How to Make Pork Dumplings

Pork dumplings are an excellent appetizer.

Dumplings are cooked balls of dough. Different cultures add their own twist to the mix. The Chinese culture often mix minced meat -- like pork -- and finely chopped vegetables in dumpling recipes. Filling varies based on personal tastes. They typically use wontons to create dumplings, that can be boiled, broiled or fried. To celebrate Chinese New Year in an authentic manner, make your own dumplings instead of buying them from your favorite Chinese takeout place.

Things You'll Need

• 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground pork
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 small can water chestnuts chopped in small dice
• 2 tbsp. grated ginger
• 2 tbsp. garlic chopped
• 3 green onions chopped fine
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 2 pkgs. wonton rappers
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. sesame oil

Instructions

1. Combine the ground pork, chopped garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onion, sugar, soy sauce, chopped water chestnuts, sesame oil, egg and salt. Mix the ingredients together well.

2. Place the wonton wrapper out flat. Add a large tablespoon of the pork dumpling filling to the center of the wonton wrapper.

3. Fold the wrapper over diagonally and crimp the ends with a fork. If they are not sticking well, use a beaten egg with 2 tbsp. of water. Paint the outer edges with egg mixture before you fold them over. The egg will act like a glue to keep the wrapper closed.

4. To freeze, place on a sheet pan 1 inch apart. Freeze for two hours. Then place in a plastic storage bag and keep in the freezer for up to a month. To cook from frozen, steam for about 25 minutes. If you are steaming them thawed, steam for 15 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees.

References

• Allrecipes: Pork Dumplings Recipe