor profile.
How can I prevent the dumplings from sticking together while cooking?
To prevent dumplings from sticking, make sure the water is at a rolling boil before adding them. Stir gently during the first minute of cooking to keep them separated. Additionally, you can lightly dust the dumplings with flour before cooking or place them on a floured surface until ready to boil.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).