Introduction:
Boiling water dumplings are a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, known for their soft, chewy dough and flavorful fillings. The dough is made with hot water, which makes it easier to roll and gives the dumplings a unique texture when boiled. These dumplings are versatile and can be filled with a variety of savory ingredients, often including meats, vegetables, and seasonings. This recipe will guide you through creating these delicious dumplings at home, whether you’re making them for a family meal or preparing a special dish for friends.
Ingredients:
For the Dumpling Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup hot water (you can adjust slightly for dough consistency)
For the Filling:
1/2 pound ground pork (or beef, chicken, or tofu for a vegetarian version)
1/4 cup finely chopped cabbage or napa cabbage
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon ginger, finely minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small bunch green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional for a tangy kick)
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional for a balanced taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add hot water, stirring continuously with a fork or chopsticks until the dough starts to come together.
Once the dough is cool enough to handle, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat (or tofu), cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, green onions, rice vinegar, and sugar. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dumplings:
After the dough has rested, divide it into small pieces (about 20-24, depending on the size you want).
Roll each piece into a small ball, then flatten it into a small circle using a rolling pin.
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle.
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pinching the edges together to seal. Make sure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out while boiling.
Cook the Dumplings:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully drop the dumplings into the water in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
Cook the dumplings for about 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the dough becomes tender.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings from the water and set them aside to drain.
Serve:
Serve the dumplings hot with dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil, or with your favorite condiment.
Description:
These boiling water dumplings are a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for a cozy meal or as part of a larger Asian-inspired spread. The dough is soft and chewy, while the filling is savory, aromatic, and well-seasoned. The dumplings are boiled to perfection, ensuring they are light yet hearty. They’re easy to make once you get the hang of the dough preparation and sealing technique, and they can be customized with different proteins or vegetables according to your preference. Whether you make them from scratch or buy pre-made wrappers, these dumplings are a treat!
Tips:
Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too dry, add a little more hot water, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.
Filling Variations: You can substitute the pork with chicken, beef, or even mushrooms and tofu for a vegetarian version. Adding a bit of finely chopped mushrooms can enhance the umami flavor.
Freezing Dumplings: These dumplings freeze well! After assembling, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, store them in a freezer bag. You can cook them directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the boiling time.
Flavor Boost: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a dash of chili oil or finely chopped chili peppers to the filling.
Variations:
Vegetarian Dumplings: Replace the ground meat with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or a mix of other vegetables like spinach, carrots, and mushrooms.
Ginger-Sesame Filling: For a more pronounced ginger flavor, increase the amount of fresh ginger in the filling and drizzle sesame oil generously over the dumplings once they’re cooked.
Spicy Dumplings: Add finely chopped chili peppers or a teaspoon of chili paste to the filling for a spicy kick.
Correction:
If you find the dough is too tough after resting, try kneading it a little longer or adding a tiny bit more water to improve its elasticity. Conversely, if the dough is too sticky, lightly flour your hands and rolling surface to make it easier to handle.
Enjoy:
These homemade boiling water dumplings will definitely become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving them as a main course or as an appetizer, their flavor-packed filling and soft, chewy dough will make them a hit. Enjoy your cooking process and the delicious results!